Astrid’s Story
When Work and Family Collide
For Astrid*, a home health aide and single mother, the delicate balance of work and childcare rested on predictable daytime hours. This stability was upended when her client passed away and her employer could only offer overnight shifts – a schedule impossible to maintain without access to overnight childcare.
The impact of declining these shifts rippled through her carefully managed budget. Despite her best efforts to find new employment with agencies offering daytime hours, bills began to mount. Soon, Astrid faced both an electricity shutoff notice and the threat of eviction.
The Weight of Uncertainty
The strain of this situation took its toll. Sleep became elusive as Astrid grappled with mounting anxiety. “I try very hard not to let my child see me cry,” she shared, reflecting the silent burden many parents carry when facing financial hardship. Even as she searched for solutions, each day brought new worries about maintaining a stable home for her daughter.
Between job applications and housing assistance programs, Astrid held onto a longer-term goal: obtaining her CNA license. This certification would open doors to positions in nursing homes and hospitals, offering both higher pay and more predictable hours. However, focusing on career advancement proved challenging while facing immediate housing insecurity.
Rapid Financial Support in Action
When traditional assistance programs couldn’t help due to previous support received, Footbridge stepped in to prevent both eviction and utility disconnection with assistance totaling $2,242.65. This intervention did more than just keep the lights on – it provided Astrid the breathing room needed to focus on securing sustainable employment.
“I’m able to have some relief knowing I can catch up to my bills, I’m able to focus on getting a better job,” Astrid reflected. “It feels like the head start that I needed.”
A Broader Perspective
Astrid’s experience highlights how quickly employment changes can destabilize working families, particularly those in caregiving professions. When childcare constraints and work schedules conflict, parents often face impossible choices between maintaining employment and caring for their children.
This case illustrates the importance of flexible, rapid financial assistance in preventing temporary setbacks from escalating into long-term crises. By addressing immediate needs, families can maintain stability while working toward their long-term goals.
*This name has been changed for privacy reasons.