A Father in Need

Sometimes, people hesitate to ask for help, even when they need it the most. That was the case for a father I recently assisted. He had lost his job back in December 2023 and had been struggling ever since. With three young children to care for and no stable place to live, he felt overwhelmed but was reluctant to apply for benefits. It was his partner who encouraged him to take that step, and when he finally did, I had the privilege of guiding him through the process.

Overcoming Hesitation

When he first reached out, I could tell it wasn’t easy for him. He explained that he was homeless and only got to stay with his family from time to time. He had been searching for work for months but had no luck. The idea of applying for benefits made him uneasy, but his partner knew they needed help to feed their kids. I reassured him that there was no shame in seeking support—this is exactly why these programs exist. I walked him through the CalFresh application, making sure he understood each step.

A Life-Changing Moment

Not long after submitting his CalFresh application, he received a call. To his relief, he was approved almost immediately. A short time later, he sent me a message that nearly brought tears to my eyes: "Thank you, Araceli, for all your help. Que Dios te bendiga (“May God bless you."). Thanks to your help, we got approved for CalFresh, and now we can provide food for our kids. Thank you again for everything."

The Power of Support

Reading his message, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. Knowing that his children would now have food on the table gave me so much joy. His partner also felt a weight lifted, no longer having to worry about whether they could afford their next meal. Beyond food assistance, I referred him to other services that could help with his situation. I plan to follow up with him soon to check on his progress and see if there’s anything else I can do to support his family.

Why This Work Matters

This experience reminded me why I do this work. Sometimes, all someone needs is a little encouragement and guidance to take that first step. Love is truly inventive—it finds a way to lift people up, even in the hardest times.