A Domestic Violence Survivor Gets Back on Her Feet Thanks to You

Catholic Charities helped Cathy get back on her feet.

On top of her financial worries, Cathy was a victim of horrible domestic violence and significantly ill. Catholic Charities was there to help her with rent and other referrals while she recovered from surgery.

When Cathy* first contacted Catholic Charities, she was living in a terrible apartment. She was being overcharged on rent and under constant threat of eviction due to her accumulation of late fees.  Every time she paid her rent, the money would first go toward the late fees and penalties before going toward the rent.

Since this was only a partial payment, she would continue to collect late fees. Because she had an eviction on her record, she already had difficulty getting this apartment and was afraid to move.

Catholic Charities spoke with the management company, but they refused to make any repairs or waive any fees, and would not agree to avoid eviction if we paid her rent.

On top of her financial worries, Cathy was a victim of horrible domestic violence. Not only had her abuser inflicted a lot of physical and emotional damage, but he also kept her from going to the doctor. Cathy was significantly ill and needed surgery.

By the time Catholic Charities was contacted, she was unsure of what to do. She was desperate. She also had a job that she was franticly trying to keep. Without the cooperation of management, Catholic Charities helped walk her through the eviction process and help her understand her rights and the timing involved.

After Cathy had surgery, Catholic Charities helped her with rent and other referrals while she recovered from the procedure, thanks to generous supports like you. A year later, she contacted Catholic Charities again and requested assistance with rent and help getting her car fixed.

Because of your generosity, Catholic Charities and St. Vincent de Paul were able to help Cathy continue to rebuild her life. She was able to fix her car and pass inspection so that she can drive to work, school and her doctor appointments.

This gives me the opportunity to take several more steps to getting on my feet.  Thank you for your help. There have been so many others that have helped me from your agency after the domestic violence and all my surgeries.

I do not know where I would be today if it was not for your organization.”

Will you help women like Cathy, who overcome abuse and illness, to get back on their feet? Help now

 

*Name changed to protect privacy.