There's
a first time for everything...including asking for assistance. I recently slipped
and fell, and all of a sudden, I was badly injured. One minute I was out with
friends and was fine, but after I fell, I was unable to walk at all. As it turns out, the three-month prognosis
time for my recovery was a bit optimistic. I've never needed to be on
disability before (nor unemployment). I
also never thought I'd have the humbling experience of standing in a food line.
This is my reality now, but I'm hopeful that it's only temporary.
This
kind of freak accident could happen to anyone, anytime. As a single women,
without any other means of support, the months of immobility have compounded
financial difficulties I've been facing, even prior to this injury.
Just
as I was being informed that there'd be a delay in receiving my nominal
disability check, I was pleasantly surprised to get a call from Ms. Shella
Brunson, telling me that I won the ECHO Housing one-time rental assistance
lottery that I submitted weeks earlier! The timing couldn't have been more
critical. I met with Shella, who carefully and responsibly, double checked my
eligibility, and in a matter of days, had a portion of my rent covered by ECHO
for my next months rent.
I
would just like to take this opportunity to thank all of the groups and
individuals who are responsible for continuing their important, generous
support to wonderful, non-profit, organizations like ECHO! I hope some day to
be able to pay it back! I also want to give a shout out to all those who work
at ECHO, and the Alameda Food Bank!! Thank you for your GOOD WORK, it really
does make a difference!!
This
is what community is all about. Support of these organizations is even more important in times like these, when
people like myself, whom have never needed to ask for help, can know that when
you really need it, there are people out there who care. It reaffirms my
confidence that every cloud has a silver lining!
-A Grateful Alameda
Resident
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