Empowered by Support

Rebecca, a single mother residing in Greensburg, had been working full-time for more than two years while receiving minimal child support. Her life took a challenging turn in September 2022 when her mother, who lived alone in a nearby city, was hospitalized due to health complications. The situation necessitated Rebecca to take her mother into her home for several weeks to provide care. 

Initially planning to take just a short leave from work to assist her mother, Rebecca’s absence extended to a full month due to ongoing health issues. Despite her employer compensating her for five missed workdays, she remained unpaid for 15 days, which created a financial strain. Adding to the financial pressure was the need to pay for rent at her mother’s apartment. 

While Rebecca used her child support to manage utilities, she found herself unable to afford her October rent of $650. Turning to Catholic Charities, she shared her story and sought assistance. Fortunately, around the same time, her mother’s doctor cleared her to return home, allowing Rebecca to plan her return to work after the housing transition. However, the financial gap remained, leaving Rebecca feeling stuck. 

Upon assessment by a compassionate case worker and discussions with her landlord, Rebecca became eligible for rental assistance. This support provided by Catholic Charities relieved her of the rent burden. She also received food assistance, essential paper products and a gasoline card to cover transportation costs for her mother’s medical appointments.