One evening, Abel returned home from work and suddenly collapsed in his kitchen. A stroke left him unconscious, with a fractured facial bone and nerve damage to his eye. In an instant, Abel and his wife, Celia, were facing a medical emergency—while caring for their young child.
Abel began months of physical therapy to regain strength and mobility. During his recovery, Celia became his full-time caregiver and had to stop working. When temporary disability benefits ended, the family quickly fell behind on rent and faced the risk of eviction.
That’s when Catholic Charities East Bay—and donors like you—stepped in.
With your support, housing case manager Delia secured emergency rental assistance to cover the family’s past-due rent, helping them remain safely housed during an incredibly vulnerable time. Delia continued to provide guidance and support until Abel’s health stabilized and Celia was able to return to work.
Today, the family is on steadier ground. Celia is working again, and Abel is hopeful he will soon return to work as well—focused on recovery and rebuilding their future.
“Because of you, this family had time to heal—without the fear of eviction.”
– Abel