Bob, now 69, had worked hard his entire life. Divorced, he lived in an apartment in Westchester, where he was the first tenant in the building and paid his rent on time every month. Things were fine until his employer, a management company, laid him off.

"At first it was okay," he says. "I got two week's vacation and severance pay and I was able to collect unemployment. While I was looking for work, I stayed up-to-date on my rent. But then I had to use up my 401(k) and apply my tax refund towards my rent.”

After that, Bob began to fall behind, with arrears building to more than $3,700, plus late fees and legal charges. "I realized I was in over my head.  I was facing eviction and went to Legal Services for advice.  I was told to get a job as soon as possible so that I could be referred to The Bridge Fund of Westchester.  I got a part-time sales job and my application was forwarded to The Bridge Fund."

"My wonderful caseworker convinced my landlord to waive my fees and penalties. The Bridge Fund put together a package of assistance that paid my back rent and helped me to apply for a Section 8 housing subsidy. I hold The Bridge Fund in the highest regard. I would do anything I could to help them."