For more than 20 years, J.P., 62, built a career in the food industry, many of those years as a supervisor, and took pride in his ability to provide for himself. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, he lost both of his jobs. Although he eventually managed to regain stability, a heart attack followed by triple bypass surgery left him unable to work for an extended period. Facing a sharp increase in rent, he was forced to leave his one-bedroom apartment and experienced homelessness for the first time. 

“Even when I was making $25 an hour, it wasn’t enough to pay rent and keep up with my bills and car maintenance,” Joseph recalled. “When I lost my job and my home, I had nothing.”

After spending some time volunteering and staying in a local shelter, Joseph now lives in a tent while maintaining his part-time job. Despite his best efforts, he faced daily food insecurity and was often unsure of where his next meal would come from. That changed when a Department of Community & Human Services (DCHS) caseworker connected him to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP assists individuals and families who are unable to purchase sufficient food for themselves by issuing an electronic benefit (EBT) card to purchase eligible food items.  

“Without SNAP right now, I don’t know what my situation would be,” he said. “It’s made it possible for me to eat without having to choose between food or paying for gas, car maintenance, or my phone, which I need to look for better employment. SNAP is saving my life right now.”

With his monthly SNAP benefits, Joseph plans carefully, purchasing heart-healthy frozen meals that he can heat before leaving work and eat later in his tent. He also buys ice to keep food from spoiling in the tent and to keep drinks cold. “It may not seem like much to some people, but for me, it’s the difference between going hungry and having a meal,” he said.

Through a partnership with the Division of Aging, J.P. has also enrolled in the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program and looks forward to visiting local markets to supplement his diet with fresh fruits and vegetables that do not require refrigeration. These nutritious additions will help him maintain his health and reduce risk of future health complications.

Now that he has a consistent food budget, Joseph is focusing on finding a higher paying job and securing stable housing. “This is just another chapter in my life,” he shared. “Thanks to SNAP, I have strength to turn the page. I’m very grateful for the services available through the City of Alexandria and for the staff at the Department of Community & Human Services who connected me to these critical resources.” 

J.P. is currently on the shelter waitlist and looks forward to visiting the City’s hot meal programs in the coming weeks as the weather turns colder.

Learn more about SNAP and other Alexandria food resources and see the DCHS Homeless Services webpage, including a video introducing other residents who are homeless.  Homelessness is a deeply complex issue affecting individuals and families from all walks of life. Learn more and get involved in helping others on their path to permanent housing, because everyone deserves a safe place to call home.

Thomas Bezabih, DCHS Human Services Specialist, contributed to this article.