Portia's Story

For fifteen years, Portia has quietly carried an extraordinary responsibility: caring for her son Antonio, whose severe disabilities require constant, around-the-clock attention. When her husband was deported last year, that responsibility became almost impossible to manage on her own.

Through steady employment, Antonio’s disability benefits, and food assistance, Portia did her best to make ends meet. But when she was faced with $1,700 in legal fees to apply for a Humanitarian Visa—so Antonio’s father could return and help care for him—Portia was forced to make an impossible choice: invest in reuniting her family or pay rent. She fell two months behind and faced eviction from the only home Antonio has ever known.

In her moment of greatest need, Portia reached out to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP). Because of your generous support, SVdP was able to cover one month’s rent, prevent eviction, and give Portia the breathing room she needed to recover. That emergency assistance made the difference between stability and crisis.

Today, Portia is back on her feet—covering her current rent and working toward her husband’s return, when he can once again work, help care for Antonio, and be fully present in his son’s life. This is the compassion Christ calls us to offer, and your generosity makes it possible.