We’re honored to spotlight Maria as our Hero of the Month! Maria served in the United States Army for 6 years and 9 months, and one of her most powerful memories was realizing how much purpose, pride, and direction the military gave her:

“I remember feeling that in my soul… understanding how fine-tuned the military has to be to work.”

Maria found Robin’s Home by reaching out to the homeless veteran hotline during a time of need. To her, Robin’s Home is “one of a kind”—a place she says she’s “extremely grateful” to have found.

Being part of the Robin’s Home community has given Maria and her family a sense of peace, especially during the holidays. She fondly remembers the Christmas season, saying:

“All the work I saw went into making sure veterans had a day to just relax and smile—including me and my family.”

Maria is passionate about giving back because she’s lived it:

“I’ve been there. I know what it’s like. And I know veterans are in great hands here. Robin’s Home works so hard and isn’t appreciated enough.”

She wishes more people understood just how critical Robin’s Home is:

“There are only two places in Pennsylvania that accept women and children. Robin’s Home doesn’t just offer shelter—they help you work through the root causes of what led to homelessness, while understanding the trauma behind it.”

Her advice to others?

“Donate to Robin’s Home. Your support reaches veterans directly in some of their darkest moments. With your help, they can keep being the answer.”

Outside of her involvement, Maria enjoys writing, hiking, music, and swimming. If she could describe herself in three words, they would be: understanding, kind, and fighter.

“I felt like family in Robin’s Home. The sense that we all understand and know what you’re going through… the tremendous support they give to veterans in general is quite amazing. I was there and saw that this really is a very special program. I thank them for not giving up on us, as I have a large family.”