After receiving an eviction notice, she’d applied for assistance through Westdale’s housing fund.
She had been placed on a waiting list.
But on Monday morning, Clare called to say her application had been approved.
The program would cover her overdue rent and January’s payment.
Four thousand two hundred dollars.
I stared at her.
Pat continued.
“Clare said a large donation had made it possible. She told me it came from a woman honoring her late husband.”
She looked directly into my eyes.
“Joanne, it was you.”
I could barely speak.
Of all the people Westdale had helped, Renee’s mother had been one of them.
The same woman my family had been desperately trying to protect.
Pat began crying.
“Your husband’s collection helped me keep my apartment.”
I moved beside her and embraced her.
“You didn’t take anything from me,” I whispered. “You applied for assistance, and you received it. That’s exactly why the fund exists.”
