Meet Manny

Manny has been a homeless, single parent for many months. He made the tough decision to move into a shelter with his four kids, and it’s impossible for him to work right now. This is his story.

“I’ve been homeless for about nine months now. I live in a shelter with my four children — who are 9, 11, 13, and 15. We ended up here after fleeing an abusive relationship. It was hard to leave, but after things got really rough, I knew what I had to do to take care of them. It seems ridiculous that living in a homeless shelter is the better option for my kids. But let me assure you, with what we were going through, it is.

It’s tough living in the shelter — for me, yes, but especially for my children. It breaks me down as a father watching them go through this. I’ve always worked in the past, as a welder and forklift driver, but I’m in between surgeries right now and can’t bring in any income.

Besides love and support, the one thing I can provide for my children with right now is healthy food — thanks to the food pantry. […] The pantry — supported by our local food bank — provides fresh, local produce that I otherwise could not afford. My children love it, and it gives them the nutrients they need to keep them strong through this tough time.

All I want is to be self-sufficient and provide a stable, better life for my kids. No one wants to depend on others for support, including me. But when I need it — and we all need help at one point or another — I’m truly grateful that it’s there. And I’m confident that someday soon, when all this is behind me, I’ll be able to pay this help forward — by helping others in their time of need.”

 

You can help provide fresh, healthy food for families and neighbors in need throughout Vermont. Click here to donate: give.vtfoodbank.org