Isabel O. and her 12-year-old son were lucky to have a Manhattan apartment for $423 per month.

Isabel held down two jobs—as a home health aide and as a cleaning employee at Yankee Stadium. Things were financially stable for quite a while. Then she lost both positions through no fault of her own. Unemployed, Isabel quickly fell behind in her rent. Her unemployment benefits of about $200 per week were not enough to make ends meet. She did apply successfully for food stamps in the amount of $265 per month, which was a help.

“But before I knew it, I was months behind in my rent and the landlord put an eviction notice on my door,” she said. “I applied for the one shot deal from welfare, but was turned down. I then went to Catholic Charities for help. I was desperate.” Fortunately for Isabel and her son, Catholic Charities referred them to The Bridge Fund and help was soon on the way.

The Bridge Fund partnered with Catholic Charities, the Coalition for the Homeless, and Nazareth House to address the $2,982 in back rent.

The Bridge Fund approved a $220 per month rent subsidy through its targeted Rent Subsidy Project for Families Receiving Unemployment Insurance Benefits. The subsidy helps unemployed families recover financially so they can re-enter the job market.

Today Isabel is back to work and also attending Hostos Community College, taking courses in the restaurant/hospitality field.

“I can’t thank The Bridge Fund enough,” she said. “They stepped in and helped me get my life back in order.”