Share the Season helps family with rent after job loss, overseas deployment

Frank was working as a civilian after time spent serving in the military. In November 2020, he was laid off during the COVID-19 shutdown. He immediately found a job with a different company and was able to continue providing for his family. Almost a year later, Frank was again laid off.

He decided to re-enlist with the military and received orders to immediately deploy outside of the United States. Knowing he had secured a steady income, he was relieved, even though it meant he would not be spending Christmas with his wife and daughter stateside.

The time off, however, had put the family in financial jeopardy. Aside from other bills and family necessities, his November rent was overdue, and another rental payment would be due Dec. 1. The family’s funds had run out, and he would not receive his first paycheck from his military service until mid-December, placing his family in danger of eviction.

Threatened with the potential loss of shelter, Frank and his wife sought financial assistance and were referred to The Salvation Army. Charlotte, Frank’s wife, came to the Salvation Army’s Wichita City Command building downtown where she filled out an application for the Share the Season program.

After reviewing her submission, a caseworker met with Charlotte and it was determined that the family qualified for assistance. The Share the Season program, a partnership with the Wichita Eagle and The Salvation Army, helped Charlotte and Frank pay their rent. Now Frank would be able to leave his family stateside with peace of mind, knowing they would have shelter while he served.

HOW TO GET HELP

To apply for assistance, visit www.sharetheseason.org or come in person to The Salvation Army, at 350 N. Market in downtown Wichita. The application deadline is noon, Jan. 16, 2022. For more information, call 316-263-2769.

HOW TO GIVE HELP

Send contributions to The Salvation Army, Share the Season, 350 N. Market, Wichita, KS 67202. To donate online, visit www.sharetheseason.org. If you have any questions about donating, call 316-425-6156.