Today as we celebrate the feast of Easter we find the challenge of also seeing and believing the resurrection that comes through our own lives of self-sacrifice which brings new life to others. 

The volunteers at SVdP work diligently to provide a sign of God’s love to those who are suffering and provide them with Easter hope and joy.

Take for instance, the mother of two young children. She was having trouble making it on her month-to month bills, then she and her daughter became ill. So, she had missed work for a few weeks and and because of the inability to meet rent payments was in the process of being evicted. She found an apartment that was not in the area that SVdP serves. But our volunteers were able to refer her to The Doorway to Hope charity where it was located.  She had the security deposit and the agency helped with some rent which then allowed her to move in.  Although SVdP didn’t provide money, they provided hope with the referral.

SVdP was also able to assist a couple with special needs.  Although the young woman had a professional degree, her disability ultimatelyprevented her from continuing that career.  Instead,  for now to try to pay her bills she took an hourly job as a grocery store bagger.  Her partner’s disability prevented him from driving, so she had to work around his schedule to get him to work at his hourly job.

They were behind in rent which had increased by 50% a month over the last number of years.  Both were trying to work extra hours and had been saving their money to catch up.  With help from SVdP, they were able to pay the back rent and avoid eviction.  They will not be renewing their lease as rent is set to go up again and are looking for a more affordable place to live.

SVdP at St. Francis of Assisi provides hope, compassion, referrals, and short-term financial help for families.  Most of the cases are the working poor—families who can pay their bills until they get an unexpected situation—a funeral, a car needing service, a sickness, or an unexpected increase in living expenses.  Any of those situations could make them need help with rent or utilities.

If you know someone who needs help, tell them to call SVdP at 919-534-4842.