It’s a warm summer day when we meet Carla. She’s taken two buses to get to St. Joseph's Catholic Church: an hour commute.
“When I get to sit down and have a meal with the friends I’ve found here, it makes me feel good.”
The coronavirus has shifted hot meal programs to a grab-and-go style to safely distribute food. Unfortunately, this means people who find companionship over a
community meal are left without the socialization and personal connections they’re looking for.
The coronavirus has impacted Carla. Her 21-year old son, who is a big eater, used to help pay for groceries before he lost his job. And her husband who is a subcontractor isn’t receiving as much work as he used to. Though their family receives some help, it’s simply not enough to get by.
“It’s a real struggle to make it through the end of the month. I eat less now so my son can eat.”
Carla’s family has been through a lot. Years ago, a surgery put her out of work for six months. Their savings couldn’t handle the loss in wages, and soon they couldn’t keep up with rent. The family of three found themselves living in motels, with friends and family, and eventually, homeless. Before the virus, she felt they were back on their feet.
“This place is such a blessing and is so important to me. Saying ‘thank you’ just isn’t sufficient enough.”