Ben's Story

Ben is a 76-year-old widower with no children. He faces health challenges and lives alone in a modest apartment on a fixed income. A recent increase in his rent and medical expenses made an already tight budget even more difficult. Ben reached out for assistance with part of his December rent, and we informed him that SVdP could help.

During our visit, Ben asked about the other people we were assisting that week. Our volunteers shared stories of families with children at risk of eviction. The following day, Ben called to say that during his evening prayers, he had given thanks for the support offered by SVdP and was deeply moved by the thought of families with children facing hardship as Christmas approaches.

Despite his own significant needs, Ben requested that his assistance be deferred so that more funds could go to help these families during the holiday season. He also offered to volunteer at a local food pantry. Ben’s prayerful response to the generosity he received was to give back to others. As he reminds us, “It is more blessed to give than to receive" -Acts 20:35.