Nikki's Story
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Nikki was frantic …and terrified, as she was just days away from falling into homelessness. Thankfully, she contacted the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha and her life immediately changed for the better.
As background…Nikki is a native Omahan. And, for many years, she (and her rescued cat, Savannah) had been living in their tiny, modest apartment. Nikki worked for a small health firm, providing data support. While she didn’t make much money, Nikki was able to keep up with her rent, pay her utility bills, and care for Savannah. They lived humbly. Late last year, Nikki experienced a medical crisis, which ultimately required significant reconstructive surgery on her leg and foot. Unable to work for 3 ½ months, Nikki was fired from her job. “I was devastated”, shares Nikki. “I couldn’t believe this was happening to me. I was completely lost.” It didn’t take long for Nikki to find herself unable to pay rent for a number of months, as she recovered and looked for other employment opportunities. “Things were SO hard,” reflects Nikki. “I got this eviction notice and I panicked, as I didn’t have much savings. This was the most difficult time in my entire life! I called as many organizations as I could think of to try and find help but got nowhere. I never thought I could be in that kind of position, and I was convinced Savannah and I were about to become homeless. That’s when I contacted St. Vincent de Paul.” 
We are so glad that Nikki reached out.
Working with her landlord, the Society was quickly able to catch Nikki up on her rent and prevent her from being evicted – as well as cover a delinquent utility bill. We also were able to provide Nikki with food from our pantry (including for Savannah!). Around that same timeframe, Nikki found a job doing work similar to what she’d done, previously. Nikki continues: “When St. Vincent de Paul said that they could help, I could barely believe it. I cried and cried tears of joy, and hugged Savannah. “I could not be more thankful than I am to (the Society of) St. Vincent de Paul. I really didn’t know where else to turn. They were truly a godsend, and I really mean that.” Nikki continues to heal from her medical issues, although still struggles, sharing: “Trying to keep everything together, including my mental health, was (and still is) so hard. Being able to have a roof overhead is everything. I just have to remind myself that life is good and that I need to keep my head up – and continue to be grateful for all that I have.” To watch a short, heartfelt video reflection of Nikki sharing more of her gratitude, just click HERE. |
Gifts to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha are used to care for the people who turn to us during their hour of need and are greatly appreciated. All of our services are provided at no cost. All gifts made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Our donor information is kept in strict confidence. Our donor lists are never rented, shared or exchanged with other organizations. The stories in our letters are real. Identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy and therapeutic interests of those we serve. For more information about the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha, or to include us in your estate planning, please contact Development Director, Tim Sully, at (402) 779-8499 or at [email protected].
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Executive Director
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha
