"My problems all started when I became disabled after 37 years of working as a cashier," said 65-year-old Anthony of Queens. I had some very high medical bills and started to fall behind in my rent." To make matters even worse, Anthony’s wife of many years left him. She had been contributing towards the rent, and when she left, his Social Security payment couldn't cover both his rent and his living expenses.

"Everything seemed to go wrong at once," he said. "They took away my Food Stamps, and I was paying a fortune for my prescriptions. I called several agencies, but did not get the help I needed. I kept asking and calling around and finally I was referred to The Bridge Fund," he said.

Anthony found a new roommate who now shares living expenses, including utilities. Between the financial relief for the rent provided by The Bridge Fund and the payments from the roommate, Anthony now says he feels comfortable and has not lost hope of one day being able to find a job.

"The Bridge Fund got me through a very bad time and now I want to do everything I can to help myself," he said. Anthony said he was glad to tell his story if it would help The Bridge Fund. "They were there when I really needed them.”