“It seemed like there was no hope.”
Losing work. Reduction of work hours. Eviction notices. Pain and suffering. Businesses closed. Sickness. Loneliness. Nowhere to turn. These terms have become too much a part of our vocabulary during COVID-19, but it is the reality for too many of our neighbors.
Diane’s mom died just as COVID-19 was spreading through Colorado, leaving her to care for her veteran father who suffers from mental illness. Caring for others has been Diane’s life. She had always worked hard to provide for her family through full-time employment and side jobs cleaning homes, missing so many of those special moments due to work. But the hard work paid off, and she purchased a home for her family in 2009.
As the virus spread, people began to isolate themselves. Diane’s clients canceled cleaning appointments, then her full-time employer had to let her go as businesses shut down. Diane spent her savings paying her mortgage and necessary bills as long as she could, but eventually, the money ran out. By December 2020, she was behind on her mortgage and the potential of losing her home was very real.
After calling several agencies without success, Diane felt defeated. She was losing hope. Diane contacted Catholic Charities where she spoke with Heather, a housing case manager. Diane said, “Heather responded with such understanding and compassion, and treated me with dignity. At that moment, as I ended the first call with Heather, I knew it was going to be OK because there were still good people out there.”
Heather worked with Diane and her mortgage company, and Catholic Charities provided the funds necessary to get Diane back on track and save her home. She said, “Catholic Charities will always have a special place in my heart.” Being one to always “pay it forward,” Diane hopes to give back and help others once she is steadily employed again.
At Catholic Charities, we respect everyone who comes to us for help. Many are working toward a fresh start in life. So while their stories are true, client names and images may have changed to protect their privacy.
