GRACE exists for the unexpected. Unfortunately, for many of our neighbors living paycheck to paycheck, they are just one sudden life event like an unexpected diagnosis or major repair away from financial hardship.
In January, one of GRACE’s care managers met with a client who came seeking rental assistance. A recent diagnosis of cervical stenosis (a narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck leading to nerve pain) had been severe enough to require surgery, and his recovery was not going according to plan.
His healing process was labored with extreme pain, preventing him from working for the span of three months. Unfortunately, this left his wife as the only source of income for the household, earning only $10 an hour.
He expressed the stress and difficulty this placed on their family as she worked, took care of him, and looked after their four children during his slow journey to recovery. He came to GRACE two months behind on rent, an eviction notice in hand, and nowhere left to turn.
Thanks to the generosity of his friends, the client had been able to raise a portion of the rent that was owed. However, a small gap still remained – and that’s how GRACE became a part of his story.
Thanks to his friends, and a community that has chosen to support GRACE, this client was able to not only receive access to our food pantry to help offset expenses, but was able to pay off the balance of rent due and keep his wife and four children securely housed as his recovery continues.
