For one local working family, losing a second household income changed the financial picture almost overnight. A husband and father supporting his wife and young child had been sharing housing expenses with another family member. When that income unexpectedly disappeared, the client became responsible for the full rent while continuing to support his family. That’s when he turned to FISH of Sanibel-Captiva.
With support made possible in part through grant funding from The Sanctuary Golf Club Foundation, FISH provided rental assistance after the household completed the organization’s intake process and qualified for assistance. The family also uses the FISH Food Pantry and Youth Backpack Program, helping reduce other household expenses while the client searches for more affordable housing.
“This is exactly where short-term assistance can change the direction of a situation,” said Nitza Lopez, FISH Social Services Director. “He was working and doing everything he could to support his family. The sudden loss of another household income created a gap he could not immediately absorb. Helping with rent gave the family time to make a plan instead of facing a housing crisis.”
The client said the assistance brought relief at a time when his family needed it most. “My family and I felt an incredible sense of relief,” he said. “FISH listened, helped us through the process and made us feel that we were not facing this situation alone. We are very grateful to everyone who made this assistance possible.”
FISH Executive Director Maria Espinoza said the situation reflects the purpose of the organization’s Helping Hands program. “A financial emergency can develop very quickly, even in a household with someone working full time,” Espinoza said. “Having resources available at the right moment can help keep a family housed while they work toward their next step.”
Many of the households FISH serves fall within the ALICE population, those who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These households earn above the Federal Poverty Level but often struggle to afford basic household expenses.
FISH thanks The Sanctuary Golf Club Foundation for helping make this assistance possible and for its continued investment in neighbors who live and work in the island community.
