Like many retirees, Murray* worked a part-time job to supplement his fixed income and help make ends meet. When he lost his job at a car repair service shop because of the Covid-19 crisis, Murray’s limited income shrank even more.
That’s why a check-in phone call from the staff at Commonpoint Queens, a UJA partner, was a welcome surprise.
“Out of left field, I got a call checking to see if I needed anything,” Murray says.
A member of the Jewish community in Forest Hills, Murray had participated in a bereavement support group through Commonpoint about a year ago. During the pandemic, staff was reaching out to everyone in the group.
When Murray shared with the social worker that he had lost his supplemental income, she gently let him know he was eligible to receive food.
“I started receiving home-delivered meals each week,” he said. “It gave me a nice feeling of belonging.”
Since March 16, Commonpoint Queens has delivered more than 205,000 meals to people in need.
Murray has only recently started to receive his unemployment benefits. He’s hopeful when his employer’s business is back running up to speed that he’ll be rehired — and he’ll no longer require home-delivered meals. But he’ll remember the assistance Commonpoint provided during a tough time.
“It was a good feeling to know there are organizations out there that really do care about making a difference in someone’s life.”
* Name changed to protect privacy