Crystal Morales grew up at Mercy Housing’s Sterling Meadows family community in Bellingham, Washington. She loved how easy it was to make friends with people her age and enjoyed the onsite after-school programming too. It supported her to get good grades while guiding her to a career that feeds her passion to help her community. After graduating from Western Washington University, she was ready to come home to Mercy Housing — but this time as part of the team.

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Now, at Appian Way Apartments, Crystal, along with her team of onsite staff, serves 150 families, including 200 students. Throughout 2020, it was critical to help young people and their parents with virtual learning. Crystal’s success was made possible in part by supporters and community partners. Growing up at a Mercy Housing community was such a transformative experience. Her decision to give back and continue being part of the Mercy Housing family offers lived experience and wisdom that’s invaluable to our mission. 

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Crystal reflects on those early years living at Mercy Housing, and how that impacted her life forever:

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“It was an amazing feeling being able to call a place home. I didn’t have to worry about where I was going to sleep at night.

 

"The Resident Services Coordinator, Lindsey, was one of the most influential people in my life. She helped me navigate the college system and was someone I could always go to for support. My parents were really happy to have someone there that was bilingual and that really helped them navigate the school system. I was the first in my family to graduate from college.

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“I knew after college, I wanted to work alongside minority groups to create more just and equitable systems and to help families access different services and resources. I can happily say, that’s what I’m doing today. Working for Mercy Housing, I have people that aren’t related to me, but it’s like they’re family. When residents come to me, I try to give them a little hope, that you know, we’re going to get through this [COVID-19] together. I feel like it’s important to help students and not let them down, and never give up on them. Community is important because you support each other and uplift each other. You know if something were to happen, you have someone there to help you get back on your feet. I am proud to be a part of the Mercy Housing Northwest community.”