Marion, a 97-year-old widow, was referred by the Department of Social Services to Catholic Charities Community Services to apply for emergency financial assistance for housing. A life-long Rockland County resident, Marion was in danger of being evicted from her apartment. She had been receiving Medicaid, but is required to pay a ‘Spend-Down’ of $700 each month in order for her to maintain her Medicaid eligibility. Marion counts on Medicaid, as it provides her with an aide to assist with her daily activities.
Marion is alone, with no children or savings. She once owned a home but had to sell it for a modest price, and now is faced with the choice to pay her rent or to pay Medicaid.
Marion’s Case Manager at CCCSR, in collaboration with her Nurse Aide and the Department of Housing, helped to secure a rent-subsidized apartment at a Senior Housing complex. Catholic Charities Community Services provided Marion with emergency financial assistance to cover the security deposit. This helped to reduce Marion’s financial and emotional burden. With careful budgeting, Marion will now be able to afford living in her new apartment. Also, Marion was referred to ARCH Trust Fund to obtain information on how to maximize her income.
Like so many other good people who have fallen on hard times and came to CCCSR, we responded. How? Not by God’s miracle but by a miracle of God’s people — people of faith who respond to the needs of their fellow man.
