One Year Later: Family Found with Hospitality House’s Help
In May 2025, we shared John Burill’s homelessness-to-housing success story. His health, housing, and family relationships have steadily improved, and you’ll want to read this exciting update. If you missed John’s story, catch up HERE.
When John moved from the shelter into his new apartment in Grass Valley last year, he was happy to have a fresh start. However, he also felt lonely. After leaving the shelter, he missed his daily interactions and the sense of community. Since his wife had passed, John faced living alone and wasn’t sure how to fill his days. Shortly after moving in, he told a Hospitality House staff member that he had lost touch with six siblings years ago. He wanted to reconnect but did not know how.
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to John, his sister, Marylynne, was also searching for him. She and their family had spent years conducting internet searches trying to locate him. The last information Marylynne had was that John was living in Truckee, but her searches there came up empty. One day, while looking at a map online, she noticed the town of Grass Valley and decided to try searching for his name there. Hospitality House had recently featured John’s story in The Union newspaper, and Marylynne’s search led her to that article.
Following her discovery, Marylynne sent a letter to Hospitality House, explaining that she was searching for her brother and believed the man in the article was him. She asked us to ask her brother if he wanted to talk to her. John confirmed he was her long-lost brother and was “giddy” to speak to her. With his case manager’s assistance, John and Marylynne scheduled a meeting. Just a few days later, Marylynne drove over from Nevada, and the siblings reunited with great excitement.
“Had it not been for Hospitality House’s help and that article, we probably wouldn’t have found him,” Marylynne shared.
During our recent follow-up interview, John and Marylynne reflected on the past year since reconnecting. Marylynne has regularly visited from Nevada to help John settle into his new home, run errands, and manage his health care appointments.
John’s health has greatly improved this year. Marylynne thanked Hospitality House for connecting John to healthcare benefits when he was staying at the shelter, allowing him to address his health issues. With her help, John received dental care and cataract surgery. His vision is now 20/20 after being nearly blind. John says he feels happier and healthier than he has in years.
This family also makes time for fun. Marylynne brings John to stay with her and her husband in Nevada, where their dog has taken a special liking to him. John enjoys walks with his new furry friend, woodworking with his brother-in-law, and camping trips that help everyone reconnect and strengthen family bonds.
After encountering a snowstorm and getting stuck on I-80 while traveling to see John this past winter, Marylynne realized she wanted her brother to live closer to her. She discussed this idea with John, and he agreed. Together, they began searching for a suitable apartment and added John to the waiting list for their preferred complex.
Recently, a unit became available at the building they had been waiting for. John’s case manager helped him complete the lease for an apartment just a few blocks from Marylynne’s home. With this move, John is preparing to start another chapter of life with his family nearby.
The siblings look forward to the little things in life after the move: home-cooked meals, weekly grocery shopping, going to church on Sundays, and laughter over childhood stories. Both are in their sixties now and eager to grow old together, sharing all of life’s moments. John said, “It is a big, warm relief to be reconnected.”
It’s amazing what can transpire in one year! John’s story exemplifies why Hospitality House exists. Sometimes, in life, people fall into hard times. They get knocked down and aren’t sure how to get back up.
Hospitality House is here for times like these. It’s a safe place to sleep, with nutritious food and a team ready to help people thrive. If you want to help others like John rebuild their lives, please consider donating to create pathways to housing. Your generosity has the power to transform lives! You can give by clicking HERE.