By definition, genesis means creation or beginning: which is exactly what Genesis Home is all about - new beginnings.

The Durham-based non-profit works to end homelessness for families with children and young adults.

Genesis Home started 20 years ago and has served more than 300 families - among them, Selma Johnson.

"Transformation, I transformed while I was here," said Johnson.

After losing her business, Johnson and her grandson bounced around homes and shelters.

With no money, nowhere else to go and on a waiting list at Genesis Home, Johnson says eventually they had to live out of her SUV for three months.

"When families come to us from out in the community, they might be on friend's couch, they might be in an emergency shelter; they are in crisis. They don't know where they're going to be sleeping that night," said Ryan Fehrman, Genesis Home's Executive Director.

So the non-profit removes concerns about food and shelter out of the equation so individuals can focus on long term goals like education and career.

"It gives you a peace about yourself that you can now work on what's wrong with you," said Johnson.

Genesis Home can house 12 families where the average stay is anywhere from six months to two years.

Johnson stayed for a year and a half and now she's one of the organization's staff members, helping others out of the very same situation she was trapped in.

"One of the things that they tell me time and time again is, ‘Ms. Selma, if you went through it, we can do it,'" said Johnson.

Families are referred to Genesis Home from shelters or through social services -- others just show up.

If you'd like to support Genesis Home, the non-profit gladly welcomes donations.