Lauren: What's that?

Luka: Airplane.

Lauren: Airplane!

Lauren: It felt as though the rug was pulled out from under me.

Catherine Anaya: It's been a rough few months for 22-year-old Lauren Garcia of Phoenix.

Lauren: I love the outdoors because I feel so rightfully small.

Anaya: She spends some mornings hiking with her son, Luka.

After losing her job in December of 2025, Garcia had to take him out of daycare.

Lauren: It's really hard to be a single mom.

I knew when having Luka that I was at a financial disadvantage because I was, you know, in the middl of getting my bachelor's degree.

Anaya: Garcia found herself scrambling to pay for rent, utilities and food.

Lauren: It was in the back of my mind that I would need to muster up that that strength to ask for help.

Anaya: One of several places she's receiving help from is Saint Vincent de Paul, which provides her with food, utility and rent support.

In addition to these services, Saint Vincent's prepares and serves 5,000 hot meals a day for Arizonans in need like at this central Phoenix kitchen.

Lauren never imagined she would be one of the thousands in need.

Lauren: There's this misconception that people who use assistance are lazy unwilling to work, inadequate.

It's shown me the importance of refraining from judgment.

Luka: Matchy matchy.

Lauren: Mac and cheese.

Anaya: Garcia's working again while also caring for Luka, and says the whole experience i both humbling and eye opening.

Lauren: I am a prime example of someone who every day evaluates themselves to be a better human being, a better mother.

A better... societal member.

But I need the help.

And that is exactly what it's in place for.

Anaya: Reporting for Arizona PBS, I'm Catherine Anaya.