Time is now to help
SAL DIMICELI
Dear W.C., My family is in urgent need of assistance. We are behind on our rent and utilities. I am married to a wonderful and kind man, and together we have three children.
My husband has a genetic disorder that causes him disabling pain and immobility. It has progressed to the point where he is wheelchair bound and no longer able to work.
He does everything he can to help around the house and help with our children, but his condition has worsened far more quickly than we ever anticipated. I married him knowing this would one day be our reality, but we were both unprepared for how quickly that day would come.
I am working full-time, and I am grateful to have a job, but supporting a family of five on one income has become nearly impossible. With constant unexpected expenses, car repairs, an emergency room trip for my daughter due to the flu, a trip to the dentist for my son, we are forced each month to choose which bills can be paid and which must wait.
My husband has recently been approved for disability assistance, which will help us going forward. Even with that upcoming additional income we will never be able to get out of this level of poverty we have fallen into.
I have always heard the term "working poor," and now I find myself living that reality. I am doing everything I can to stay strong for my family, but the financial strain and stress, on top of the worry over my husband's deteriorating health, have become overwhelming.
Dear Readers, I open many letters from the working poor, families who seem to do everything right, yet still find that their paychecks cannot cover even the most basic expenses. This family is one of those.
Despite working fulltime, this mother is the sole provider for a family of five, while also caring for her children, maintaining a household, and supporting a husband whose genetic disability has progressed to the point that he can no longer work. It seems like an overwhelming burden for one person to carry.
When speaking with the wife, I found she and her husband share a remarkable bond. This bond has already weathered many hardships.
After speaking with the husband, I clearly understood why she chose him, even knowing their life together would not be easy. He is a gentle and kind man, and deeply devoted to his wife and children.
The wife has always worked hard and does not complain about what is required of her. She deeply loves her husband and children and continues to do everything in her power to provide for them. They live modestly, carefully managing utility costs, food, and daily necessities.
Their rent is reasonable, and they have one older vehicle. Yet even with such frugality, their income simply does not stretch far enough for the monthly unexpected expenses due to health care, dental care, and car repairs.
Together, we were able to step in and help bring he family up to date on their rent and utilities, and we provided an additional amount to provide a buff er for the upcoming bill. We also provided gas and grocery gift cards to ease the daily burden due to food costs and commutes to work.
With those critical bills caught up, the family now has a fighting chance to stay afloat. With the fathers approved disability income, they will be able to survive going forward. After carefully reviewing their budget, it became clear that this extra income—combined with our assistance—was truly a godsend.
This family, and many other working poor families in our communities, are not asking for luxury or comfort beyond the basics. They are asking for stability, dignity, and the chance to earn a wage they can support their families on. Thanks to "you" our compassionate readers, this family will be able to support themselves going forward.
We are overjoyed to announce that the Christmas Helping Hand Up $50,000 Matching Grant has been completely matched! This incredible milestone was made possible by your generous hearts.
Soon, we will share how every dollar was used to deliver meaningful poverty relief throughout our communities. Thank you, and God bless you for making this matching grant a success.
Health & Happiness, Love & God Bless Everyone, Sal
Please help: There are many coming to us in desperation. Our good fellow creations need our compassion. Together we make a big diff erence.
Make checks payable to: The Time Is Now to Help, P.O. Box 1, Lake Geneva, WI 53147. The Time Is Now to Help is a federally recognized 501©3 charitable organization.
You will receive a tax deductible, itemized thank you receipt showing how 100% of your donation was used for providing poverty relief. Please visit our website to read more of our past and current columns and/or to make a donation: www.timeisnowtohelp.org.
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