FISH of Sanibel-Captiva reported that for more than 15 years, a Sanibel senior embraced the independence of riding her bicycle everywhere — to the grocery store, library and post office.
Recently, balance issues and back pain turned her daily rides into scary moments. A recent fall across from the FISH Food Pantry, with groceries scattered across the sidewalk, was the breaking point.
She researched safer options and found a recumbent hand trike to help with balance and ease her pain. But with her fixed income, buying it meant falling behind on rent. That is when FISH stepped in.
FISH reported that through its Helping Hands Rent Assistance program, funded by The Sanctuary Golf Club Foundation, it covered two months of her rent. It gave her the ability to redirect funds toward the trike without sacrificing her housing security.
“Stories like this remind us that even small changes in health or mobility can create big challenges for seniors,” FISH Social Services Director Nitza Lopez said. “By covering rent, we not only helped her stay in her home, but also gave her the confidence to keep moving forward safely.”
For more information about FISH, visit www.fishofsancap.org or call 239-472-4775.