This story reminds us that many of our neighbors are only one job change, one medical issue, or one unexpected bill away from crisis. It also shows the exhausting reality of living on the financial edge despite working hard to remain independent.
Over the past several years, this neighbor navigated housing instability, job relocations, temporary employment, and mounting utility costs while continuing to search for solutions at every turn.
Following an eviction proceeding several years ago, she successfully gathered the funds needed to remain housed and even created her own resource guide after contacting numerous organizations for assistance.
Her employment journey has been difficult. She once commuted daily from Greensboro to Raleigh for a position with the DMV, only to have the office relocated to Rocky Mount four months later. She moved again to keep her job but was soon laid off.
Determined to rebuild, she returned to Raleigh and currently works in a temporary federal government position. That job ends on June 30 and, under state employment guidelines, cannot be renewed until August. If she is not rehired, she plans to apply for unemployment while searching for her next opportunity.
Today, the neighbor faces another urgent challenge: a past-due electric bill that must be paid by May 18 to prevent service disconnection. Because of the uncertainty of her job prospects in Raleigh, she was forced to go on a short-term lease, which costs more. She has remained current on her rent but got behind on her utility bill.
The St. Francis of Assisi SVdP, along with the Our Lady of Lourdes SVdP, was able to help with funds to prevent disconnection.
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