From one of our case managers…
Earlier this month, a retired and disabled Veteran named Ron called us asking for assistance with his bills which had gotten out of control. He had just moved to our town from Missouri, the expenses from his move were more than his monthly Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) income, and he didn’t know where to go for help.
I invited him to come in to our Emergency Assistance Center (EAC) that afternoon for case management. I helped him apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), Project Deserve, the Senior Commodity Food program through a local partner, and Share the Warmth program. He shopped in our food pantry and clothing closet that day as well.
This week, Ron called to thank me for our “lightning fast” help. He is already receiving his SNAP benefits, and has been informed that he will be receiving food and financial assistance for his utility bills from the other programs we applied for. As a result he was able to pay his rent for the month, which is something he feared he wouldn’t have the funds to do. The joy in his voice was a stark change from the despair of his first phone call several weeks ago! Ron says that he is in disbelief at how quickly we were able to provide him with assistance and relief from the bills that were weighing him down. He is hopeful for his future. He shared every step through this with Catholic Charities felt like a little victory. Hope changes everything!