For Daisy, life in the Bronx is built on hard work, family, and the daily routines that keep everything in balance.
She works most days at a restaurant, takes on housekeeping jobs when she can, visits her son in Brooklyn, and spends time caring for her small dog, a Shih Tzu named Chispita (which means “little spark” in Spanish). After years of working hard to support herself, she never expected to find herself at risk of losing her apartment.
During a difficult period that began during the pandemic, Daisy faced a series of setbacks that made it impossible to keep up with rent. What started as a temporary financial strain quickly became a crisis — one that nearly led to eviction. With the help of Catholic Charities of New York, she was able to stabilize her situation, remain in her home, and move forward with peace of mind.
“It all started during the pandemic,” Daisy said through an interpreter. “I was one of the first people at my job to be sent home. I lived off my savings and unemployment, and when that ran out, I had to start over again.”
After finding work again, things began to improve, but another emergency soon followed. When her mother became seriously ill in Mexico, Daisy began sending money every week to help cover medical bills and funeral expenses.
“Instead of paying my rent, I had to help my mom,” she said. “The expenses were very strong, and I had to send money every week. When she passed away, I also had to cover the hospital bills and funeral costs, and that’s when I fell behind on my rent.”
At the same time, unexpected costs continued to pile up. “My dog got sick too,” she said. “Everything happened at once.” As the rent debt grew, Daisy tried to find help on her own but struggled to navigate the system. “I applied for help many times, but I kept getting denied,” she said. “I didn’t know where else to go.”
Like many people who come to Catholic Charities of New York, Daisy had been trying to manage everything on her own before realizing she needed help.
A Flyer That Made a World of Difference
Daisy eventually found a flyer in her building listing organizations that assist tenants facing housing problems. Through that referral, she was connected to Catholic Charities of New York, where she began working with Jennifer Guerrero, her case manager, to prevent eviction and apply for emergency assistance.
Jennifer helped Daisy complete applications, gather documents, communicate with other agencies, and stay in contact with her landlord while her case was being reviewed.
“She helped me with everything,” Daisy said. “She was patient, she listened to me, she helped me with the paperwork, and she helped me apply again. She was like an angel for me.”
At the time, Daisy had already received a marshal’s notice and was at risk of being removed from her apartment if the rent was not paid. Jennifer also spoke with the landlord while assistance was being processed, helping give Daisy the time she needed to complete the required steps.
“I felt good because someone could talk to the landlord and explain the situation,” Daisy said. “He wanted his money, but thanks to the help, we were able to stop the eviction and follow the process.”
Daisy’s experience reflects the work Catholic Charities of New York does every day to help neighbors remain safely in their homes during times of crisis.
Through housing stability services, eviction prevention programs, emergency financial assistance, and case management, Catholic Charities of New York helps individuals and families avoid homelessness and remain in stable housing across the archdiocese. Each year, these services assist more than 16,000 people — helping them remain in their homes as they work to regain stability.
Jennifer says many of the families she works with are only one setback away from losing their housing.
“A lot of people are dealing with rental arrears or eviction,” Jennifer said. “Sometimes someone in the family gets sick, or they lose a job, and everything falls behind. We help them apply for assistance, connect with agencies, and try to keep them stable.”
How a One Shot Deal Helped Daisy Stay in Her Home
With Jennifer’s help, Daisy was eventually able to apply for a One Shot Deal, an emergency assistance program provided through New York City that can help cover rent arrears, utilities, or other urgent expenses for tenants at risk of eviction.
Jennifer helped guide her through the process, which can be difficult for people who are unfamiliar with the system or who need help gathering documents.
“A One Shot Deal is financial assistance you can apply for through the city if you fall behind on rent or bills,” Jennifer explained. “Sometimes people already have a marshal’s notice or are close to eviction, and this can help them catch up and stay in their homes.”
Because Daisy had already been denied assistance before, the process required patience, paperwork, and communication with multiple agencies. Jennifer also stayed in contact with the landlord while the application was being reviewed, helping give Daisy the time she needed.
With the help of Catholic Charities of New York, Daisy was eventually approved for assistance that allowed her to catch up on rent and keep her apartment.
“Now I can sleep,” she said. “Before, I was always worried that the next day I would lose my apartment. Now I feel calm, and I am working hard so I don’t fall behind again.”
Through the experience, she says she learned that asking for help is not something to be ashamed of.
“I didn’t know there was help out there,” she said. “I tried to do everything alone, but now I know you have to ask. There are people who want to help.”
Jennifer says many people hesitate to seek help until the situation becomes urgent. “Sometimes people don’t know where to go, or the process feels too difficult,” she said. “We try to guide them step by step so they can get through the situation and stay in their homes.”
Support That Keeps Families in Their Homes
Daisy says she is grateful to the supporters who make this work possible for people facing difficult moments in their lives.
“Thank you to the people who donate,” she said. “Because of them, many people can get help. Their donations really make a difference, and if one day I can give too, I would like to do that.”
Today, Daisy says she is focused on working, caring for her family, and staying current on her rent. She is grateful for the support that helped her stay in her home when she needed it most.
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