Dealing with loss is extremely difficult, especially for a husband and wife with one small child. They were devastated due to irreparable harm done to their apartment, their furniture and other belongings as a result of a fire.

 

Everything, except a few clothing items, was destroyed. They were homeless and without the financial resources to secure housing on their own. They had no place to go and desperately needed help.

 

First, they received motel assistance. Second, they were approved for cash assistance, along with food stamps and medical care benefits, through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program within the State of CT.   Third, they moved into emergency housing within Christian Community Action’s Hillside Family Shelter. With that, came case management support and food from our Food Pantry. 

 

Because of Neighbor to Neighbor, they received gift cards to purchase perishable items, like milk, baby food, and other items that were not at the Food Pantry.  It was a huge help that came in a small form.

 

While aforementioned process sounds so easy and seamless, it was not. It took a while for the family to recover from that which they lost. Along the way, thankfully, they found dignity, hope, compassionate support, a pathway out of homelessness…and sustenance.