Lizbeth Rodriguez, a young mother living with her family in Queens, first heard about Public Health Solutions' WholeYouNYC through her health insurance provider, Fidelis Care. At the time, she was facing mounting stress over her utility bills. “I was struggling to keep up with my light bill,” Lizbeth said. “My biggest need was making sure our lights stayed on so my family could have a stable home environment.”
Unsure of where to turn, Lizbeth decided to reach out. That first connection with Public Health Solutions' social care network became a lifeline.
Her social care navigator took the time to listen to her situation and matched her with a utility assistance program that directly addressed her most urgent need. “It was exactly what I needed at that moment,” Lizbeth said. “They made the process feel simple and manageable.”
Beyond her utility bills, the navigator also let her know about other resources available to her family—like healthcare and food programs—should they need more support in the future. While Lizbeth didn’t need those services right away, she appreciated knowing they were within reach.
What meant the most to her, however, was how she was treated. “They treated me with respect and understanding. I never felt judged for needing help,” she recalled. “They kept in touch and made sure I knew they were there to support me.”
For Lizbeth and her family, getting help through WholeYouNYC made an immediate impact. “It eased a lot of stress,” she said. “Knowing my light bill was covered gave me space to focus on my family and other responsibilities.”
Looking back, she’s especially grateful for the convenience and care WholeYouNYC offered. “It saved me a lot of time and stress. Having one place to go instead of calling different agencies made everything easier and more manageable.”
To others who may be feeling unsure or hesitant about seeking help, Lizbeth has a clear message: “Don’t be afraid to reach out. WholeYouNYC is there to help, and getting support doesn’t mean weakness—it means you’re taking care of yourself and your family.”
Thanks to Public Health Solutions' WholeYouNYC, Lizbeth and her family found stability and peace of mind, right when they needed it most.
