When a financial crisis hits, it rarely comes alone.
A medical emergency, a loss of income, or an unexpected accident can quickly put a family at risk of losing their home. Thanks to a $50,000 grant from Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, Catholic Charities was able to step in at critical moments—providing emergency financial assistance that kept dozens of families in Maricopa County safely housed.
This funding was fully dedicated to emergency assistance and made an immediate impact across Central Arizona programs, with the majority supporting residents in Catholic Charities affordable housing communities.
In total, the funding helped:
- 47 families
- 55 children
- 12 seniors
- 3 veterans
- 2 individuals with disabilities
Behind each number is a story of resilience—and a moment where timely support made all the difference.
A Mother’s Determination
Mabel knows firsthand how quickly stability can be threatened—and how important it is to keep moving forward. A mother of four, Mabel has spent years working to create a different life for her children after growing up in a home marked by violence.
“When I became a mom, I wanted to show my kids something different that I didn’t have and show them love,” she said. “I could never give up.”
Her journey has included time in shelters and living in hotels before eventually securing housing through community support. Today, she and her children live at Acacia Heights, where they have been building stability for the past year.
A Crisis Moment—and a Lifeline
Earlier this year, Mabel’s family faced a series of unexpected challenges all at once. Her teenage daughter was involved in a car accident that totaled their vehicle. “Thank God she was okay,” Mabel said. “I just hugged her and told her it was okay. I’m just glad she was safe.”
Soon after, her daughter developed pneumonia, requiring Mabel to take time off work to care for her. At the same time, a mix-up with her food assistance created even more financial strain.
With income disrupted and expenses mounting, Mabel found herself at risk of falling behind on rent. “The last thing I ever want is for me to end up on the street with my kids,” she shared.
Through Catholic Charities’ Resident Services Program, Mabel accessed emergency assistance funded by the Piper Trust. “It helped me to catch up on my bills and buy food for my kids and not have to end up on the streets,” she said. “I’m grateful I get to stay at Acacia.”
More Than Housing
Resident Services often serves as the bridge between a temporary setback and a housing crisis. By providing on-site support in affordable housing communities, Resident Services teams connect families to resources, offer guidance, and respond quickly when emergencies arise.
“I am really grateful… that we are able to get services on the property,” Mabel said. “Even items like toilet paper or hygiene items are very helpful.”
For Mabel, the relationships built through Resident Services are just as meaningful as the resources. “Ms. Lesley is amazing and always willing to help me,” she said. “She really listens to and cares about the people that live here.”
The Power of Timely Support
The ability to provide direct financial assistance made a significant difference for staff working closely with residents.
“Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust emergency assistance funding was a huge relief for many of the families we serve,” said Rebecca Zeimet, Resident Services Program Manager. “Rental assistance is one of our number one requests… and being able to directly help them in such a substantial way is so beneficial.”
Most requests for assistance came through Resident Services teams, including Rebecca Zeimet’s team and Housing for Hope’s property manager, Kristy Enricco, who work daily with families navigating financial instability.
“We consistently hear stories of hardship, and this emergency assistance funding allowed us to alleviate some of the stresses these families were facing,” Rebecca added. “Seeing the positive impact we can make in someone’s life reminds me why I do what I do.”
Resident Services Specialist Lesley Glueck Johnston, who worked closely with Mabel, said, “We are very grateful for Piper Trust’s assistance funding because it allowed us to help her family in their time of need, and she can stay in this community that they call home.”
Preventing Homelessness, One Family at a Time
Emergency assistance is often the difference between staying housed and facing homelessness.
It keeps children in school, parents at work, and families together in stable environments. It gives people the breathing room they need to recover from unexpected setbacks and move forward.
Thanks to the generosity of Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, families across our communities didn’t have to face crisis alone. They had support. They had stability. And most importantly, they had a place to call home.
