‘It was the best decision I made’: Needy Fund helps single mother with car repairs, rent – Cape Cod Times

Cape Cod Times Staff| Cape Cod Times

This single, 26-year-old motherremembers vividly the day she realized she could not stay with her boyfriend. It was too scary.

"The hotline scoured the entire state looking for a shelter that could accommodate me and my (child)," she said. "I thought I might end up in Pittsfield or Chelsea, but they eventually found a family shelter on the South Shore.

After spending six months in the shelter, she was able to find a permanent place to live in Eastham, where she now lives.

It is an awful lot for a young mother to try to make a normal life for her young child, who is shuttled back and forth between parents on weekends under court order at least for the time being.

A court-appointed guardian currently is investigating the case, including home visits to both parents, before making a final recommendation that she hopes can begin to normalize their lives.

In the meantime, she lives week-to-week trying to make ends meet all the more complicated by court and guardian expenses and child support payments that don't arrive on time.

A friend suggested she contact the Cape Cod Times Needy Fund. I was hesitant at first … but it was the best decision I made at the time.

"I called them up one day when I was really feeling down. Even working, I couldn't meet all my bills without the child support," she said. "They listened carefully and made me feel like I had a friend on the other end of the line."

She emailed herapplication and all herbills to the Needy Fund, where they were studied before providing financial assistance.

The woman's lawyer paid for the gas needed to drive her child to her father's home on the weekends, but hercar needed repairs.

The Needy Fund paid for one month's rent, which enabled her to buy newtires and get her brakes repairedso her carcould pass inspection.

"I am very fortunate that I have found myself here. The Cape has welcomed me," she said."I have never felt so much a part of a community as I do now. And the Needy Fund is a big piece of that."

She now is forging a more entrepreneurial path in her own business.

I have to cultivate my own clientele, but it gives me some sense of control over my life," she said.

Many human service agenciesoffer assistance tothose in need, but the Cape Cod Times Needy Fund has been helping with a host of immediate, short-term emergencies such as food, rent, medical costs and other basic expenses since 1936.

No cash is given to Needy Fund recipients. Instead, the agency pays vendors through a voucher program. The case described above was provided by the Needy Fund on the condition of anonymity.

Donations, which are tax-deductible, may be made atneedyfund.org. Checksalso canbe made payable to the Cape Cod Times Needy Fund and mailed to Cape Cod Times Needy Fund, P.O. Box 36, Hyannis, MA 02601.

Those needing assistance may contact the Needy Fund at 508-778-5661 or 800-422-1446.

Questions can be emailed to info@needyfund.org. The Needy Fund is also on Facebook (facebook.com/NeedyFund)andTwitter (@NeedyFund).

St. George Greek Orthodox Church 2021 Annual Charity Golf Tournament; $26,000

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'It was the best decision I made': Needy Fund helps single mother with car repairs, rent - Cape Cod Times