Nereida C., 62, has always seen herself as a pro-active person, college-educated, and a very hard worker. When she realized that she simply couldn’t make ends meet and was in danger of losing her comfortable and affordable Riverdale apartment, she was shocked, but she took action. “When I found myself needing financial help, I was in tears. I just couldn’t believe what had happened to me.”

Nereida’s financial problems started in May of 2008 when she was laid off from her job as a case manager at an agency. “At first I managed with unemployment, exhausting all of my savings on my rent and other expenses. I went to work three days a week for a temp agency, but it just wasn’t enough. I gradually fell behind in my rent.”

In addition to worrying about herself, Nereida was also concerned about her 20-year-old grandson, Daniel, a full-time college student. “I have taken on the responsibility for raising him and didn’t want this crisis to affect him.”
“Luckily, I was referred to The Bridge Fund,” she said, “and went in the next day with my documentation. They brought my rent up-to-date and I went to a class that showed me how to manage on the money I had coming in.”

In July of 2009, Nereida will be eligible to receive a private pension. Until then The Bridge Fund’s Rent Subsidy Project for Pre-Retirement Workers is providing $300 each month towards the rent, while Nereida contributes $825.

“I now feel like I have some control over my life,” Nereida said. Nereida’s worries about her grandson’s education have also been eased. He has been accepted into SUNY Oswego, thanks to financial aid from the college.

“Now I put everything on paper and know where my money goes. The Bridge Fund’s budget counseling was very helpful,” she said.