We Just Can’t do it
Mike and Emily* both work full-time. They’re not extravagant, but they’ve always had enough for themselves and their two kids to get by.
Until they didn’t.
Over the past six months, Emily watched with concern while the cost of petrol to get to and from work increased. Their income wasn’t keeping up with the growing costs of daily living. Their family grocery budget could not stretch to cover the escalating prices at the supermarket.
“Every week the bags became more and more empty.”
Emily and Mike weren’t the only ones feeling the financial pinch. Their landlord was apologetic. “I’m sorry — I just don’t have a choice,” he explained as he raised their rent as a result of rising mortgage and rate costs.
Emily was desparate. How could two people work so hard and it still not be enough? “I just came to a point where I stopped and said, ‘We just can’t do it’.”
A friend told Emily that she could get free food for her family from Kairos Food Rescue. Emily wasn’t sure what she’d find there, but driven by her need, she brought her two kids to Kairos — and was overwhelmed by the quality of food that was on offer.
“We are so grateful. Thank you very much for what you do.”
In the tough economic times following COVID, Kairos has seen a surge of need from quarters that have never needed to ask for help before. Kairos strives to establish relationships with the people they assist, to learn of their stories in order to tailor long-term solutions. After the initial need is filled, Kairos then refers patrons like Mike and Emily on to other organisations and benefits that they may not have realised were available to them, so they can back on their feet financially.
*Based on actual events. Details changed for privacy.
