January 16, 2022

A Senior Moment

In early December, we had a call from a "Senior" (by her own description!) who was renting a single room in a house....more like a Boarding House from years past. She receives Social Security, but saw more and more of it going straight to rent for a space that shares facilities, such as the bath and kitchen, with strangers.  Her rent was $720*, and had been rising steadily over the past few years. She had been "on the list for a 'Senior Apartment' since July of 2018", and finally had a meeting that she thought would "seal the deal" on November 4 of this year... Alas! They wanted a copy of a benefits letter that this dear woman did not possess. But her hopes were not dashed; she wasn't giving up. She would achieve her goal in time.

Our St. Vincent de Paul Society - thanks only to your generosity - was able to pay a portion of this neighbor's rent in December, and also sent her an HEB card for a few essentials at the store... A week or so ago, we received a call from this dear lady. I feared she would tell me that our check had not arrived, but she had only good news to share; she had finally been approved for her spot at the RBJ Senior Center! She was so excited and wanted to thank us again for our part in helping her obtain this spot. Our rent help in December allowed her to pay the deposit on her new place - for which she will now pay only $416 in monthly rent - and she moves in on January 15th! 

A Moment of Reflection

A few things struck me most about this encounter; her fervent desire to thank us (and by extension - ALL OF YOU IN OUR GENEROUS PARISH!)  and her comment that she prays for us "and everyone". We chatted about the importance of "praying for everyone - NO exceptions!" We are all neighbors and that is more important than ever right now. Please keep the St. Vincent de Paul Society in your prayers as we serve our neighbors.

Note on the $720* - If you're not "in the market" right now, you may not be aware of how expensive a city Austin has become over the past few years. A report on NPR Radio this week made the assertion that "Outside of California, Austin will soon be the least affordable city in the nation."  Rents have skyrocketed! It's frightening to look into the future of our once "sleepy little college town."

~ Huddie Murray 

700 Block Congress Avenue, Austin, TX
Photographer Marian Davis ca. late 1950s - early 1960s  
UT Architecture VRC Exhibit

Neighbors Helping Neighbors -  We'd Welcome You to Join Us

Encounters like this one are experienced by the members of our parish St. Vincent de Paul Society every day. We invite you to explore the work of the SVdP. Learn more by contacting Huddie at [email protected].