TLH Transformational Living Homes, Inc

Hi everyone, we here at TLH decided to share who we are and what we do by interviewing our Founder/Executive Director Constance Gilkie. Please read on and enjoy. We look forward to your support in our fundraising cause for this year!

First, a little bit of business…TLH provides supportive housing in a substance abuse free environment for adults facing challenges finding affordable housing.

And now on to the Q&A

Question: Hey Constance, As the Founder and Executive Director of Transformational Living Homes can you tell us a little bit about how you started?

Constance: Well, TLH started in 2007 when I got clean and sober and wanted to give back. I rented a 3 bedroom condo and started housing men coming out of prison. My office was in the back seat of my car!

Question: Wow, that must have been quite an adventure in the beginning. So where is TLH today?

Constance: Today we proudly have 19 addresses with about 140 beds! We provide housing for those that our society generally neglects; those coming out of prison, justice impacted LGBTQ+ community members and other homeless who want a clean and sober family style home and a fresh start.

Question: So, does TLH REALLY help people?

Constance: Absolutely! We have seen so many of our clients transition to fully independent living. They just needed that supportive environment and the programs we partner with to give them a helping hand. It is amazing what a roof over one's head, in a family style environment can do to enrich their self- esteem and build their confidence. We have housed many folks that were living in their cars WHILE HOLDING DOWN A JOB! I am confident that the adequate rest in a clean bed, a shower to start their day and the support of our staff assisted them in keeping their jobs and moving towards stable housing.

Question: TLH has a reputation of housing with high standards in a modernized and clean environment. Do you feel this great condition of the TLH homes helps your members in their healing and recovery?

Constance: Absolutely yes! We strongly believe in keeping our homes updated and modern which lends to one part of the holistic healing at TLH. The sense of being cared about to where the upkeep of the homes is a part of humanizing and dignifying our community members. At TLH, you are family, period.

Question: What other ways then, do you promote healing and recovery?

Constance: We strive to reintegrate our house guests through various group projects. Recently some of the members of TLH suggested that we create gardens in a couple of backyards. What better way to bring our family together than a therapeutic, self-sustaining garden which further promotes their peace of mind! We envision a garden that will bring smiles and even time for reflecting. These Gardens of Peace and Calm will do just that. We turn to you all for your support in helping us make this dream happen.

Question: That is such a fantastic idea. I know our Long Beach Community will support your fundraising goal. Was there anything else you would like to say?

Constance: Nothing else much, except support TLH in our goal to support our clients!!! Thank you very much for your time.

Transformational Living Homes - We are in the business of transforming lives

Testimonials

I support TLH because this organization is providing a needed service to a segment of underserved homeless people - Althea

TLH has given me a new found freedom at life - Tanu