LINCOLN — When Silvina emigrated to the United States from Ecuador a decade ago, she thought her dreams were about to come true.
The young woman had earned a degree in architecture from a prestigious South American university, and looked forward to continuing her education in the United States and begin a successful career.
As Silvina, a devout Catholic, became established in her new country, she also met the man of her dreams and was married. The young woman studied English, and eventually found work as an architect’s assistant, and planned to take additional courses in architecture and engineering to obtain a license to practice in Rhode Island.
Suddenly, Silvina’s world fell apart five years ago when she learned that her husband had a criminal past. She obtained a divorce, earned custody of the couple’s infant daughter and assumed the mortgage payments for the modest home that the couple had recently purchased.
The young mother struggled to make ends meet, but was determined to provide a good life for her daughter. She was grateful to have a job, but became worried when a number of construction projects her employer had contracted were cancelled because of the faltering economy.
Last June, Silvina lost her job. While she receives unemployment benefits, she cannot make ends meet. Silvina frequently purchased food, paid bills and made mortgage payments using credit cards.
“I’m seeing my gray days,” she reflected. “My mortgage is due today and I don’t have any credit.”
Silvina said that she’s incurred a great deal of credit card debt just by charging a $1500 mortgage payment for several months, not to mention other necessities, and now faces high payments and interest surcharges.
Two weeks ago, Silvina contacted Proyecto Esperanza (Project Hope) in error when she tried to contact another social service agency whose listing in the telephone book appeared above the diocesan agency. She was desperate to find assistance because her fuel tank was almost empty and there was no money to purchase any oil.
“I called Project Hope by mistake,” she recalled. “I dialed the wrong number. It was God helping me out.”
When Silvina explained why she was calling, Project Hope intern Kim Caron informed her about the “Keep the Heat On” program. Once it was determined that Silvina was eligible to receive assistance, 100 gallons of heating oil was delivered to her home.
“I didn’t have much oil,” she said. “The boiler was at the point of stopping.”
Silvina added that she is very grateful for the assistance she has received from the diocese.
“That was big,” she exclaimed.
“Now I have a nice warm house thanks to ‘Keep the Heat On.’ That was a blessing until I can figure out what to do.”
“Jobs are so hard to find,” Silvina lamented.
“There is no construction around here. Everyone is hurting.”
The hopeful woman disclosed that she has sought employment in coffee shops and convenience stores, but has not been offered a position because prospective employers fear that she will soon leave once she obtains employment in her chosen field.
“I have been through some tough times but I always stand up,” Silvina emphasized. “I have faith in God. He never leaves me.”
To apply for assistance through “Keep the Heat On,” call 421-7833 or log on to www.heatri.com. Donations in the form of a check can be made payable to the “Keep the Heat On,” 184 Broad St., Providence, R.I. 02903. Contributions can also be made online using a secure sever, by visiting www.heatri.com/donate.
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