There will be an empty seat at Edith’s table this Thanksgiving…
A family of four became a family of three when Edith’s husband passed away suddenly this summer.
Last Thanksgiving was joy-filled. Edith’s seven-year-old son had been given the gift of sight after countless surgeries to correct congenital cataracts.
But the family’s joy was short-lived. While Edith had left work to care for her son, her husband lost his job. Soon after that, Edith was hospitalized for emergency surgery.
Edith did all the right things. She cared for her son during his recovery. She gave her husband strength when his mother passed away. There was only one thing she couldn’t do: keep a roof over their heads.
One word on a piece of paper – EVICTION – nearly took all their hope away.
Now homeless, the family was dealt a final blow when Edith’s husband passed away in August. But throughout her trials and grief, Edith knew God would provide.
Since the pandemic, few homeless service organizations were working at 100% capacity. One of them – St. Vincent de Paul CARES – took Edith’s case and immediately enrolled them in our Rapid Rehousing program. Edith and her children will celebrate Thanksgiving in a home of their own. Now head of the family, Edith is safe, secure … and very thankful.
It has been a rough year. But with your support, SVdP CARES has housed more than 400 families – including Edith’s – since the pandemic swept the country in March!
Your gift to SVdP CARES will give more hurting people something to be thankful for.
Your support will help provide stable and permanent housing for families like Edith’s, alleviating poverty and improving our community.
Edith’s case manager worked with her every day until he found the family a good home in a safe neighborhood. “Edith is a very positive, industrious, faith-filled person,” he says. “She has everything she needs to be successful in the Rapid Rehousing Program!”
You helped provide the family’s first and last months’ rent and deposit, and even a brand-new mattress from our Community Thrift Store for Edith’s daughter. “I’m from Cuba, so I grew up with very little,” Edith explains. “So, for me, I feel I have a lot! I look at situations and I see something positive is going to come from it.”
Edith’s positive attitude will serve her well. She has incredible faith and drive, even in the darkest days. She even renewed a dream she gave up when she left Cuba: to become a nurse. She recently passed her placement exam and began taking classes again! By next Thanksgiving, Edith will be even farther along her path to success. She’s an amazing inspiration! “You have to pray and believe things will get better,” Edith says.
You gave Edith’s family something to believe in and to be grateful for. But many more individuals and families still face uncertainty, hunger, and homelessness.
“We would not be here if not for SVdP CARES,” says Edith. And we would not be here without you. Thank you!
“It’s hard. Everyday it’s hard. But I’m glad I have
my kids. They are my lifeline.”
During these uncertain times, SVdP CARES’ programs provide stable and permanent housing, alleviate poverty, and improve the life of our community.
Will you reach out to more families with a generous gift this holiday season?
During this season of gratitude, we are reminded that tough times can bring out the best in people. Let’s pull together and make sure that the most vulnerable among us are cared for and have all the support they need. Thank you for your compassion and generosity!