From Donor to Client

When the recession started to hit in 2008, we saw a 74% increase in clients seeking services. Many people have lost their jobs and are struggling to provide the basic necessities for their families. One anonymous client of Sojourner Truth House in Gary has been going to the pantry on and off for less than a year because of this exact reason. “I need the groceries from the pantry to subsidize what little I can buy. I recently lost my job and am supposed to be getting food stamps, but I haven’t started receiving them yet,” she explains.

“People think it’s bad to have to come to a food pantry, but I’m struggling so I need to come here. Just because I’m struggling doesn’t mean I’m going to die though. We all have our ups and downs, but we get through them.”
She is able to look on the bright side of her situation though. “One of the things I’ve noticed through all of this is the friends I’ve made. They’re some of the best types of friends because they don’t have anything to give you but being a good friend.”

“If you can donate, do it. I used to donate all the time, but things are different now. To those who do donate, thank you,” she says.