A Paycheck Away...

My name is Jane and I'm a single mother of two. I had always been able to support my family through my job and some help from our local energy assistance program. I'd never had much savings, but managed to make ends meet. Then I was laid off last July after eight years with the same company. Life became desperate real fast with every day a race against time and the money I had left in the bank. The income from my unemployment benefits was a lot short of what I had been making, and I eventually fell behind on my rent. But even with help from the energy assistance program, it got to the point where I had to choose between paying for utilities to keep the heat on or buy food -- so I began to visit the local food pantries to keep food on the table. Then I was referred to a local eviction prevention program, who helped me pay off my rental debt. In November I found work again, but not at the salary I had been making. I'm happy to have a job with benefits, but it's still very tight, and I have a lot of catching up to do with my finances. I'm wondering when -- or if -- I'll ever break even.

Like hundreds of other families in our region, Jane found herself only a paycheck away from a downhill spiral to hunger, homelessness, and despair.

The programs providing basic needs in our neighborhoods are seeing unprecedented numbers of new families coming through their doors. An increase of 40% is not uncommon for most to report. The Take Five to Give 5 campaign will send 100% of your donation to these organizations that are meeting basic needs for families like Jane’s.

Whatever amount you can give will help change lives. Tell five friends. Use your network, share the stories, and ask them to give to the campaign. Your gift multiplies with every person you connect with.