Editor’s note: Who needs assistance from local food banks? This family asked their names be withheld to protect their children’s privacy.
By Kristine Thomas
The first time Joseph lost his job, he went into “panic mood” wondering how he would provide for his wife and five children.
Being laid off in 2000, he said, led him to attend church and learn how to ask for help. He found his way back into the work force.
Then in September 2010, Joseph was laid off from the warehouse job where he earned $23 an hour.
He’d been with the company eight years. He was told the downturn in the economy eliminated the need for his position.
His wife has chronic health problems and has had multiple surgeries. They don’t have health insurance. She
is taking classes to become a healthcare administrator.
Even though his income is less than his bills, Joseph, 33, said he will be “OK.”
“I don’t have any stress this time because I am a Christian,” he said. “I have found a church community who helped me find Jesus and I know I can turn to SACA (Silverton Area Community Aid) for help.”
As he hears the statistic that one in six Americans face food insecurity, he says he doesn’t worry about feeding his family. Other families, he said, who are struggling to make ends meet and feel the pain of food insecurity should be aware that there are organizations willing to help.
It only takes asking for help, he said.
“I think a lot of people are afraid to ask for help,” he said. “They worry about being labeled or they are embarrassed.”
He said he only goes to Silverton Area Community Aid for food assistance, adding his family went from September 2010 to March 2011 without visiting the nonprofit food bank – even though he was only receiving an unemployment check.
While he knows help is available, asking for help isn’t easy.
Joseph recalls how his father found himself out-of-work from time-to-time but he never asked for help or “took anything from anyone.”
“My dad and I live in two different worlds,” he said. “I am not too proud to ask for help, but at the same time I give back as much as can.”
His children – who range from 8 to 15 years old – are the reason he turns to SACA for food when the family needs it.
Before he became unemployed, his family used to donate food to SACA.
Eager to do something to give back, he now volunteers by cutting and stacking firewood which is given to SACA clients to help them keep energy costs down.
Joseph said he has always felt welcomed and cared for when at SACA.
“The volunteers are here to serve and they make you feel welcome,” Joseph said. “They want to help you.”
He added SACA is unlike other food banks because volunteers give clients the opportunity select the food that meets the specific needs.
One question he has heard often is why he hasn’t found work in a year.
“Where I fit in is a tough spot,” he said. “I could find a job making minimum wage but I would be losing money.” He still has 13 weeks left in unemployment benefits – about $1,600 a month. He pays $1,200 rent for a three-bedroom house. Other expenses include $300 a month in gasoline and $300 in utilities. Then there are healthcare costs, along with items his children need.
“Our bills are more than we make,” he said. “Sometimes we have to go without our phone because we can’t pay the bill. We are only making it because our landlord works with us.”
If Joseph had his way, he would be working full-time and donating food to SACA. Given the situation is what it is – he asks for help.
“I don’t take help unless I need it,” Joseph said. “I always look for ways to help out and give back.”
