Location: Phoenix, AZ 

Interviewed at Desert Mission Food Bank

Because of the Coronavirus I lost my job seven weeks ago and now; I have no income.  I was working as a server, and most of my income came from the tips I received. 

It has been super hard to get by. I was hoping that the stay at home restrictions would not last long. I was only able to pay April’s rent because I worked for a couple of weeks in March. For the first time I went to St. Vincent de Paul to get help. They were able to help me pay for utilities this month. 

I recently got on the SNAP Program and receive $194 each month. I am grateful that because of the Coronavirus the Governor of Arizona approved additional funds and we will be getting more benefits for the months of March, April, and May, 

I see the benefits of federal programs. I have been desperate, as I am the sole provider for myself and my son, Alejandro. Without the help of the Food Banks I do not know what would happen to  families like mine in these hard times. I do not think we will go back to normal; I do not see restaurants filled up again.  Wearing masks and gloves will stay around for a long time. 

I am a hard worker, I am now looking for a job where I can contribute to others, maybe by working in a hospital or a senior home.  I hope that one day I will be the person that is  able to give back and do something meaningful for someone else who is in need.