Reyna and Victor have lived in Waukesha for over ten years, working full time in the hospitality and manufacturing industries. In spring of 2020, they found themselves out of work because of COVID-19.
“We didn’t know how we were going to pay our bills,” said Reyna. “The little bit we had saved, we were using to survive.”
When the pandemic reached the U.S, many federal and state programs were launched to help families manage their way through the financial burden associated with job loss and business closures.
What many didn’t know is that these aid packages had some limitations. Reyna and Victor soon discovered that they did not qualify for any aid or emergency assistance. And their employer was unable to provide benefits.
That’s when they turned to Catholic Charities in Waukesha, a United Way nonprofit program partner.
Catholic Charities was able to provide assistance through gift cards provided by United Way’s COVID-19 Urgent Needs Fund, which helped pay for bills and other household needs.
The case manager at Catholic Charities then connected the family to rent assistance programs and provided food and other items.
Reyna and Victor were extremely thankful as they had never before asked for assistance since their arrival to the United States from Mexico. Today, they are both working full time. They remain hopeful for a brighter future for themselves and their daughter.
“We were hoping to buy a house before COVID-19. It’s still a hope for us for the future,” said Victor.
Reyna, Victor and Catholic Charities remind us all, that to live better, we must Live United. Consider supporting this important work with a donation to United Way’s Community Fund.
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