When we met this family—a mother, father, their 2-year-old, and a 4-month-old—they were in a heartbreaking situation. After living in a shelter, they lost everything they owned to a roach infestation and left with nothing but the clothes on their backs. They managed to secure an apartment with town assistance, but when we visited them on a Friday, we saw they had almost nothing. The only furniture in their apartment was an old mattress on the floor, where all four of them were sleeping—a dangerous setup, especially for the baby. We knew we needed to act quickly to make their home safe and livable.
In just a few days we were able to give them some peace of mind:
- That Friday, we brought them food from our pantry and went grocery shopping to stock their shelves. We also delivered a Thanksgiving dinner so they could celebrate the holiday.
- We took the family shopping for clothing and made sure they all had warm winter coats.
- By Tuesday, their apartment was furnished with essentials:
- A new mattress, box spring, and frame for the parents
- Two dressers and a mirror
- A sofa, end tables, lamps, and a coffee table
- A kitchen table with chairs
- Sheets, blankets, and pillows
- Recognizing the urgent need to protect their baby, we delivered a portable crib that very day. The parents told us a family member was bringing a toddler bed and crib, and we followed up to make sure they arrived.
- To brighten their spirits, we’re also planning to bring them a Christmas tree this week.
The family went from having an empty apartment to a home filled with food, clothing, and furniture. Vincentians Josephine and Marianne worked tirelessly to ensure they had everything they needed to feel safe and cared for. We couldn’t be prouder of their dedication and the compassion they showed this family.
The Vincentian Volunteers of St. Frances Cabrini
