MCALLEN -- Just last week, the Garcia-Garza Family felt like it was the end of the world.
"It's something we've never been through, and hopefully we'll never have to go through it again," said Elizabeth Garcia.
In a Call 4 Action, Garcia told Action 4 News she lost her job, her husband was unable to work due to his ailing health, the medical bills were piling up, and the family was facing eviction.
"Thanks to you, they came and helped us," said Elizabeth's husband Arnoldo Garza.
McAllen's Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-housing program helps keep residents from being left in the dark or out on the streets.
This City of McAllen's program saw our story about the family and decided to pitch in.
"Without Channel 4, we'd literally be on the streets right now," said Garcia.
When the family contacted Action 4 News, they were over one thousand dollars behind in rent, but thanks to this program, they can rest easily.
"In this case, we were able to provide services that stopped them from being evicted and stopped the electricity from being cut off," said Yvette Balderas, community development assistant director for the City of McAllen.
With funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the program can financially help families in need for a year and a half.
"It's heartwarming," said Garcia. "I feel that actually there's people who care...people who do work to help people out."
The program will also help the family get back on their feet, so they no longer need assistance.
Whether that means trying to find Garcia a job, or sending her back to school.
For those found in a similar situation as the Garcia-Garza family, contact 2-1-1 for a list of human resources, or for McAllen residents, contact the City of McAllen's Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-housing program.
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