Darvis’ Journey with 360 Communities
A Story of Strength, Mission, and Hope
Darvis’ calling to ministry inspired his journey to the United States from Cuba three years ago. Having served as a pastor in Cuba for over two decades, Darvis felt a profound connection to the church and a dream of providing his daughters with greater opportunities. Yet, like many immigrants, the transition was challenging. From adapting to a colder climate to navigating language barriers and finding stable housing, Darvis and his family faced an uphill climb.
As an Apple Valley church pastor, he has a gift for personal connection and service. He recently brought his wife and daughters to the United States to start their new lives together. Initially, they stayed with some friends from church, but they needed to find a three-bedroom apartment. Those apartments were expensive and hard to find. With a tight housing market and his wife and oldest daughter needing work permits, finding an affordable home would be challenging.
Getting Connected to 360 Communities
Darvis says that community and faith have played vital roles along their path to stability. A social worker at his youngest daughter’s school referred him to the Housing for Success program. “It was a moment of encouragement,” he says. “We received hope.”
360 Communities Housing Navigator Zahory contacted the family and worked alongside them to achieve their housing, employment, and stability goals. Zahory helped them complete work permit applications for his wife and daughter. Housing for Success helped them pay for his wife’s work permit while they paid for their daughter’s. They both received their work permits and social security cards.
After a few weeks, the family found a three-bedroom townhome within their budget that a parishioner at their church was renting. Zahory used Local Homeless Prevention Aid and other Housing for Success funds to help the family with the first month’s rent and deposit. After they moved in, she continued working with them and assisted with other needs, such as accessing health insurance and food shelf support.
Darvis describes the moment he met Zahory as “like seeing the face of an angel in the middle of our situation, in the middle of our condition.” He says she made them feel comfortable and cared for with her support.
Perseverance Pays Off
The family’s perseverance shone through despite the challenges they faced. With the help of 360 Communities, Darvis and his family secured housing through the Housing for Success program, a transformative milestone that turned their hope into reality. Once Darvis, his wife, and his oldest daughter were all working and earning income, the family was able to establish their long-term housing stability.
Darvis sees a profound connection between his work as a pastor and the mission of 360 Communities. “There is a very close relationship between the work you do and the work we must do as pastors,” he says. “The true work of the pastor is being with the people—helping them emotionally and spiritually and being aware of their challenges. Similarly, 360 Communities meets people where they are, walking with them and providing the support they need.”
Through his ministry, Darvis remains deeply committed to walking alongside people in their journeys, much like 360 Communities walked alongside him and his family. With the support of the Housing for Success program, Darvis and his family have found stability and a home where their dreams can grow. “We are now comfortable because we’ve found people as special as you here in this country,” he says, grateful for the partnerships and friendships that have shaped his new life.
Zahory feels fulfilled when she can help families establish a stable foundation for their future. “I’m so happy for all they have accomplished in their short time in this country,” she says. I’m sure greater things will follow!”
Darvis’ journey is a testament to the profound impact of personal connection. His story reflects the transformative power of safety and stability. Housing for Success creates pathways for hope and opportunity.
