I didn’t think I’d ever need The Salvation Army — I had a good, stable job. I was someone who donated and volunteered at the food pantry. I wasn’t someone who used their services.

And then I lost my job — just like that, after 15 years. I’d always been able to provide for my family . . . cover expenses . . . even save a little money. But now the rent was due and I couldn’t pay it. We were going to be evicted. I never thought it could happen to my family. It was my fault. I was devastated. I didn’t tell my family where I was going — but I went to The Salvation Army.

They helped me with the month’s rent. Even gave me some food to tide us over. But for me, the most important thing they did was to tell me not to feel ashamed — “everyone needs a hand sometimes,” they said. “You’ve helped others, and now they’re helping you.”