Fundraising campaigns target specific groups in need  

Published: Sunday, March 06, 2011 in New Haven Register
By Steve Higgins, Special to the Register

Editor’s note: Neighbor-to-Neighbor LifeLine is an emergency winter fundraising program of United Way of Greater New Haven and the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven to raise awareness and funds to address critical housing and hunger needs in the region. This is one in a series of articles outlining those needs. To get involved, visit www.n2nlifeline.org.

Valerie was working as a teacher and living on the Shoreline two years ago when her life began to come apart. She was laid off from her job and last year was evicted from her apartment. Valerie moved into a less expensive apartment in New Haven and took on part-time work, but it wasn’t enough to pay all of the bills. With nowhere else to turn, Valerie approached Jewish Family Service of New Haven for help. The organization provided Valerie with emergency money to pay her car insurance bill and her electric bill that month.  “They came through for me,” said Valerie, who now is working three part-time jobs. “I don’t know how I would have gotten through that rough patch. I still struggle day to day, but that particular time, it was even worse. It was like I was drowning and someone threw out a lifeline to me. I feel so grateful.”