Pandemic widens the gap for residents in need
Times are tough: Some residents are unable to pay for their basic needs — such as rent, food and childcare — due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
But generous members of the community can make a difference by making a donation to the Giving Fund campaign this holiday season.
The Greenwich Time and the Stamford Advocate are providing readers with the opportunity to help their neighbors in need through this Giving Fund, in partnership with Family Centers and Person-toPerson, two area nonprofits.
Each case in the Giving Fund includes an estimated dollar amount that would help a local person or family tackle everyday costs. Every dollar donated to the Giving Fund goes directly to the people in the stories, which are published every Thursday and Sunday throughout the holiday season.
The names have been changed to protect the participants’ privacy. Here are the stories of 10 neighbors in need:
Case #400: James was hospitalized this year for an extended period and fell severely behind on his bills. He has slowly been getting back on his feet but is not able to catch up financially. A gift of $800 would help James with his bills so that he can get back to where he was before his hospital stay.
Case #401: Nancy recently underwent through surgery and was in a rehab center for a short period of time. During her hospitalization, Nancy fell behind on her finances and is drowning in debt. She is struggling to get back on track with her monthly finances and was hit with the additional stress of uncovered medical expenses. A gift of $500 would help Nancy get back on her feet.
Case #402: Jenny had a number of problems in her apartment and had to discard all of her furniture
items and start over. She is working toward replacing what had to be thrown away but is struggling just to cover her monthly expenses. A gift of $500 would help Jenny purchase more furniture to make her dwelling feel like a home.
Case #403: Jack is disabled and needs replacement hearing aids. His insurance does not cover these much-needed devices. Hearing aids are expensive, and he is having a hard time saving up the entire amount. A gift of $500 would help him purchase his new hearing aids.
Case #404: Jackie had been receiving food items through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program for seniors, but the boxes are no longer distributed. Jackie was doing the best she could financially to keep up with the cost of groceries and medications. A gift of $300 would help supplement her income to cover the growing costs of food and medication.
Case #405: During the pandemic, Janice lost her partner, who was the sole provider in the house. She has some income coming in, and she has received help from her family. As the pandemic continues, her family is finding it harder to offer her the assistance she needs. Janice could benefit with a gift of $300 to pay for food.
Case #406: Mark and Maggie are struggling with a small amount of money coming in but not enough. Mark was employed until last year, when he was hospitalized and spent several months in rehab. He lost his income, and Maggie also became unemployed. A gift of. $500 would help toward paying their rent.
Case #407: When the COVID-19 pandemic hit heavy, Jane lost her parttime job. To keep herself safe and healthy, she remains indoors. Her family has been helping her with groceries and the rent, but they, too, have less income due to working fewer hours. A gift of $500 would help Jane so that she does not have to rely on her family financially.
Case #408: Letty is a senior who was supplementing her groceries with the Commodity Supplemental Food Program boxes. She has been working with her family on her housing needs. But her family has since lost income because of the pandemic, and they are finding it harder to help. A gift of $500 would help Letty to be more independent with her finances.
Case #409: Joan is a vivacious senior citizen who has worked hard her entire life and is getting ready to ring in her 100th birthday. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, she has lost many of her regular support from family and local organizations, which has caused her to fall behind on her rent. Joan has struggled to find assistance because she does not qualify for many programs. A gift of $800 would bring Joan security and peace of mind during the holiday season.
All the Giving Fund cases will be listed online. To make a donation online, visit givingfund.isecuresites.com .