A homeless couple in Walnut Creek, California, recently found stability and hope through the support of the Trinity Center. Taryn Chambers and her fiancé, Tyrone, faced overwhelming challenges while living in their car, especially as they awaited the arrival of their first child, Giovanni, born on August 31, 2025. The couple sought assistance from the nonprofit after months of struggling to navigate a complex system for housing and support.
Before reaching out to Trinity Center, Taryn and Tyrone relied on a $20 twin air mattress that often deflated overnight, leaving them uncomfortable and desperate for change. “We’re like: I’m just done with it,” Tyrone shared, highlighting their feelings of isolation and lack of resources. Their situation took a positive turn when they discovered the nonprofit, which has been operating since its inception as Fresh Start nearly 25 years ago.
Trinity Center’s Comprehensive Support Services
Trinity Center has evolved significantly over the years, transitioning from a small operation focused solely on providing meals to a comprehensive service provider that opened its new facility in May 2020. The nonprofit now offers job placement assistance, housing support, and case management to help individuals like Taryn and Tyrone navigate the complexities of obtaining benefits and housing. In the last year alone, Trinity Center has successfully assisted approximately 130 individuals in finding stable housing.
As Taryn and Tyrone approached the birth of their child, they were in urgent need of shelter. Abby Shamelashvili, a case manager at Trinity Center, worked diligently to provide the couple with essential resources, including meals and clothing. She also helped them enhance their resumes and seek employment. With Tyrone’s felony firearm charge complicating his job search, the support from Trinity Center proved invaluable.
Through the nonprofit’s assistance, the couple secured an apartment just weeks before Giovanni’s arrival. Trinity Center covered their application fees and security deposit, making it possible for them to leave behind their life in the car. “They were worried that she was going to have to give birth in this car,” Shamelashvili recalled, emphasizing the urgency of their situation.
A New Beginning for Taryn and Tyrone
Taryn is now training to be a sterile processing technician at Kaiser Permanente and is working towards reuniting with her four children from a previous relationship. Tyrone has found employment as a carpenter and is focused on being a positive role model for Giovanni. “Trinity Center — that was our blessing, that was our light at the end of the tunnel,” Tyrone stated, expressing gratitude for the support they received.
In the past year, Trinity Center has served approximately 24,000 meals and distributed around 25,000 articles of clothing to individuals in need. The organization aims to foster a sense of community and belonging for those it serves. As Pam McGrath, associate executive director, noted, “We want people to really feel connected. We want them to stop feeling isolated and unseen.”
As Taryn and Tyrone reflect on their journey, they acknowledge that they could not have imagined their current situation just a few months ago. With the unwavering support of Trinity Center, they are now on a path to stability and growth, ready to embrace the challenges and joys of parenthood.
The ongoing efforts of Trinity Center demonstrate the impact of community support and the importance of resources in helping individuals transition from homelessness to stability. For those inspired to help, donations can be made to Trinity Center to expand its Workforce Development Program, allowing it to assist even more individuals in need.
For more information on how to donate, visit sharethespiriteastbay.org/donate.
