Lois S., 58 years old, is a retired construction coordinator for a phone company. She was living in a rentstabilized apartment in Hastings-on-Hudson, but struggling financially on her $1500 a month pension. She began falling behind on her rent. When she applied to DSS she was denied because of the income eligibility limits. She had also approached Social Security Disability because of a partially paralyzed hand, and was denied there. Lois appealed the decision, but her options were few. She was on the verge of eviction and growing increasingly desperate.

She was almost out in the street when she received a referral to The Bridge Fund. At first, she was so confused and upset that she couldn’t understand how The Bridge Fund could help her.

But, three months’ behind in her rent, she was at wit’s end and went to their offices. Once s h e met with staff, everything changed. The caseworkers were gracious and understanding. They listened to her problems. And they came up with solutions. There was a definite feeling of promise.

The Bridge Fund was able to help Lois bring her rent up-to-date, with Lois contributing one month of the total owed and The Bridge Fund putting in the rest.

The office of Representative Nita Lowey of Westchester intervened to help her get the disability money she was due. With the addition of disability payments to her pension income, Lois’s finances were now enough to cover her living expenses.

Lois was more than grateful. “I decided that once I was receiving disability and got back on my feet, I would pay The Bridge Fund back in full. I did, and I gave an additional donation of $500 to help the fund help others in dire straits like myself.

Right now, I am feeling more secure than I have in a long, long time. If it wasn’t for The Bridge Fund, I am sure I would be homeless today,” Lois said.