Many families express thanks and gratitude to Loaves & Fishes for what we provide; however if they had the choice, they would prefer not to be in need of our services. Just because a family has a nice car and lives in the suburbs does not mean they are not facing financial challenges. For example, I recently met a woman at our office who drives a Mercedes-Benz, always dresses well and is a well-spoken woman. Why was she here?
Throughout our conversation, I realized that we cannot judge a book by its cover. After getting divorced and receiving custody, her ex-husband was unable to pay alimony and child support because of a medical condition. The mother never finished college and has limited work experience, so she’s currently working an overnight job paying $12 per hour. She’s not able to pay for the mortgage, child care, utilities, or groceries.
The Mercedes-Benz she drives is 10 years old, and she only drives it to work and to pick up groceries because she can’t afford gas more than once a week. It needs new tires and the heat doesn’t work, but she can’t afford the repairs. Her home is about to be foreclosed on because the mortgage has not been paid in over 10 months, and she has no savings to secure other housing.
Truth be told, there are many other client families with similar stories. Suburban families are in need food, financial assistance, job support and other resources to “survive.”
