Nativity of Mary Parishioners
Catholic Charities Emergency Assistance Fund: Donate to Larry’s Legacy
My husband and I met Larry one Sunday, when he rolled up next to where we were sitting and parked his wheelchair next to our pew. He introduced himself, and we immediately “hit it off.” We heard about how he took the bus wherever he wanted to go – which was a lot of places! We shared about our family and friends. We came to enjoy our visits Sunday after Sunday, and was so impressed with this gentleman who seemed to have so little, yet had such a great outlook on life.
One Sunday, we saw him in a serious conversation with Fr. Bob before Mass. He slid into his normal seat beside us just before the service began, so we didn’t ask what was going on. However, after Mass, he confided in us that he was being evicted and he just didn’t know what to do. He asked us to pray that Fr. Bob would be able to help. We were so concerned for him…. and checked in with Fr. Bob to see how we could assist.
Father told us he had connected with Catholic Charities – and that Susan was working with their team to find a solution for Larry. What a relief! We don’t have a lot of money, and not physically able to help with moving furniture, so it was wonderful to know that our church – both our parish and our Catholic Charities – were trying to help keep Larry housed and safe.
We told Father that we had extra household goods that we would be happy to share – and knew that other parishioners would do the same. He put the word out and people rallied to help Larry.
We spoke each Sunday, asking him how things were going ….. he was obviously nervous but said that Catholic Charities had found him a place to live. He just had to do all the paperwork and get approval through for the new apartment before the end of the month.
It was such good news when Larry came to church on the first Sunday in November, and shared that not only did he have a new apartment (thanks to Catholic Charities), but had gotten out before being evicted (thanks to the Catholic Charities Emergency Assistance Fund) and in his new apartment was a bed, a microwave, a toaster oven, tables and lamps, sheets and towels (all thanks to Nativity parishioners).
Each weekend, Larry would talk about how much he loved his new place to live. He enjoyed lunch most days at a senior center nearby. Ronnetta from Catholic Charities checked in on him to make sure he had groceries and other necessities, and his apartment was clean. He told us that the new place was perfect for him, and ended every conversation with how grateful he was for Nativity and Catholic Charities.
We learned the Emergency Assistance Fund (CCEAF) had made avoiding his eviction possible, and were so pleased that we had donated what we could when the second collection occurred.
Sometimes you wonder if your donation makes a difference. We saw first hand how it changed everything for a man who had become our friend.