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It was a double whammy to the checkbook.
Melissa and her fiancé were both unexpectedly laid off during a two-week span in August. Victims of company
downsizing and short on cash, the Marysville family with three children found themselves holding an eviction notice
from their landlord. And never having used government or charity assistance, they didn’t know where to turn for
help.
“I was very scared, very stressed,” said Melissa. “Just looking at my three babies (ages three, six, and nine)
and thinking, ‘What are we going to do? Where are we going to go? Can I find new employment quick enough? It
was very nerve-wracking.’”
That’s when a friend told her about The Salvation Army’s Homeless Prevention Program. The Salvation Army paid
the half of the rent Melissa’s family couldn’t afford that month. Later last fall, Melissa and her fiancé
found new jobs. The family has been secure and self-sufficient ever since. |
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They helped our family to stabilize our financial
state. They did all they could and in a timely manner to help our family in need.
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Melissa’s story is not uncommon. Her household was one of 587 Union County households that
have utilized this United Way-funded partner in the last two years.
“These people would either be living at the shelter, or in an unsafe, doubled-up housing situation with family
or friends,” said Kara Hill, Director of Housing for The Salvation Army. “They might be sleeping in their cars
or living without heat for awhile in freezing temperatures.”
“Having a family of five, you worry about the important things in life,” said Melissa. “How to pay the rent, bills,
put food on the table, and clothes on your kids’ backs. The Salvation Army is a wonderful source of help for families
in the time of emergencies. The staff and others were so understanding and very helpful.” |
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