From Stability to Survival—and Back: Shannon’s Journey of Resilience and Hope

Shannon was a successful, thriving woman living in Loudoun County. She enjoyed her career in marketing and sales and never imagined she’d ever be homeless—let alone needing to start over.

“It completely humbled me. It was shocking at first—you have to share a room with someone, live with a bunch of strangers you don’t know. A lot of people cycled out quickly. They just didn’t like the program or the rules, so they wouldn’t last very long. But it was definitely a humbling experience,” Shannon recalled.

Before entering a shelter, her understanding of homelessness came largely from what she had seen on TV or in movies. The stigma that shelters were full of people who were uneducated, lazy, or battling addiction weighed heavily on her when she realized she needed help.

“I thought I was going to be in a shelter where you had to be out by 8:00 in the morning and back by 5:00. I didn’t know there were places that specifically supported women and families.”

Originally from California, Shannon moved to Loudoun County with her family and stepfather, who was in the military, in the 1990s.

“We moved around a lot, and then we just landed here,” she said.

After attending college in California and earning a master’s degree from UCLA, she returned to Northern Virginia. Life was good—until it wasn’t. A relationship turned abusive, forcing Shannon to leave her home. With nowhere to go, she became homeless.

Recognizing the danger she was in, Shannon sought emergency shelter through Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter. From there, she was connected with Jessica Sawyer, Director of Mission Shelters at Good Shepherd of Northern Virginia.

Initially, Shannon was accepted into Good Shepherd’s program for 89 days. She was later welcomed into their transitional housing program—a year-long opportunity for women to rebuild their lives with support and structure. Residents attend classes focused on financial literacy, emotional and relational health, practical skills, and faith. They must also pass background checks and drug screenings and demonstrate a strong commitment to personal growth.

For Shannon, adjusting to the program wasn’t easy.

“I wasn’t happy the first few months I was there. I didn’t like the rules. I didn’t like that I was in my 40s and being told what time I had to be home, or what I could and couldn’t do in the house. But I realized I was the only one being hurt by my negative attitude. I had to change my whole way of thinking.”

While participating in the transitional housing program, Shannon lost her job. The search for new employment stretched on for months.

“If it weren’t for the program, I probably would’ve been sleeping in my car,” she admitted.

Determined to rebuild, Shannon committed to staying in the program for the full year to save money and regain her independence.

Jessica Sawyer, who walked alongside Shannon throughout her journey, witnessed a transformation.

“Shannon has been a blessing to watch grow. In the beginning, I didn’t know if she’d make it through the program. She had some hiccups—losing her job was a major stressor. She has a degree and is used to working in a professional setting, so taking any job was tough for her. But she had a hopeful turnaround. She truly embraced the process.”

Shannon said her time at Good Shepherd reshaped how she views others—and herself.

“I’m not as judgmental as I used to be. I’ve met a lot of women who’ve come through this program who have suffered far worse than I have. Their resilience and strength are inspiring. Some haven’t even been in the country long, and their stories are remarkable.”

She also found lasting friendships and a new support system.

“Jessica is amazing, and Joanne, the house monitor, has been a great advocate for me too.”

When asked what advice she’d give others in a similar situation, Shannon didn’t hesitate:

“Don’t be afraid and don’t be ashamed. It’s like mental health—you’ve got to ask for help, drop your pride, and stop thinking you’re better than anyone else. Take everything you can from the experience. If you stay negative, it’ll be a negative experience. But if you open yourself up and stay humble, you’ll gain so much.”

A Message of Hope

Shannon’s story is one of strength, humility, and second chances. Through Good Shepherd’s program and her own perseverance, she found more than just a roof over her head—she found community, healing, and hope for a better future.