Covid-19 has torn through so many families this year, leaving a wake of devastation that can be hard to fathom. Many families, like “Larry’s”, were living comfortably, with a decent savings account and a little extra each month for the “nice-to-haves”. Now they are finding themselves struggling to provide basic necessities for their children. Like so many, Larry was laid off back in April, with a promise from his company that he’d be called back just as soon as they could get back up and running. No one could have foreseen that this pandemic would cause months and months of crisis, but it has.
Larry and his wife “June” have clung to hope and worked hard to keep food on the table and the heat on for their children. They cut out all unnecessary expenses and squeezed their budget as tightly as they could. While waiting for unemployment to come through, they were able to survive on their savings for a full two months. When their savings was drained and unemployment still hadn’t come through, they began to use their credit cards to pay bills, hoping they’d be able to pay them off just as soon as Larry went back to work. But weeks turned into months and before they knew it, they’d maxed out their cards.
By the time Larry and June found the courage to call POM for help, they were feeling overwhelmed and scared. During their first phone appointment Larry’s words rushed out with hardly a pause for breath. “I’m sorry,” he said, “I’m nervous. Nothing like this has ever happened to us before.” Our case manager listened patiently as Larry finished his story. Then he told Larry it was okay, and completely normal to be nervous. “We have helped many people who have never had to ask for help before. We can help you too.”
Over the next few weeks our case manager helped Larry and June access resources to help pay their rent and utilities so they could begin to catch up on their accrued credit card debt. Their family began to visit the food bank which helped save even more (and their children loved the special snack-packs assembled just for our littlest visitors!). “We’ve never been to a food bank before,” June told us. “I didn’t know what to expect but it wasn’t this!” she exclaimed as she pointed to the produce, milk, and eggs being loaded into her car. “You all make me feel welcomed…like you actually want me to be here.”
Larry and June’s story isn’t unique. We continue to hear from many families for whom life has become a daily struggle. But, we are humbled by the support of this community that continues to remember those who are suffering and pours out compassion and love. Larry called the other day to tell us his boss called him back to work. Once again, his words rushed out in a stream, “I even got a $2 an hour raise! Just in time for Christmas!” But this time, the rush of words was caused by pure joy.