Carol receives food from SVdP and rental assistance to help her stretch her modest budget.
Carmen is 78 and has worked hard her whole life. As a grocery buyer, she put in long days comparing prices, tracking shipments, and keeping stores stocked. Retirement brought a small pension and Social Security, just enough to cover the basics in most months. She still tries to help others when she can.
“I know there are people in need, it’s very tough, but I love to help people when I have a little extra,” Carmen said.
Then her car broke down.
The repair cost five hundred dollars. It was not a large bill by most standards, but it pushed everything out of balance. Carmen paid the mechanic so she could reach the pharmacy, the market, and church services. Soon she was choosing between rent and utilities, and the late notices began to arrive.
“It’s such a struggle,” she said. “I think I’m doing ok, but then something happens, like my car breaking down. I need my car to do anything. I’m lucky my landlord has been gracious to me.”
Determined to close the gap, Carmen started looking for part-time work, even though reentering the workforce at 78 is not easy. A friend told her about the St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County branch (Conference) at Our Lady Queen of the World in Bay Point and suggested visiting the weekly food pantry. Saving on groceries might free up dollars for rent and utilities.
Carmen arrived early and waited in line, unsure how it all worked.
“I was just standing in line for food,” she said. “I showed up early in case they ran out. I didn’t know how things worked there.”
At the check-in table, a volunteer looked up and asked if she was there to see the SVdP branch President, Danny Vu. The simple question felt like an answer to a prayer.
“A man asked me if I was here to see Danny and if I needed help,” Carmen said. “I felt so moved. I prayed for help and it was being offered.”
Danny met with Carmen that day. He listened, asked about the car repair and the overdue bills, and explained how SVdP could help.
“Danny was so kind and caring,” Carmen said. “He asked if I could collect my bills and documents to show I was behind on my rent, and I did. We sat together and went over my bills and how SVdP might be able to help me. He told me he had to present my case to the rest of his volunteer group, but he would let me know.”
About a week later, Danny called with good news. The SVdP volunteer Vincentians had approved providing Carmen with rent assistance to stabilize her housing.
“He told me they could help me with my rent,” Carmen said. “And lord, I started to cry. I felt so relieved and so thankful. I felt like God had brought me to people who truly cared about helping people. I truly feel blessed to have been shown SVdP.”
Today, Carmen continues to visit the pantry each week. Volunteers greet her by name. Fresh produce and staples go into a sturdy bag, and her budget stretches a little further. “The food is such a huge blessing,” she said. “It makes things a little easier and less stressful.”
This is what your support makes possible at SVdP: practical help delivered with dignity and care. Groceries that bridge the month. A listening ear that uncovers the real problem. Targeted rent assistance that keeps a senior safely housed. Person to person, table to table, the SVdP Vincentians at Our Lady Queen of the World turned a crisis into breathing room for Carmen.
Carmen is still looking for part-time work. She still gives what she can to others. Most of all, she is steady again.
“I felt like my faith was being affirmed,” she said. “I prayed for help and it was just being offered.”
Because of your generosity, neighbors like Carmen are not facing hardship alone. Your gifts keep the pantry shelves stocked, fund emergency rent and utility assistance, and give volunteers the tools to serve with compassion. Thank you for helping Carmen take a deep breath and move forward.
