Before the pandemic many were already trying to make ends meet only to have it unravel as the effects of the shutdown took hold. Like Jimmy, who fought hard to provide for his family and keep a roof over their heads when COVID-19 hit the food service industry hard in 2020. After losing his primary job at a restaurant that closed permanently, his hours were drastically reduced at his second job. It was not going to be enough – they were already living paycheck to paycheck. No longer able to afford their rent, the family did not want to be a burden to their landlord, so they paid the balance due. With nowhere to go, Jimmy and his family ended up staying in their friend’s car.

After months of searching for housing with no success, they moved into Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi’s Family Assessment Center.When government restrictions slowly began to lift, Jimmy was able to find two full-time jobs and they were finally able to start a savings account. They found affordable housing and Catholic Charities helped them with their first month’s rent and security deposit. They express their gratitude daily and could not believe the blessings that came their way.