We meet Kevin at a homeless shelter, sitting at a table with his wife and two of his children. The four of them talk quietly, waiting for dinner to be served.
Dinners used to look differently for their family. Less than two years ago, they rented a house in Portage County. Kevin worked full time and was the main provider for the household. But then his health started to decline. One day, he collapsed in the bathroom and struck the hot water tank. The impact caused it to burst, scalding him with hot water and leaving him with first and second-degree burns.
The incident made him unable to work, and before they knew it, they were struggling to pay rent. Their longtime landlord understood they’d fallen on hard times, but when the property was sold, the new owner wasn’t as understanding and their family was evicted.
“We struggled to get caught up on rent,” Kevin says, recalling those difficult months.
They had a small amount of savings that covered three weeks in a hotel. When that ran out, they found their way to a homeless shelter.
Things have slowly started to turn around; Kevin's wife and son are both working. Kevin’s health has stabilized, and he’s now training to earn a certification for a new job. Together, they’re getting back on their feet.
At the shelter, meals have been a lifeline, especially since several family members are working — they don’t receive much through SNAP food assistance. Here, they receive a warm, nourishing breakfast and dinner every day.
“They spoil us,” Kevin smiles, thinking about the meals he and his family have shared at the shelter.
Because of your support and our dedicated partners, Kevin and his family will get back on their feet.