Faith and Perseverance Guide Couple to Housing Assistance
Sophia and Eddie were sweethearts in their teens. Though their relationship ended, they remained friends. Fast forward to 2013, and the couple reconnected, rekindled their love and decided to marry. “Eddie is my rock,” Sophia said. “We’ve been through so much together.”
In 2018, tragedy struck when a fire destroyed their home in Trenton, leaving them with nothing. The devastation set off a series of hardships: the onset of COVID, financial struggles, health scares and Eddie’s loss of employment due to a disability. “You know the saying, ‘When it rains, it pours,’” Eddie reflected. “Well, after the fire, it kept raining. The floods came, and the levee broke…” He shook his head as he recalled the overwhelming challenges they faced.
Homelessness Takes a Toll Mentally and Physically
Finding permanent housing became a constant struggle. Affordable housing in New Jersey is scarce, with the National Low Income Housing Coalition estimating the state needs over 200,000 more affordable units to ease the current crisis. Over the years, the couple found themselves in temporary emergency shelter placements, but none offered lasting stability.
“We stayed in motels and spent many nights sleeping in our car,” Sophia recalled. “It was exhausting. The stress and uncertainty took a toll on us and our marriage.” But despite everything, they had each other. “We promised we would keep pushing and weather this storm together,” she said. And they prayed. “We saw this as a lesson, something God wanted us to learn. We believe the power of prayer helped us through the hardest times.”
With no kitchen to cook in, they relied on fast food and used phone apps for discounts to save every penny. When Sophia was diagnosed with diabetes, a new worry emerged: how would they keep her insulin cold? Eddie created a makeshift refrigerator with cardboard boxes, plastic bags and ice to keep it cool. Through it all, Sophia managed to maintain her employment.
Small Kindnesses Kept Them Going
Sophia’s supervisor was aware of her situation and offered her prayers and understanding when she had to leave early or arrive late. While Sophia worked, Eddie tirelessly searched for help. He traveled from Trenton to Camden, often walking miles from train stops to visit organizations that might help. “I was on every waiting list,” Eddie said. “I was out there every day, rain or shine. The bus drivers got to know me, and some would let me ride for free because they knew I didn’t have money.”
Despite his persistence, Sophia admitted there were moments when she felt ready to give up. In September 2024, they had almost lost hope of ever finding the housing support they so desperately needed. That’s when Eddie visited Catholic Charities’ office in Burlington and met Amanda Grannan, a newly hired Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Case Manager. The program offers financial assistance, housing search help and case management to ensure stable housing can be maintained.
Amanda was able to temporarily place them in a motel, and within a month, they were signing a lease for a new apartment. They also received food, clothing and household items from the agency’s food pantry.
“I was a little overwhelmed at first,” Amanda admitted. She wasted no time. “Amanda didn’t leave any stone unturned,” Eddie said. “Even though she was new to the job, she worked like she’d been doing it for years. She knew so much about other community resources, and she followed through on everything she said she would—and then some.” After they moved in, Amanda presented the couple with a Welcome Home Basket, complete with pots, pans and bedding.
“Ms. Grannan and the whole team at Catholic Charities are like angels to us,” Sophia said. “Now, I go to work rested, and when I come home, I can enjoy a warm, healthy meal. Eddie and I know how hard it is for so many people facing homelessness, and our message to them is: ‘Never give up. Keep reaching out.’”
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When Amanda Grannan met Sophia and Eddie, she was new in her role as a Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Case Manager. She was moved by all the couple had endured and was determined to help them. Within a month, Sophia and Eddie were signing a lease for their permanent home.
Catholic Charities’ Community Servcies team offers a variety of supports for individuals and families who need assistance. For information in Burlington County call 856–764–6940; in Mercer County call 609–394–8847 and in Ocean County call 732–363–5322.