Disaster Case Management
Helping Individuals Fully Recover
The first time Pauline came to LINC she asked for help with her electric bill. Her husband had been picked up in an immigration sweep and was being held for deportation. Pauline has five children, the youngest only 7 months old. We couldn’t pay her electric bill, but we could give her food and diapers. A week or so later, several bags of clothing were donated to LINC. The case manager who who had met with Pauline called her to come get clothes for the children. In addition she suggested she hold a yard sale to help generate income, which she did. Periodically the case manager continues to check up on her. She learned that Pauline makes popsicles in her home and sells them to families as they leave school. With that income and a occasional yard sale, she is managing to minimally provide for her family.
Francesca came to Houston from San Antonio with the assistance of her only friend in the United States to escape an abusive husband. The friend had promised her a place to stay until she found work. However, the friend’s landlord made her leave. She slept behind a grocery store a couple of nights and then was allowed to stay in the back room of a tire shop. After a couple of nights, the owner told her she would have to leave there, and he dropped her off at the LINC office. She was given something to eat and assured that she would be safe. Then the phone calls to shelters began. None had room for her and all had a waiting list.
But God had a partnership plan for Pauline, Francesca, and LINC. In a last frantic attempt to find a place for Francesca, the case manager called Pauline. She said, “I have a huge favor to ask.” Then she told her Francesca’s story. Without a moment’s hesitation Pauline’s response was, “I’ll be right there. She can come home with me and stay as long as she needs.” In less than 15 minutes, Pauline arrived to pick her up. The ladies were reminded to come to the food pantry that was distributing food the next day. On Sunday, Francesco attended church where she met a lady who offered her a job as a housekeeper so she was able to move into her own place.
Pauline was blessed by being able to serve instead of being served. Francesca was blessed with the knowledge that someone cared. And LINC staff was blessed once again with the assurance of God.
Through our case management program, individuals can be empowered to improve their quality of life and build a brighter future for themselves and their families. And sometimes they have a chance to move from being served to being the servant - and that’s what really makes a difference.
