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The Hundred Story Home: A Journey of Homelessness, Hope, and Healing
An inspirational true story about finding faith in yourself and something bigger.
The Hundred Story Home leads you on an inspirational journey that begins with a question, "Where are the beds?" and ends with over one hundred formerly homeless people living in homes of their own.
Kathy Izard was a graphic designer, wife, mother of four daughters and volunteer at Charlotte's Urban Ministry Center when an unlikely meeting with formerly homeless author, Denver Moore, changed the course of her life. Inspired by Denver's challenge to do more than serve in this soup kitchen, Kathy quit her job to take on what seemed like an unimaginable task in her second half of life--to build housing for Charlotte's homeless.
Woven together in this motivational story of a call to social action is Kathy's personal journey to define the meaning of home. This book will not only make you believe you can change the world, it will end up changing you.
The Hundred Story Home leads you on an inspirational journey that begins with a question, "Where are the beds?" and ends with over one hundred formerly homeless people living in homes of their own.
Kathy Izard was a graphic designer, wife, mother of four daughters and volunteer at Charlotte's Urban Ministry Center when an unlikely meeting with formerly homeless author, Denver Moore, changed the course of her life. Inspired by Denver's challenge to do more than serve in this soup kitchen, Kathy quit her job to take on what seemed like an unimaginable task in her second half of life--to build housing for Charlotte's homeless.
Woven together in this motivational story of a call to social action is Kathy's personal journey to define the meaning of home. This book will not only make you believe you can change the world, it will end up changing you.
314 pages, Paperback
First published August 4, 2016
69 people are currently reading
1351 people want to read
About the author
Kathy Izard
11 books47 followersI grew up a little off the grid in El Paso, Texas. My father always believed my sisters and I could change the world. I don't know that I really believed him, but his message imprinted on me. I became a Longhorn (University of Texas at Austin) graduating with a B.S. in Advertising and took my first job out of college in Charlotte, N.C. where I have lived most of the last thirty years. Being an art director for ad agencies meant long hours so I started my own graphic design business in order to be home for carpools and naptime for my four daughters. While I loved helping clients and nonprofits communicate their mission, I kept feeling I was missing my own.
I was forty-four with a great family, a business, but no idea what I wanted to do with my life. Denver Moore, a formerly homeless man turned best—selling author of Same Kind of Different As Me, changed all that in 2007. On a tour of the Urban Ministry Center in Charlotte where I volunteered, Denver very memorably pointed out to me that while I was helping the homeless by serving soup, the one thing a homeless person actually really needs is a home. Denver put me on the spot and wanted to know if I would do something about that. In a complete moment of guilt and insanity, I promised him I would.
Two months later, I closed my design business to join the staff of the Urban Ministry Center as the first director of Homeless to Homes, developing Charlotte's only Housing First program for the chronically homeless. That startup program turned into a $10,000,000 capital campaign to build an apartment complex named, in part, for the man who inspired it, Moore Place. With the experience of building for the homeless, I have spent most of the past two years working on another project (HopeWay) which will be Charlotte's first nonprofit residential mental health treatment center opening later this year. My path over the last ten years with those two projects involved so much coincidence, serendipity, and God-incidence that I finally wrote it all down in The Hundred Story Home: A Journey of Homelessness, Hope and Healing. In my book and on this website, I want to encourage you if you are restless for purpose to have courage to listen to what's calling you—whatever it is, big or small. And especially, no matter how crazy it feels! I think each of us has something we are meant to do and as my dad always told me: You can do anything, really anything.
Today, I live in Charlotte with my husband, Charlie, who listens patiently to all my crazy ideas. My four amazing daughters, Lauren, Kailey, Emma, and Maddie, encourage me to keep busy trying to change the world so I don't worry about changing them. And my black lab, Dexter, keeps me sane, taking walks every day and showing me the truest example of lovin' life.
I was forty-four with a great family, a business, but no idea what I wanted to do with my life. Denver Moore, a formerly homeless man turned best—selling author of Same Kind of Different As Me, changed all that in 2007. On a tour of the Urban Ministry Center in Charlotte where I volunteered, Denver very memorably pointed out to me that while I was helping the homeless by serving soup, the one thing a homeless person actually really needs is a home. Denver put me on the spot and wanted to know if I would do something about that. In a complete moment of guilt and insanity, I promised him I would.
Two months later, I closed my design business to join the staff of the Urban Ministry Center as the first director of Homeless to Homes, developing Charlotte's only Housing First program for the chronically homeless. That startup program turned into a $10,000,000 capital campaign to build an apartment complex named, in part, for the man who inspired it, Moore Place. With the experience of building for the homeless, I have spent most of the past two years working on another project (HopeWay) which will be Charlotte's first nonprofit residential mental health treatment center opening later this year. My path over the last ten years with those two projects involved so much coincidence, serendipity, and God-incidence that I finally wrote it all down in The Hundred Story Home: A Journey of Homelessness, Hope and Healing. In my book and on this website, I want to encourage you if you are restless for purpose to have courage to listen to what's calling you—whatever it is, big or small. And especially, no matter how crazy it feels! I think each of us has something we are meant to do and as my dad always told me: You can do anything, really anything.
Today, I live in Charlotte with my husband, Charlie, who listens patiently to all my crazy ideas. My four amazing daughters, Lauren, Kailey, Emma, and Maddie, encourage me to keep busy trying to change the world so I don't worry about changing them. And my black lab, Dexter, keeps me sane, taking walks every day and showing me the truest example of lovin' life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
October 25, 2016
Kathy Izard strikes three poignant and viable chords with this from-the-heart memoir. Those who have dealt with mental health issues in their family will certainly identify with the author's first-hand account of growing up with a mother with mental illness. Those who have had a heart for the homeless will relate to the drive behind the author's mission to establish a residence for the homeless in Charlotte, North Carolina. And anyone who believes that God moves in mysterious ways will resonate with the moments of perfect timing that can only be explained by divine providence. Finally, any reader will enjoy and appreciate the story of how all of these elements came together to accomplish so much good for so many people.
October 21, 2016
This story tugged at the strings of my heart . Kathy Izard has reached into the abyss of the hard topics of discernment , homelessness and mental illness with candor and grace and pulled them into the light . The vulnerability of her story invites us all to listen for the whispers and prompts on a more continual basis and shows just what God can accomplish through those who are willing to heed the call amidst the doubts , obstacles, and fears .
May 21, 2017
True story of the author's unlikely involvement in becoming the main catalyst behind building a place for Charlotte's homeless to call home. She starts out as a volunteer at the Urban Ministry Center, mainly as a way to avoid going to church. She involves her husband and daughters and has a smug confidence about her volunteer work there, leaving afterwards to return to the comfort of her own neighborhood. She reads the book 'Same Kind of Different as Me' and is moved by the friendship of those two men, eventually asking them to visit Charlotte and be special guests at a fundraising luncheon. Denver Moore, the formerly homeless character of that book, goes on a tour of the UMC with her and instead of being impressed with all they do during the day for the area's homeless "neighbors", asks her "Where are the beds? What good is this during the day if you leave them to face the bad every night?" From there, the plot thickens! If you have ever wondered about the problem of homelessness and the challenges that are faced by those involved, and those trying to fix it, you would like this book. I am going to go see the author speak on Monday and I am looking forward to it.
November 19, 2016
I don't typically read books in this genre but have been on a massive book hangover for almost 2 months so decided to try something different. Loved it. It was especially interesting since based in my town, however, the story read so very well and the writing was good. I loved that the author put in her honest struggles as well. Makes you want to go out and do some more good in the world for sure.
January 12, 2025
There is much to like in this book. The author’s journey, her capacity for deep empathy for her mother and the people who were in houses that she sought to serve, and her recognition of “God moments” on her journey to start a program for the chronically homeless in Charlotte, NC.
The author’s recognition that her mother could have been unhoused as she struggled with bipolar disorder if she did not have a supportive family with means is a powerful one.
On the opposite side of the coin, I am reminded of an episode of Daria that opens with Daria writing of a gilded age industrialist, “Expolitation. Then philanthropy.” The author lives in one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Charlotte, takes vacations with the wife of the former CEO of Belk, and relied heavily on Hugh McColl, a man whose leadership of Nations Bank/ Bank of America indubitably led to the 2008 financial crisis that led to more homelessness and suffering.
Perhaps most frustrating is the author’s dismissiveness of governmental funding. HUD funding is sustainable and reliable (compared to foundation giving and charitable funding), and the program started by UMC that has merged with another shelter in Charlotte is definitely receiving that funding.
The richest among us will demean governmental employees as lazy and inefficient (something the author insinuates when discussing the time for HUD approval to realize the dream of Moore House). In my experience, governmental employees work themselves to the bone to do work that benefits society at large without sufficient pay, staffing, or resources. While I cannot say that federal enforcement is always appropriate, I can say that the rules being enforced exist for good reason. In this case, making sure that the shelter could serve everyone—even people with limited mobility/ disability needs. Does it do us any good to build a shelter that cannot take a wheelchair bound homeless veteran?
I also caught in some passages an air of superiority. Why should a homeless man not read the Wall Street Journal or have a better understanding of foreign affairs than the author? The attempt at self depreciation fell flat and belied something about the author.
Ultimately, I struggled with the book—which presents a positive message of personal growth—but also falls into tired stereotypes that seek to construe government in a negative manner. I wish the author had show the same deference and understanding to the people at HUD who helped connect the program with sustainable funding as she showed to her private donors.
The author’s recognition that her mother could have been unhoused as she struggled with bipolar disorder if she did not have a supportive family with means is a powerful one.
On the opposite side of the coin, I am reminded of an episode of Daria that opens with Daria writing of a gilded age industrialist, “Expolitation. Then philanthropy.” The author lives in one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Charlotte, takes vacations with the wife of the former CEO of Belk, and relied heavily on Hugh McColl, a man whose leadership of Nations Bank/ Bank of America indubitably led to the 2008 financial crisis that led to more homelessness and suffering.
Perhaps most frustrating is the author’s dismissiveness of governmental funding. HUD funding is sustainable and reliable (compared to foundation giving and charitable funding), and the program started by UMC that has merged with another shelter in Charlotte is definitely receiving that funding.
The richest among us will demean governmental employees as lazy and inefficient (something the author insinuates when discussing the time for HUD approval to realize the dream of Moore House). In my experience, governmental employees work themselves to the bone to do work that benefits society at large without sufficient pay, staffing, or resources. While I cannot say that federal enforcement is always appropriate, I can say that the rules being enforced exist for good reason. In this case, making sure that the shelter could serve everyone—even people with limited mobility/ disability needs. Does it do us any good to build a shelter that cannot take a wheelchair bound homeless veteran?
I also caught in some passages an air of superiority. Why should a homeless man not read the Wall Street Journal or have a better understanding of foreign affairs than the author? The attempt at self depreciation fell flat and belied something about the author.
Ultimately, I struggled with the book—which presents a positive message of personal growth—but also falls into tired stereotypes that seek to construe government in a negative manner. I wish the author had show the same deference and understanding to the people at HUD who helped connect the program with sustainable funding as she showed to her private donors.
August 14, 2018
This is a story about Kathy Izard's life that was inspired by the book "Same Kind of Different As Me" by Ron Hall and Denver Moore, about their story of meeting when Denver was homeless. Kathy starts the book off by talking about her life growing up, how she met her husband, and her children. She then goes into the story of how she was called from serving the homeless in a way where she didn't communicate with them that much to being responsible for helping to make it possible that some of the people that were homeless in her city be given places to live. She took on a huge responsibility and saw many ways God showed up to make what Denver encouraged her to do to help the homeless more a reality.
Kathy's story really encouraged me since I also was inspired by reading "Same Kind of Different As Me". It encouraged me more that we should give no and low income people the same chance to learn and participate as everybody else in congregations because that's what ministry should include with the other ways it helps no and low income people outside of congregation buildings. It's different to what Kathy was called to since I don't have to try to convince congregation leaders and other people to help with housing people that are homeless but to offer them free and/or discounted books or other resources, and a chance to go on congregation trips, and participate in meals during Biblical feasts. I guess Kathy's story inspired me to want a different kind of housing for people that are homeless, which is the ability to have congregation homes for some people that don't have any when they are sometimes missing the learning and community that are often needed to be included better in a congregation family.
I liked Kathy's humility that she wasn't able to do what she was called to alone and listed many people in the back of the book who helped her, and most of all that she gave the credit to God for the many ways he stepped in to allow people who seemed to feel unseen a chance to be seen through the people that cared for them in the ministry, the people that supported the ministry in helping them, and probably other people who treated them differently when they had homes to live in.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through a book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Kathy's story really encouraged me since I also was inspired by reading "Same Kind of Different As Me". It encouraged me more that we should give no and low income people the same chance to learn and participate as everybody else in congregations because that's what ministry should include with the other ways it helps no and low income people outside of congregation buildings. It's different to what Kathy was called to since I don't have to try to convince congregation leaders and other people to help with housing people that are homeless but to offer them free and/or discounted books or other resources, and a chance to go on congregation trips, and participate in meals during Biblical feasts. I guess Kathy's story inspired me to want a different kind of housing for people that are homeless, which is the ability to have congregation homes for some people that don't have any when they are sometimes missing the learning and community that are often needed to be included better in a congregation family.
I liked Kathy's humility that she wasn't able to do what she was called to alone and listed many people in the back of the book who helped her, and most of all that she gave the credit to God for the many ways he stepped in to allow people who seemed to feel unseen a chance to be seen through the people that cared for them in the ministry, the people that supported the ministry in helping them, and probably other people who treated them differently when they had homes to live in.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through a book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
July 10, 2018
In a nutshell, the author starts serving the homeless in Charlotte; one day Denver Moore (of Same Kind of Different as Me) comes to see what's going on at the center. Izard proudly shows him around but instead of praising all the good work (meals, activities, training, etc.), Denver simply asks, "Where are the beds?" This leads Izard on a quest to make a real difference for the homeless population of Charlotte by giving them a place to live. (I won't spoil any of those details, but it's pretty amazing.)
I enjoyed this book because much of the action took place while I was living in Charlotte myself. More importantly, however, I was inspired by what one "normal" woman could do. Not famous or powerful, she was smart, charismatic, and persistent. After you read about the work she did, you will realize you have no excuse to not also go out and make a difference in the world. I have given this book as a gift several times since I read it last year, always with the request to read it and pass along. It truly is inspiring.
I enjoyed this book because much of the action took place while I was living in Charlotte myself. More importantly, however, I was inspired by what one "normal" woman could do. Not famous or powerful, she was smart, charismatic, and persistent. After you read about the work she did, you will realize you have no excuse to not also go out and make a difference in the world. I have given this book as a gift several times since I read it last year, always with the request to read it and pass along. It truly is inspiring.
October 23, 2017
Kathy Izard does a wonderful job describing her personal journey to help the homeless population in Charlotte, NC. The story of her faith, her family, and her accomplishments is inspirational. It is deserving of a 4.5, if Goodreads gave such an option, and definitely is a read worth discussing in faith communities, as well as book clubs. I can envision this tale of social action being utilized with young adults in high schools and colleges, too, as the message that we are each whispered a call to a purposeful life is beautifully illustrated.
August 8, 2017
This book appeared in our front yard "Little Library" here in Charlotte with a note from the author. Apparently, she dropped off a number of copies in libraries throughout the city. What a treat! I enjoyed reading about Ms. Izard's personal journey and her family as well as her work with Urban Ministries. Kudos to Ms. Izard for all the work she did getting Moore Place off the ground!
August 13, 2024
I don’t have the words for this review yet - but I knew 53 pages in that this book would directly & unexpectedly impact my future. I do not feel any different now that I’ve finished it.
Ps - for those that have read this… I picked up this book during an unplanned stop to our local Little Free Library. If that isn’t serendipitous to the storyline then I don’t know what is.
Ps - for those that have read this… I picked up this book during an unplanned stop to our local Little Free Library. If that isn’t serendipitous to the storyline then I don’t know what is.
August 23, 2017
Not only did this book reach my heart but it was written in a style that would not let me put it down. It has forever changed my perceptions and I feel more attentive to watching for the "whisper" in my own life.
August 15, 2021
This was a great read on so many levels. As a Charlottean (not born here, but lived here 30+ years), I enjoyed reading the other sides of homelessness in our fair city. Through Kathy's journey to build Moore Place, we meet Chilly Willy, Ruth, Coleman, Bill and many more; through her words, we connect with them in a very human, compassionate way. This book reinforced the positive out there in the world (we definitely need more of this!) - common everyday people can do extraordinary things; when God gets involved, prayers are answered and barriers are overcome; "with a little help from a friend", a life can be set in a new, positive direction; lastly, employing 4 simple words from the author, DO GOOD and LOVE WELL, may be the answer to many of today's misunderstandings. I highly recommend this book!
December 7, 2021
This was an exceptional memoir. I loved both the personal journey and transformation the author experienced and the details of the journey of developing Moore Place and radically transforming the lives of countless individuals who had been stuck in a life of homelessness for so long. She made the journey so approachable and relatable for readers, and it is an invitation for anyone to step into a calling no matter how audacious it might seem.
April 29, 2020
Very heartwarming!
Read
April 13, 2023Amazing book about finding faith while dealing with 2 issues... homelessness and stigma surrounding mental health
Highly recommend
Highly recommend
June 19, 2020
This was an excellent book!
This is a story about moving homeless people in to apartments and how this was accomplished.
This is a story about moving homeless people in to apartments and how this was accomplished.
October 14, 2018
Not what I was expecting. Read my full review.
August 7, 2018
The Hundred Story Home by Kathy Izard is a touching memoir of one woman’s quest to make the world a better place.
*Disclosure: I received this book for free as part of The Book Look Bloggers book review program. I am not required to write a positive review, all opinions are my own.
Kathy Izard was a graphic designer, happily married with four daughters when she felt what she described as an “insistent whisper”. At the time, she was volunteering at a local soup kitchen in Charlotte, NC. One day, while working at the soup kitchen she meets a man who was formerly homeless and later became a famous author, Denver Moore. He asks her one simple question that changes the course of her life. “Where are the beds? ”
Prior to that , Kathy thought the soup kitchen was doing a great job serving the homeless of Charlotte. She had never given a thought to where they go after they eat. This one question inspires her to quit her job so she can find a way to create homes for the homeless.It takes a lot of work, prayer and donations, but she finds a way.
Throughout the memoir, she revisits her childhood. Until she was six, she had a fairly normal life with two sisters and her parents. Eventually, her mother’s bipolar disorder takes her away from the family for years.The author realizes now how easily her family could have become homeless because of this. So not only does she provide homes for the homeless, she finds a way to keep them stable once there through medical and psychological care.
Unfortunately, her focus on helping the homeless takes her away from her family and even when she is with them, she is not giving her all. It takes finding a letter of despair her college aged daughter wrote to make her realize this. Eventually, she finds a happy medium between work and family, but it takes a lot of effort.
I highly recommend this book as an inspiration to anyone that feels they are not living the life they were meant to live. Kathy Izard says, ” I wrote The Hundred Story Home not to convince you to help solve the homelessness in your community but to help solve the homelessness in you. ”
This book also has a reader’s guide and FAQ from readers at the end. I think it would be perfect for church groups or book clubs. It would also be a great gift for a friend that needs a little push to living their dreams.
I am going to spread the joy and give this book away so if you are interested, just tell me in the comment section. We will announce the winner on Wednesday’s post. I can only afford to mail it in the USA though, sorry, but books are heavy.
*Disclosure: I received this book for free as part of The Book Look Bloggers book review program. I am not required to write a positive review, all opinions are my own.
Kathy Izard was a graphic designer, happily married with four daughters when she felt what she described as an “insistent whisper”. At the time, she was volunteering at a local soup kitchen in Charlotte, NC. One day, while working at the soup kitchen she meets a man who was formerly homeless and later became a famous author, Denver Moore. He asks her one simple question that changes the course of her life. “Where are the beds? ”
Prior to that , Kathy thought the soup kitchen was doing a great job serving the homeless of Charlotte. She had never given a thought to where they go after they eat. This one question inspires her to quit her job so she can find a way to create homes for the homeless.It takes a lot of work, prayer and donations, but she finds a way.
Throughout the memoir, she revisits her childhood. Until she was six, she had a fairly normal life with two sisters and her parents. Eventually, her mother’s bipolar disorder takes her away from the family for years.The author realizes now how easily her family could have become homeless because of this. So not only does she provide homes for the homeless, she finds a way to keep them stable once there through medical and psychological care.
Unfortunately, her focus on helping the homeless takes her away from her family and even when she is with them, she is not giving her all. It takes finding a letter of despair her college aged daughter wrote to make her realize this. Eventually, she finds a happy medium between work and family, but it takes a lot of effort.
I highly recommend this book as an inspiration to anyone that feels they are not living the life they were meant to live. Kathy Izard says, ” I wrote The Hundred Story Home not to convince you to help solve the homelessness in your community but to help solve the homelessness in you. ”
This book also has a reader’s guide and FAQ from readers at the end. I think it would be perfect for church groups or book clubs. It would also be a great gift for a friend that needs a little push to living their dreams.
I am going to spread the joy and give this book away so if you are interested, just tell me in the comment section. We will announce the winner on Wednesday’s post. I can only afford to mail it in the USA though, sorry, but books are heavy.
June 24, 2018
I call this book a spin off from the “Same Kind of Different as Me” books by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. This book started with a simple but profound question by Denver: Where are the beds? And after a long road, the Moore Place, which housed the homeless in their own apartments, was born.
The story was awesome and well written. Kathy started with her family background of her mother who was diagnosed as bipolar. Kathy showed her mother as an important force in building the Moore Place. Kathy then proceeded to show the other side of the people who were homeless…those who were formerly successful but then something major in life happens, they break down in the form of addiction, mental illness, etc., and therefore end up out on the streets. I love the realization, based on Denver’s question, that it’s not the soup kitchens or programs that will save these people, but to get them a bed, off the streets, medical care, addiction/mental heath treatment, etc. A lot of work in terms of fundraising had to occur but it was well worth it.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for allowing me the opportunity to review this book.
The story was awesome and well written. Kathy started with her family background of her mother who was diagnosed as bipolar. Kathy showed her mother as an important force in building the Moore Place. Kathy then proceeded to show the other side of the people who were homeless…those who were formerly successful but then something major in life happens, they break down in the form of addiction, mental illness, etc., and therefore end up out on the streets. I love the realization, based on Denver’s question, that it’s not the soup kitchens or programs that will save these people, but to get them a bed, off the streets, medical care, addiction/mental heath treatment, etc. A lot of work in terms of fundraising had to occur but it was well worth it.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for allowing me the opportunity to review this book.
February 26, 2020
The nicest way to describe this book is an open-minded women's journey of self discovery. It's a motivating tale of the benefits of following your gut, believing in something, and making change happen instead of waiting for it to happen to you.
The meanest way to describe this book is a Karen's journey from entitlement to semi-wokeness.
The truth is somewhere in the middle.
It was an easy read. Captivating. Quality writing. Moving stories. Highly motivating. It makes you want to make a difference in your own life and the lives of those around you who are less fortunate. I was hesitant at first to read this because of the Christianity sprinkled throughout. But the author is open and honest about her lack of faith and her spiritual journey towards a more faithful life. I am glad I read this.
The meanest way to describe this book is a Karen's journey from entitlement to semi-wokeness.
The truth is somewhere in the middle.
It was an easy read. Captivating. Quality writing. Moving stories. Highly motivating. It makes you want to make a difference in your own life and the lives of those around you who are less fortunate. I was hesitant at first to read this because of the Christianity sprinkled throughout. But the author is open and honest about her lack of faith and her spiritual journey towards a more faithful life. I am glad I read this.
April 19, 2020
The authenticity and vulnerability that Izard lays bare is what sets this narrative apart. As with so many books, reading the end notes was as compelling as the story. We learn that Izard took three years of writing courses to improve her manuscript. She also engaged in therapy and confronted her family's experience with mental illness; which provides the scaffolding for the origin story of Moore Place, a solution to homelessness in Charlotte North Carolina. As a non-profit executive and former graphic designer, I connected with her. She renders a story about the power that faith, grace and action have in simple, honest language. And, reminds us that listening to a voice, which is bigger than ourselves, is sometimes folly, often difficult but never in vain. A dear friend gave me an autographed copy of the book, which I began reading Easter Sunday 2020. The pandemic meant Easter was different this year. I watched a virtual service on my phone, which felt small and solitary. This book provided a much needed extra helping of hope.
July 16, 2018
The Hundred Story home is a memoir about the life of Kathy Izard and her involvement in creating housing for the homeless. Easy to red and to follow the story gives hope. There are people out there who care and will change the world. I work as a domestic missionary7 so it was great to hear someone else who made similar sacrifices. I feel like this would be inspiring to other to care about others and well as shed a lot of light on the true issues of homelessness.
The subtitle includes finding faith in something bigger. Izard does have a struggle and shown that God is real but the book only represents the most superficial aspects of finding her faith. We see the miracles but their isn't really any personal relationship. I wasn't spritely inspired.
While not spiritually inspiring, Izard inspires an idea for social change and I hope that catches on in this world.
I received an ARC from NetGalley; all opinions are my own.
The subtitle includes finding faith in something bigger. Izard does have a struggle and shown that God is real but the book only represents the most superficial aspects of finding her faith. We see the miracles but their isn't really any personal relationship. I wasn't spritely inspired.
While not spiritually inspiring, Izard inspires an idea for social change and I hope that catches on in this world.
I received an ARC from NetGalley; all opinions are my own.
August 5, 2018
Kathy Izard begins a journey when she was asked the question "where are the beds?" She discovers that her life has a huge sense of purpose and meaning when she decides to step out of her comfort zone and answer that question for her city of Charlotte, North Carolina. With patience, dedication and diligence, Kathy created a place for homeless people to thrive. Of course, there are several amazing people behind the story of these homes and of those who lived on the streets. Their stories will make your life better and this memoir will make you take a look at your life asking the question how can you make a positive impact on the world?
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and it made me think a lot about my life. I really think Kathy is an inspiration for us all and reminds us to step out and take a leap of faith. I read this book cover to cover in one sitting. I give this book 4.5/ 5 stars.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and it made me think a lot about my life. I really think Kathy is an inspiration for us all and reminds us to step out and take a leap of faith. I read this book cover to cover in one sitting. I give this book 4.5/ 5 stars.
December 8, 2024
After hearing Kathy Izard’s talk, I was anxious to read her memoir. I’ll never see a homeless person the way I may have before reading Coleman’s story. The efforts here in my own community to house the people in crisis have my full attention, and this memoir only solidified that commitment. I especially appreciated how the author wove in her childhood and coming-of-age background as she revealed her mother’s struggle with sanity. I came away from this memoir feeling as if I’d been on my own journey, and I related to the author’s passion for getting it all down on paper, as I did during the writing of my own memoir, AS A RESULT. The biggest difference is in my faith journey, and how clearly it came to me that Jesus Christ was everything and more that He ever said He was, and that His Spirit has been the surprising/delightful/peaceful Presence all along. Therapy is accomplished by many means, and through fervent prayer and writing, one can overcome so many strongholds.
July 11, 2018
The Hundred Story Home
A Memoir of Finding Faith in Ourselves and Something Bigger
by Kathy Izard
Thomas Nelson--W Publishing
Thomas Nelson
Biographies & Memoirs
Pub Date 26 Jun 2018
I am reviewing a copy of The Hundred Story Home through Thomas Nelson and Netgalley:
Kathy Izard was a graphic designer, a wige and a Mother when a chance meeting with a former homeless author Denver Moore challenges her to do more than just served in the soup kitchen she volunteered at. Kathy bravely quits her job to take on the task of building housing for Charlotte’s homeless.
This Motivational story is woven together, to call for social action. This book is Kathy’s story of faith, family and fulfillment. Not only will you start believing you will change the world, this book will end up changing you!
I give The Hundred Story Homd five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
Kathy Izard was a graphic designer, a wige and a Mother when a chance meeting with a former homeless author Denver Moore challenges her to do more than just served in the soup kitchen she volunteered at. Kathy bravely quits her job to take on the task of building housing for Charlotte’s homeless.
This Motivational story is woven together, to call for social action. This book is Kathy’s story of faith, family and fulfillment. Not only will you start believing you will change the world, this book will end up changing you!
I give The Hundred Story Homd five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
October 19, 2017
A very inspirational story of how Kathy Izard leaves her comfortable life as a graphic designer to take on the challenge of creating a home for the chronically homeless. As a once-a-month volunteer in the United Ministry Center kitchen, she meets a formerly homeless man named Denver Moore who challenges her on why there are no beds in the facility. It's not enough to feed homeless and then kick them out at night. Through the journey of founding the Moore Place, Kathy finds her true calling, her faith, and her compassion and forgiveness for her mother who wasn't the mother she wanted due to her bipolar mental illness. I loved the quotes at the beginning of each chapter and how this true story read more like a novel.
February 15, 2020
Kathy Izard was a graphic designer, wife, mother of four daughters, and volunteer at Charlotte’s Urban Ministry Center when a meeting with formerly homeless author Denver Moore changed the course of her life. Denver’s challenged her to do more than serve in this soup kitchen but to "build beds". Kathy ultimately quit her stable job to take on what seemed like an unimaginable task—to build housing for Charlotte’s homeless. Woven into this story of a call to social action is Kathy’s personal journey to define the meaning of home and her own struggle with faith, family, and fulfillment.
The author's life growing up affected her life choices but also made her determined to complete this task to the end. I highly recommend this book.
The author's life growing up affected her life choices but also made her determined to complete this task to the end. I highly recommend this book.
December 28, 2020
The Hundred Story Home is the story of the planning and implementation of Moore House in Charlotte, NC. This is a special apartment building that houses the formerly homeless. Included are a library, arts rooms, and a live-in social worker. Kathy Izard heard about similar programs in other cities, already volunteered at the Urban Ministry Center, and had recently been challenged to add beds to that ministry. The next step was obvious and terrifying: begin the daunting task of raising funds and support for the building of an apartment complex for the homeless. The book was really well written with a great pacing. Along with the story of the development of Moore Place, Izard also shares some of her own journey of faith. I found it compelling and inspiring.
June 22, 2018
An inspiring book, but also motivational and a book for our times. As we all consider what we're doing with our lives, our need to give service, and learning about ourselves, this book has many answers. But, it is so much more than that. A memoir, a great story, and a "blueprint" on so many subjects.
Full Disclosure
Publisher contacted me and provided the book to read
Full Disclosure
Publisher contacted me and provided the book to read
Aside from the "gift," which it has truly been, I'm grateful to have read this and will be passing it along as my well worn, dog-eared copy, paying it forward, as author Kathy Izard has done, continues to do, and so movingly tells of in her wonderful book. I hope you enjoy this as I have.
August 25, 2018
Izard struggles throughout this memoir to reconcile her lucky lot in life with the sometimes happenstance circumstances that result in so many being homeless and often suffering in Charlotte. She is not trained in anything related to the problem at hand, but she uses her social capital and significant energy to learn quickly and try to answer what she feels is a calling to help house those who are most critically in danger of dying on the streets. She doesn’t portray her life as perfect, but acknowledges her privilege, and she shares stories of the varied people she met through her work at Urban Ministry Center who made the Homeless to Houses project and Moore Place into a personal crusade.
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