Bronx residents Elizabeth V. and Hector R. were managing on a combination of Elizabeth’s worker’s compensation benefits and Hector’s earnings as a salesman. But then Hector suffered a third heart attack and had to resign.

“Hector applied for Social Security disability, but did not get payments for six months,” Elizabeth said. “We started to fall behind in our rent of about $800 a month. I tried making partial rent payments, but it wasn’t enough.”

They were soon behind in everything—utilities, the phone and rent. They got an eviction notice and were on the point of becoming homeless.

Elizabeth went to social services for a one-shot deal1 but was turned away because Human Resources Administration would not pay all the rent that was past due. She then went to Catholic Charities which asked The Bridge Fund for help. The Bridge Fund convinced HRA to reconsider and, together, the three agencies paid the rental arrears owed so Elizabeth and Hector could surmount their immediate crisis.

The Bridge Fund provided additional assistance. “They were wonderful,” Elizabeth said. “They knew I would be getting an extra $595 a month in Social Security retirement benefits in early 2008 and that Hector’s disability checks were going to come through.” The Bridge Fund’s new Rent Subsidy Project for Pre-Retirement Workers provides intensive services and modest, short-term financial assistance to pay future rent for clients who will be able to manage on their own once they start receiving retirement income. Elizabeth and Hector received help for another four months. In February 2008, they started repaying The Bridge Fund for its assistance at $25 a month.

“They (The Bridge Fund) also brought our utility bill up to date,” Elizabeth said. “I am planning a big Puerto Rican style dinner to thank everyone that helped us!”