A Neighbor Waiting for Work to Return 

When Vincentians visited Nick, we expected a brief stop to deliver groceries and discuss his rent situation. Instead, we spent more than an hour listening to a father doing everything he can to hold his family together during a difficult season.

Nick lives with his two children — a thirteen-year-old son and an eight-year-old daughter — after his wife left the family. Since then, he has been raising them on his own while working construction jobs, helping build decks whenever work is available.

But for the past month, the weather has brought projects to a halt. Without steady work, income stopped just as rent and utility bills continued to arrive. Facing possible eviction and utility shutoff, he reached out for help. Another St. Vincent de Paul conference first received his request and, realizing he lived outside their service area, connected him with Vincentians closer to home so support could still reach the family.

During our visit, we met his daughter, shared groceries, and learned more about their needs. One concern quickly became clear: his daughter’s school uniforms had become too small, something difficult to replace when every dollar is going toward keeping the lights on and rent paid. Volunteers were able to find uniforms that fit, one less worry for a father already carrying so much.

We were also able to assist with rent and utilities to prevent eviction and service interruption, and connect the family with St. Vincent de Paul Pharmacy to help cover needed medication.

Through it all, Nick remained humble and focused on one thing — getting back to work as soon as jobs become available again. He wants stability for his children and is determined to provide it.

Sometimes families don’t need long-term assistance; they simply need support to get through a temporary setback. For this father and his children, a little help now means they can stay safely housed and ready for the moment work returns.