This past November, I was involved in a domestic dispute with my husband which ultimately ended up with my foot being fractured and my husband arrested in front of our two, young children. I reluctantly applied for assistance from our state's Department of Human services, which has been an experience I would never wish upon my worst enemy. My workers is more than unkind, and repeated complaints to his supervisor regarding discrimintation and refusal to send needed paperwork have been met with no concern. Because I do have income, I did not qualify for medical or cash assistance. And while food assistance and help paying for childcare has been helpful, it hasn't been enough to survive. We are in jeopardy of losing our home, the one stable fixture my children have right now, a shut off notice for our electricity because I haven't been able to pay the bill in full for several months, and my DHS case worker denied my application for emergency assistance to pay the bill. I cannot afford to take time off of work to go to a hearing contesting the decision. I am behind on our budget plan for our propane and am skating on thin ice to not be kicked off of the budget plan. The phone bill is behind a month and a half because I needed to make emergency repairs to the car.
Last year, March, I started a new job with a higher hourly rate, a benefit of paid time off that was much needed for my children, and with this came a sense of security that everything would improve, that after getting caught up on bills that fell short in the past, I would be able to save a small amount at the end of the month soon. I accounted for rising gas prices in my new budget, but nothing could have prepared me for nearly $5.00/gallon gas. It quickly became a matter of trying to afford the essentials, not being able to get caught up, and actually putting myself much further behind by having to use credit cards to afford the bare necessities. It is difficult not to feel bitter while listening to those who fall on hard time but continue to pay for television, or do fun activities such as movies in the theatre or concerts, when we have never been able to indulge in those luxaries.
I came online this morning in search of emergency assistance, or possibly just a lead to where I might be able to find some. It seems that I have exhausted all of the resources known to me. When I found this site, I wasn't sure what to make of it. It seemed to be a site where people can discuss their needs and find answers to where they might be able to have them met. Then I found a spot that talked about joining the site and helping others while earning Google AdSense income at the same time. While I may be in need of much assistance myself, I think I know of valueable resources that may help others as they helped me in a time of need. I hope this site can become one that I frequent daily. I hope that anything I contribute can reach, and help, at least one person in need.
