Xavier first reached out to SVdP Detroit’s Conference at St. Joseph in Trenton for help with rent. In the past year, he had been released from jail, found work doing manual labor, and was living in his car while he waited for an apartment to open up. When his employer discovered he was sleeping in his car, he lost his job.
Determined to start over, Xavier told the Conference he wanted to make something of himself. The Conference assisted with that month’s rent and helped furnish his apartment, since he had very little to his name. When his car later broke down and put his next job at risk, SVdP Detroit stepped in again with car repairs so he could keep working.
Xavier’s life began to take shape. He and his fiancée found jobs, but when their hours were cut, they fell behind on rent and reached out once more. Wanting a more secure future for his family, Xavier turned to Michigan Works and was accepted into a CDL training program to become a truck driver. His training was covered, but he would not be paid while enrolled. With no other family to lean on, the St. Joseph Trenton Conference continued assisting with rent through his training.
After completing the training program, Xavier immediately found work as a truck driver. He and his fiancée welcomed a baby, and with SVdP Detroit’s help, moved into a larger, more affordable apartment. The Conference’s Vincentians remain in touch with the family, grateful to have walked alongside them through every setback and every step forward.
