Trying to provide food for seven people on one income is a tall order these days. But that’s exactly what Myriam and her family are doing – and it hasn’t been easy.

“Everything is really expensive,” she says. “And then paying the utility bills for the house, that doesn’t stop. The bills keep coming.”

Myriam has a full house, including her husband, two children, aging parents, and a sister who recently lost a job and can’t afford rent. Right now, her husband is the sole income provider. While Myriam would like to add to their household income, between taking care of their children (ages 14 and 10) and her parents (in their 80s), she simply doesn’t have the time.

Myriam is grateful for the nutritious food and support she finds at the Houston Food Bank’s Community Resource Center and one of our local partner pantries she visits.

“We’re struggling a lot,” she says. “But coming here helps us avoid going hungry.”

“It gives us a breather because we don’t have much money,” she says. “With the food they give you, you can stretch your budget. We use the food to feed our family and not be so stressed.”

Myriam says, “Thank you for your generous heart!”

And she wants you to know the impact you make for her, and so many families like hers. “Thank you for helping people like us who are in need of assistance. Even though we are hardworking people, we are going through a tough time right now, and what you do is making a big difference.”

Myriam encourages others in her situation to also visit their local pantries – because we all need a little help sometimes.

“Don’t be embarrassed,” she says. “I’m one of them. A social worker told me, ‘You’re in a tight spot, but this can help you save some money to pay your bills.’”

“We all go through times like these, and you can’t do it alone. You need help, and better times will come.”

Return to Stories of Hope