Paula Callahan grew up in the White Plains building where she lives today at age 57. After leaving for college in 1986, she returned to her childhood home in 1999, bringing her husband with her. Moving back has enabled her to care for her aging mother. “A few years ago, they did some renovations here and some beautiful landscaping. It’s such a pleasure to sit outside and admire everything … A lot has changed but a lot has not, and I like the people and the management,” Paula says. “My mom is 88-to be able to be close to her is great. Today, in fact, it is my mother who drives me to medical appointments.”
For years, the Callahans managed on two steady incomes, paying market-rate rent. But when Covid struck, everything changed. In the early months of the pandemic, Paula’s husband suddenly became ill and passed away. “It was horrible,” Paula remembers. “He had none of the expected symptoms, and it was a total shock.” With no life insurance, funeral expenses consumed her savings. And then family members with no health insurance needed loans during Covid. “I was trying to help some relatives; and some were never able to pay me back, some died. I got overextended.”
Widowed and Jiving on a single income, Paula worked as much overtime as she could, but it
was not enough to keep up. “Losing my husband really changed things for me,” she says. “Paying rent on one income was tough.” As a youth probation officer for over 25 years, Paula knew of organizations like The Bridge Fund, but it had never occurred to her that one day she’d be referred to them for assistance. “I never thought I would be in a situation to need their help.”
Aft er reviewing her case, The Bridge Fund partnered with another agency to pay the outstanding rent. The assistance provided included budget counseling and an interest-free loan with affordable repayment terms. “The Bridge Fund was wonderful in helping me and guiding me, a complete blessing,” Paula says. “I am definitely grateful. Thank God for The Bridge Fund.”