The difference a year makes
A year ago in December, our team was worried.
“Our” family was struggling. I came across a note from a December 2022 team meeting that painted a grim picture:
The family were not using the checking account we’d help them set up because they didn’t have the skills to navigate it online. One of our team members was paying their bills on their behalf and struggling to help them learn the tool.
Their rent was $1,400 for a decrepit cracker box of a house, and we were subsidizing half of the rent. We desperately (!) needed to find them more affordable housing that was safer for their children.
“A’s” employer was paying him via a debit card; that card had $400 on it.
“Z” (the wife) had no phone…and was home alone, with no transportation, during A’s work hours, which were from 4 a.m. to 1 or 2 in the afternoon 5 or 6 days/week.
“A” had purchased a high-mileage car for $2K (owing $1K on it). He was driving illegally to work because BMV requires 100 hours of drive time before granting a license - even after passing the knowledge test. We were terrified of an accident. Though “A” had purchased car insurance, it would not protect him as an unlicensed driver.
Because of their almost nonexistent English skills, they did not understand a letter they received from the Family Social Services Administration (and failed to show us the letter). That letter was telling them they needed to show up at FSSA offices for an “interim” check to verify that they still qualified for SNAP benefits. Failure to show up meant loss of benefits - no exceptions.
They did not have functioning WiFi in the home and it didn’t appear any service provider could help.
They had almost zero English competency and no consistent tutoring/classes.
12 months later…
The family is in safe, affordable housing (a TRUE miracle to find) due to someone who knew someone….resulting in a $900 rent on a small ranch-style home.
Once moved, we were able to get WiFi service established - a “must” for school/e-learning days.
“A” has a driver’s license.
“Z” has passed her written driving exam and we are now navigating an error with her Social Security card so she can get her official learner’s permit.
Consistent tutoring began for both “A” and “Z” in March; in October, “Z” got into an adult education ESL program through the local township school. She’s completed Level 1 and has been advanced to Level 2.
“A” has progressed through Level 1 phonics and can fill out a form with name, address, phone number, and birth date. He can read simple sentences phonetically. He can write legibly and share key facts about himself and his family. (Names, address, children’s ages, his job).
Green card applications are in progress.
After months of effort SNAP benefits were reinstated in October.
After numerous trips to the health dept and clinics, all family members are fully immunized and primary care has been established for the family.
“A” has received pay raises that have upped his pay to $16/hour. That pay, combined with SNAP benefits AND a fair rent, means the family can afford the housing they are in.
The oldest child “H,” is in first grade, speaking English proficiently, and LEARNING. He attends school regularly.
All of this has taken a village of people - close to a dozen different individuals have played parts in helping this family move from fairly desperate “need” and much closer to “succeed.” They still have far to go, BUT they are in a place of economic stability and connection to resources.
If you think you might like to shift from being a “stranger” to refugees to a “neighbor” to them instead, reach out. We’ll be partnering with a new family in 2024. There are no special skills required; just a desire to help figure things out and a willingness to commit time. If time’s not your thing, we’ll take a donation. We spend between $15,000 - $25,000/family over the course of the time we work with them to achieve economic stability. The biggest chunk of that money is rent assistance as most refugees do not start out in jobs that enable them to afford typical rents.