Alex was devastated when he received word that his company was closing its local branch, and he was going to lose his job. The short-term loss of income was going to be difficult, but his family’s situation only worsened when Alex’s wife found out that she was also losing her job. While the couple knew that they both had marketable skills, they were now in panic mode.
As the two stepped up their job searches, they also began utilizing their local food pantry to offset other basic expenditures. While enrolling at the Lower Cape Outreach Council’s Main Pantry, the intake volunteer suggested that they speak with one of the agency’s financial assistance advocates. “I didn’t even know this kind of help existed,” Alex said. “We were so concerned that we were going to miss a payment on our home, and the stress of that was really getting to us.” Alex and his wife worked with LCOC to arrange for one month of mortgage assistance, which, coupled with the savings from the food pantry, were enough to keep the family stable until their income resumed.
“This was a true blessing. I am so glad that we chose to go to the pantry that day and ask for help. Alex continues to utilize the LCOC food pantry while the family finances stabilize, and they look to rebuild their savings. “I really hope that people will see our story and reach out for help when they need it. Sometimes the first step is hard, but the support is so valuable in helping people like us to afford to stay and work here.”