It looked like Bronx natives Maria and Craig Fonseca were doing well – they held two steady jobs, and their affordable three-bedroom apartment in the Bronx had room for their family offive. They have lived in the same apartment for over 20 years and like their safe neighborhood. Their children had never lived anywhere else. But suddenly, Craig was n the hospital with a serious cardiac issue. Nothing could be taken for granted anymore. “It was a big hock for all ofus. He’s the backbone of the family, the person that takes care of us,” says Maria. Unfortunately, because Craig hadjust started a new job, he wasn’t eligible for disability benefits.When he stopped working, he stopped earning.
Maria soon realized that they were in trouble. Even with their 20-year-old daughter working and contributing, their rent wasn’t manageable without Craig’s income. Within months, the landlord cook them to housing court for arrears of over $5,000. Craig was able to return to work after five months, but even then they could not catch up – and eviction was a real possibility. “The worry is you don’t know what the outcome will be,” says Maria. “I was praying that we would be able to stay together.” She knew finding another affordable apartment in New York City large enough for the ,,·hole family would be nearly impossible .
Maria was terrified, but she was also determined. “I was going to do whatever I had to do not to lose his place. It was scary.” She looked for help anywhere she could find it. When one agency didn’t approve their request for emergency assistance, she was referred to The Bridge Fund. It was a lifeline. The caseworker said they would help us. “I could cry right now,” Maria said, “They were really nice to me, they were really empathetic.”
The Bridge Fund provided budget counseling, information about housing court and helped with i:he rent arrears. The family covered the rest. Now Craig is established at work as a full-time employee, and Maria loves her job and received a promotion. Maria looks at the view from her window and smiles.