Meet Renee Bishop

For Renee, the word home means more than four walls. It means peace. It means safety. It means finally having a space where no one can take anything away from her.

She’s known heartbreak, loss and the kind of strength that only comes from starting over. Originally from Chicago, Renee built a life with her husband and their two children. But when he fell into addiction and later passed away, the foundation of her world shifted. She carried on for her children, eventually moving to Tennessee to try and rebuild.

But starting fresh wasn’t easy. Years later, Renee found herself in another painful chapter—this time in an abusive relationship. It wasn’t until a client from her housecleaning job offered her a place to stay that Renee was able to walk away. With nothing but her dog and the clothes on her back, she said yes to a new beginning.

That yes led her to Project Free2Fly, a local nonprofit that helps women reclaim their lives after crisis. There, Renee learned to sew—and with every stitch, she rediscovered purpose, confidence and joy. Surrounded by women who believed in her, she leaned into the healing process through life skills classes, counseling and mentorship. In 2024, she graduated the program and joined the staff, helping other women find their way forward too.

Today, Renee is dreaming of a home to call her own. She’s living with friends, but longs for a space that’s hers—where she can settle, breathe deeply and know she’s safe. For Renee, home isn’t just a place. It’s freedom, it’s dignity and it’s the next chapter she’s ready to step into.