We had the good fortune of connecting with Anna Wilson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anna, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born in California and was raised in Arizona with my family. My parents are originally from Mexico, and they taught me how to work hard and never give up. Our life, unfortunately, like many others, involved generational trauma. My childhood experiences led me to pursue a career in Social Work because I wanted to be a safe adult for children in need of support. As I continued in my profession and personal experiences, God placed a strong desire in my heart to help other and bring them hope. This led me to open my non-profit Casa Rays of Hope to assist those unsheltered. I have personally experienced adversity and the pain that comes from it. At one point, I felt lost and through God, I experienced true love and healing, and I wanted others to also experience this transformation. I wanted to give back to those most in need who might feel marginalized and unloved. Through Casa Rays of Hope, I provided basic needs, food, and ministry to promote healing, empowerment, and transformation.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Casa Rays of Hope (CRH) assists individuals who are unsheltered by providing tangible resources, basic needs, and empowering self-growth to ensure individual and community success through community outreach, distributions events, and ministry efforts. Our vision is to increase access to resources and opportunities to improve individuals’ quality of life in their community and end homelessness through a holistic approach. CRH was initially established in August 2021. During almost three years now, it has been a journey of growth and learning. I continue to learn everyday how to best operate my non-profit. One thing I have definitely learn to do is to trust that God will open up the correct doors that will be a blessing to CRH. Staying true to our mission is extremely important and having the right team to do so is essential. This journey has not been easy, especially in bringing the right people on board as well as establishing consistent funding. However, God continues to make a way for CRH. What makes us different is that CRH meets individuals where they are at, whether that is in an alley or park. CRH additionally understands the importance of bringing healing to those unsheltered. We look at the whole individual and work on addressing the potential causes that may cause individuals to be unsheltered, such as trauma, addiction, mental illness, etc. We honor their autonomy and work on building a trusting relationship with individual through ministry and providing resources as well as basic needs for their survival.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Nissi Christian Center has been an amazing support not just in my own transformation and healing, but they have been a huge support to Casa Rays of Hope. Nissi Christian Center has dedicated and volunteer their time to assist Casa Rays of Hope during our distribution events to minister to those unsheltered. They have donated their time to spread hope and have also donated needed items for our Hope Bags such as hygiene items and food.

Website: casaraysofhope.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casaraysofhope?igsh=MWwyaXRudmZrNGZmZg==

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CasaRaysofHope?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Image Credits
Amy Bautista

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