When Eva* reached out to JFCS East Bay, she was doing everything right—and still falling behind. 

In her 70s and living alone in Alameda County, Eva carefully manages both her health and her limited finances. Each month requires careful planning, every expense weighed against the next. But on a fixed SSI income, even a small, unexpected cost—like a car repair or a medical bill—can quickly unravel that fragile balance. 

After paying rent for her apartment, there was often little left for essentials like utilities, food, or transportation. What most of us take for granted—knowing where your next meal will come from, or whether you can keep the lights on—became a constant source of stress and uncertainty. For Eva, that meant not just financial strain, but the emotional weight of feeling like she was one unexpected event away from crisis. 

Through the Jewish Community Safety Net, Eva was connected to critical support at just the right time. She received three months of rent assistance, help with a utility bill, and access to food and transportation resources—support that helped stabilize her immediate situation and restore a sense of security in her daily life. 

But beyond the tangible assistance, what Eva remembers most is how she was treated. She was met with compassion, dignity, and respect—never judgment. In a moment when she felt vulnerable and overwhelmed, she felt seen, heard, and valued. 

Eva later shared how deeply that experience stayed with her—not just the relief of having her basic needs met, but the profound impact of knowing she was not alone. 

Because of supporters like you, individuals like Eva are able to regain stability, dignity, and hope—one moment of support at a time.