A couple in their early 70s came into one of our Emergency Assistance Centers (EACs) sharing that they had never asked for help before and they didn’t know what else to do.

The wife, Sally, did not work because of her health, and her husband, Ed, had recently been out of work due to having a heart attack and his income was their only income, besides a small stipend she receives on a monthly basis. They were unsure of how they were going to pay their electricity bill. One of our volunteers assisted them with getting groceries from our food pantry and some necessities to help lessen the burden. Our manager assisted them with case management and got to know the couple and their situation.

We were able to assist Sally and Ed with getting on a pay agreement and to provide some financial assistance with their bill until Ed is able to go back to work full time. After they found out they were going to get assistance with their bill, they both started to cry and said “Thank you, Lord, for making a way out by bringing Catholic Charities into our lives.” The couple asked our manager to pray with them and they went on their way. They called again a few days later to say again how appreciative they are. Sally and Ed’s situation is just one of the many reasons we continue to do what we do in assisting our brothers and sisters in Christ. You never know when you might fall on hard times and need a little help from your neighbors.