“If I didn’t have Catholic Charities, I don’t know where we would be. I am so grateful.”
Isabel was struggling. Pregnant with her second child and in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, her relationship ended with her children’s father. Due to complications from her pregnancy, she lost both her jobs. Now, a single mom of two children with no child support or help from the children’s father, she began working part-time, cleaning office buildings, to try to keep her family stable.
Their father’s unexpected departure and her job losses left her with an apartment rental commitment she could no longer afford. Isabel had no transportation, limiting her options for improving her income, and she fell behind on her rent and utility bills. Overwhelmed, she found limited assistance with several area agencies, but it was not enough. Then she found Catholic Charities.
Through the Colorado Emergency Rental Assistance program – a government program implemented during COVID to keep people from losing their homes – Catholic Charities (CC) assisted Isabel with rent and utilities to keep the family safe and housed. Her case manager helped her register for SNAP benefits to access food, diapers, and formula, and referred her to the Douglas County Cares Program for assistance in finding an apartment that works in her new budget.
With transportation still an issue, Isabel received a car through Catholic Charities’ vehicle donation program, expanding her options for better employment, and giving her the ability to shop for groceries, get to doctors’ appointments, and do other tasks she could not easily do before.
With immediate concerns resolved, Isabel continues to work to improve her family’s circumstances. She has secured a second job, giving her family a secondary source of income.
She continues to work with her CC case manager, build toward stability, and gain confidence in her ability to be self-sufficient. She wants to be a good example for her girls, showing them they can overcome adversity with hard work and dedication.
Isabel said, “If I didn’t have Catholic Charities, I don’t know where we would be. I am so grateful.” Having a car and an affordable, safe place to live allows her to focus on finding a good-paying job, saving money, being a good mom, and making plans for the future.
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.
