St. Vincent de Paul stepped in to support an Arizona family in need after an on-the-job accident hospitalized the breadwinner and left him unable to work during the pandemic.

Francisco Guzman was doing electrical work on the roof of a home in Phoenix when his ladder broke, causing him to fall 20 feet to the ground and break both ankles.

“I felt like everything was falling apart,” wife Rosa Guzman told the Society of St. Vincent de Paul for an online account of the family's story. “We didn’t have anybody to support us economically and emotionally. All my family is in Mexico and my husband was in the hospital, so I felt alone. I was depressed and anxious.”

Rosa Guzman and her kids go through the SVdP Family Dining Room drive-thru. | https://www.stvincentdepaul.net/

Francisco Guzman went through multiple surgeries, spent a month in the hospital and another month at a physical therapy facility. Rosa Guzman and their three children, Kendra, Kenya and Alexis, were unable to see Francisco during the process due to the coronavirus.

“We couldn’t visit him while he was in the hospital because of COVID-19 safety measures,” Rosa Guzman said. “Thankfully, we were able to see him through video calls, but I wish I could have been there for him.”

Additionally, the family was without an income until Francisco Guzman could return to work — potentially six or more months after returning home — and the pandemic made it more difficult for Rosa Guzman to find a job. Rosa said she used the family’s savings to buy groceries, but it was not enough to cover rent and utility bills.

As the family was suffering physically, mentally and financially, St. Vincent de Paul stepped in to provide them with food and bill assistance. The Guzmans often dined at St. Vincent de Paul during the nonprofit’s Family Evening Meal while taking advantage of the educational activities in the Dream Center. 

When the coronavirus hit, services changed to offer to-go meals and take-home packets through the Family Dining Room drive-thru window. Rosa Guzman was at the drive-thru window one night needing someone to talk to when she found herself speaking to Dream Center Supervisor Cindy Bernardo. 

“SVdP already does so much for my family,” Rosa Guzman said. “I didn’t intend to ask for help. I just wanted to talk with somebody who would understand how I was feeling.” 

Once the conversation ended, Bernardo called St. Vincent de Paul’s Homelessness Prevention Services Manager Jackie Solares to see what resources could be provided to the Guzman family.

“Within a few days, we were already receiving help from SVdP,” Rosa Guzman said. “Volunteers called and asked about our needs. The next thing I knew, I had a food box and a $900 check for my overdue rent for April and May. It was a blessing and a huge relief.” 

St. Vincent de Paul also provided Francisco with a wheelchair.

“This pandemic hit us hard, but thanks to St. Vincent de Paul, my children haven’t suffered,” said Rosa. “We are very grateful to have a second family like St. Vincent de Paul that can support us during hard times.”