Member Spotlight: Maggie
Over one third of households in California do not earn enough to be self-sufficient without the help of friends, family, government or community organizations like SHCS. This makes it difficult to save for times of transition, temporary job loss, change in family structure, or even an unanticipated large bill. The new building at 550 South First will be home to our Low-Income Heating and Energy Assistance Program (LI-HEAP) and our Family Assistance team that provides emergency rental assistance.
Longtime SHCS member and leader, Maggie’s story exemplifies why these programs are important and how a personal commitment to building community can ensure more stability for the next generation.
In 1995, Maggie immigrated to the US from Poland seeking better opportunities for her future. Arriving in JFK Airport, Maggie’s view of the US didn’t match up with what she had seen in the movies. She found herself unprepared to navigate the new systems she encountered. On one occasion, Maggie paid $5,000 for an attorney to help her apply for a visa. Later on, she found out that she could have gotten it for free from the tourism office. Nevertheless, Maggie found work in a textile factory in Brooklyn and rented a room from her employer.
Maggie continued working and making connections with her community. She found love, got married, and started a family. On a visit to California her husband was arrested and went to jail in Solano County. In order for the children to be close to their father, Maggie moved to California. After this major move and the loss of her husband’s income, Maggie did everything she could to make ends meet from panhandling, to selling chocolate to housekeeping, to earning a certificate and becoming a gardener.
Maggie also continued to participate in her community. She attended a Polish church where she learned about Sacred Heart Community Service. Like so many low-wage workers there are times when Maggie is more stable and doesn’t need services and times when she does. She explained that Sacred Heart Community Service is important because it provides, “...help in the moment when you don’t have nothing – it’s crucial because you don’t have food on your table,” Maggie says.
“It’s about knowing that you can turn somewhere. It makes a difference. It’s a life line. It gives people a sense of security and hope, to have someone to listen to you when you are short on rent and have no gift for your child. You are able to worry less, and say to yourself, ‘I’m going to make it through this month and next month will be better.”
Over the years she has volunteered and participated in SHCS programs - two of which will be moving to SHCS’s new space at 550 S. First Street. At the beginning of the pandemic Maggie struggled with her finances. She used the United Way Bay Area hotline, 211, to find out how she could get help and sought out rental assistance at SHCS. Maggie has also utilized the Low-Income Heating and Energy Assistance Program SHCS administers county-wide when residents are behind on their PG&E bill. Combined, both of these programs helped Maggie and will continue to help more than 10,000 families each year from the new location.
SHCS’ food, clothing, toy and backpack programs have helped Maggie to raise two thriving children. Her daughter is working full time and pursuing a college degree. Her son is also working full time and pursuing a career in the military.
Maggie continues to build community and advocate for everyone. She has become a leader on SHCS’ Family Assistance advisory committee where she provides staff with guidance on how to improve programs so that they are easier to access. Maggie has a special interest in figuring out how to help people that are unhoused. She feels it’s everyone’s responsibility to help. The solutions for poverty and houselessness are something everyone can work together to help fix, she noted, we can’t wait for the government to solve them.
Maggie is proud to be a leader and member at Sacred Heart Community Service. She urges us all to support SHCS and its expansion.