Palm Beach County residents were asked:
Please tell us a story about how the coronavirus has impacted your life.
All responses are shared below by date (newest to oldest). Click ZOOM IN to learn more about the resident and how they interpreted their response.
Hi, Im Juanita Hernandez I couldnt pay my bill this month because Ive had a hard time since my two sons moved out. They used to help me out but I also became disabled and I cannot work. I have fibsios of the lungs, Im always in chronic pain. Also, I have a case pending with social security but they havent approved me yet. Its been hard on me and my family. I have a seven year old son, his father died three years ago of cancer and he used to help me out. My older kids father also passed away two weeks ago in Mexico and we had to raise money to pay for his funeral. Life has just been so hard for me and my family these past couple of years. Ive been scammed with credit cards for life insurance loans etc. Thank you so much for everything! I really appreciate it.
Fidelina FloresHi, Im Fidelina Flores I was forced to stop working on March 18th due to the covid-19 outbreak. I have three kids, an 11 month old an 8 year old and an 18 year old. I used to work at a restaurant called Las Flores. After a couple of months of staying home I was able to go back to work, but only for one day. My employment income decreased drastically leaving me and my family in a very hard financial situation. My husband also got his work hours reduced. He is working just three days a week because his employer follows the social distance guidelines and they dont allow many people people working at the same time. This pandemic has affected us a lot, we are struggling to pay rent and bills every month.
Immigration/Covid-19My name is Yadira, I have 5 children. Ages 16, 11, 9, 5 and 2 years old. Immigration detained me and my husband back in November 2019. I was in immigration detention for 2 weeks, my brother took care of my kids during this time. Once I was released, I was forced to use an ankle bracelet. My husband was detained for 2 months and then deported to Mexico. I am providing for my kids by myself. Before the covid-19 outbreak I used to work cleaning houses. But due to the virus I havent been able to work. Everybody is afraid, so my clients dont want me to go to clean their homes. My brother has been helping me, but he has his own family to provide for. I am going through a serious hardship. And I am grateful to find this program that is supporting me and my family, thank you.
My StoryI am Janette Lopez, Im a single mother. I live with my mother, sister and 12 year old son. We all four caught the virus covid 19. Till this day we are still recovering. Unfortunately, Im not able to work yet because I am still sick and taking medications. My family and I are very grateful for this foundation. Thank you for paying my previous months rent. And for continuing to support my family and I through the month of June. I am very grateful, Thank you for everything. Janette Lopez
The corona virus has impacted my life by ruining my senior year i couldnt really enjoy school for the remaining of the year we didnt have no senior prom , grad bash , And most importantly not even graduation. Corona virus even killed one of my close friend mom it was a devastating moment because it came out of no where and it was to late to even cherish the last moment we had with her . It continues to impact my life because the world has been caged in and its like you cant enjoy life no more .
My household is made up of my four children ages 11,8,4 and 7 month old along with my husband and I. I stay home to take care of the kids while my he works. My husband works in landscaping, but his hours have been shortened more and more due to the pandemic. This has left us unable to catch up or pay rent. He has been trying to find work and was able to work twenty three days but his boss did not pay him for the work he did so now we are six months behind in rent. This situation has also caused me to rely on the assistance of friends to help pay bills like my phone bill.
About the Project | Story Gallery | How Residents Interpreted Their Stories (Data Visuals)