Heather, a young mother, is exhausted and desperate for sleep, as she comforts her child late at night. She is worried for her family, as they face the threat of eviction. A new landlord has hiked up the rent, her childcare provider isn’t available during her assigned work shifts, and her car needs repairs. Her dream of serving a Thanksgiving meal or putting a few simple gifts under the tree for the children is evaporating.
Heather is one of our neighbors. She wonders, should she pay the rent and not the utilities? Could a food pantry be the best next step, so that her dollars can go for other bills? Where will she turn?
Our caseworkers helped moms like Heather every day of this year with Basic Needs:
- Paid utility bills so that she could get on solid ground again
- Found housing that was better suited to her family’s needs and financial resources
- Life skills counselors coached her into believing in herself and really walking the walk of the love of Christ
- Support groups helped her see that she was not the only one with money woes and inspired her to have hope
When things improved, she volunteered to serve meals at our feeding sites, like Loaves and Fishes, to pay it forward. That’s healing.
Your gift to Catholic Charities Basic Needs program will ensure that Heather and everyone like her can feel safe and supported this holiday season.
