Help Stories
A Grateful Food Bank Neighbor
(This handwritten note was sent by an anonymous neighbor to St. Vincent de Paul’s Georgetown Food Bank). Dear Folks: Thank you to you all for the help you have given us. We only show up when the cupboard really is bare and a paycheck is slow in coming or not coming at all. We have…
Read MoreKeep The Lights On!
One of our home visit teams recently visited Maria. She had three children including a little baby, and two older siblings. She spoke very little English, but enough that our home visit team could prioritize her needs. Her husband, an undocumented worker, picked up odd jobs here and there, but they lived in fear he…
Read MoreA Shelter of Hope
Seattle Homeless Prevention St. Vincent de Paul When Tiffany called St. Vincent de Paul, she had $20 in her pocket and a promise from an agency to provide her family with rental assistance in two weeks. Temporary shelters were full. Until then, she and her two children had no place to stay. Tiffany had a…
Read MoreAspiring Chef Works Toward Self-Sufficiency
On May 18, Aloha* visited the Kent office site to request a clothing voucher. She initially appeared shy, quiet, and reserved. While case manager Becky conducted an intake assessment of Aloha, she was able to identify from personal experience that Aloha was Laotian. Becky was then able to begin an easy exchange with Aloha. One…
Read MoreIt’s Wet. You're Facing Eviction. What do you do?
This may be hard to do. But, just the same, do it. Walk outside the next time it rains and stand in this pouring rain and get wet. Reflect on this. Just stand in the rain. Stay in it for 20 or 30 minutes—if you can. Try to find some cover out of the rain,…
Read MoreGetting Out of Living in a Van
There was a family of four in a van living near our Georgetown food bank. They were homeless and had moved here from California. One of the parents just got out of jail. They’re hoping to start over here in King County. The dad is eager to find work. We gave him several employment leads. They…
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