Aidpage

hi.iam very sorry u are feeling like this.but this is the reality,ther is no1 out there to help.on this page people give you links to go to or phone numbers to call but no1 offers you money. over the last few days i had nearly committed suicide because of not having enough money to even buy a loaf of bread.but you know what i never gave up hope,i prayed to god and god helped me,i won lottery for 1400pounds,it mwy not be alot but its certainly helped me buy bread,keep you hopes up my friend, sit on your own in a room and put you hands together and cry to god for help,100percent help guaranteed if you pray wiith all your heart, good luck,how much do you need?

Amy,

We are all human and make mistakes especially when we are under such tremendous pressure. I will pray that something good comes your way so that you and your family stay warm. Many of us are in a similar situation such as yourself and truly my heart goes out to every single person suffering.

People who need assistance with their electric bill are encouraged to call the Public Utility Commission's toll-free hotline at 866-454 -8387

Amy-

That is the number for the PUC in Texas. It was in an article dated from 2006 but the article stated that in 2006 Texas passed a law about winter months and help for those in need with electric. It's worth calling them.

 This is the number for Salvation Army for Fort Bend County and Harris County in Texas-I'm not sure where you are at but they can more then likely put you in contact with the appropriate office if they can't help you. Salvation Army helps people pay one electric bill per year.

Amy-

Thank you for the apology. I understand what it is like to be in your situation, I really do. I know the frustrations, but I also know what happens when you stop for a moment and take back your life.

 So, you've discovered the first area-the library. It's a great wealth of resources especially where computer time is concerned. You may be able to find jobs that way-even if it is part time to get you enough to put some food on the table and bills paid.

Anything within walking distance should be kept in open opinion. Even if it means working a job at a local store mart or gas station-it's a job.

Look online and find out the bus routes for your area. This way you've got an idea of what is done for what hours to open you up to even better things once you start working.

You can also look up free-rides in your area. They are provided through the health department to get you to foodstamp appointments, health appointments, etc. You can generally find out about them by calling the local health department. You might even find programs that would allow you to make free phone calls to find jobs, make appointments, etc. I'm not sure if you had a cell phone or regular phone but you might want to opt into a cell phone in the future. For starters you can carry it with you and always be reached for jobs. Secondly, some companies are more willing to work with you if you get behind or are late on a payment. You can also opt to get a pay as you go so that you have it in case of emergencies. Something to think about when you get a tax return in.

You also may want to think about looking into public housing or section 8 to get you into something more reliable then a trailer. Something with central heat/air will be more cost effective and safe. You can also look into places that offer free heat. At least then you'd always have heat in the winter.

I'll continue to look for resources for you. As you stated you were a Christian, have you been to the churches? Perhaps a good church family would be willing to sponsor you while you get back on your feet. Leaving the abuse was a bold step. Check in with groups that help abuse victims because they may have resources specifically with abuse victims in mind.

good for you,It takes a better person to apologize than it takes for one to ignore it.Good For you!!!! I don't see many people on hee apologizing for their behavior and some people really say some awful things.I look up to you and hope that all works out well.You are in our prayers. Best Wishes,Michelle

yes i have exhaulted my options and im on the computer at the library and i have no phone or cable just the basics just a victim of an abusive marriage and  divorce anyway thats neither here nor there  i came on here to say it wasnt my intentions to be rude and im sorry to everyone i was and am just scared but ive done what i could do and ive now left it in Gods hands i live in a small 2 bd trailer which i only have 3 small electric hearters so that runs my bill up  but i am trying in every area so thanks for your concearn and again i apologize that wasnt very christian of me please forgive my rudness stupidy and surge of anger

Amy-

All companies have programs, and by Federal law ALL companies must not turn off electric during cold weather months. You obviously have electric still as you are online, so I'm assuming you found help.

The main problem most had with your post was that it was rude. People had been nice, helped, suggestive, and you came on with an attitude blaming all of us for your problems.

We've all had problems in our life but some of us were willing to admit they were our problem. We didn't go around blaming everyone else for them. Stop blaming. Start being proactive.

And yes, I'm going to be the one to ask, what have you done? I've seen a great many come on here and become angered the moment someone doesn't pay their bill for them but are unwilling to say what they have done-or they simply reply with "I've tried that, tried that, pay my bill". Why should anyone on here pay your bill? That is not what this site is for. It's not a "give me money" site, as far as I've come to understand it. It's a site to share with others the resources that have worked for us. It's not about someone else taking care of what you should be taking care of.

No one wants their electric shut off, but have you tried cutting back on your electric expenses? Have you tried cutting back on your cable bill, internet bill, so that your basics were met? Have you even tried cutting back on food? I know this sounds point blank harsh but you can't imagine the number of people who get behind on basics like electric, rent, and such and then come to find out they have the entire cable package, the entire phone package, several cell phone accounts, and eat out all of the time, plus make sure they get that Star Bucks every morning.

I know full well that the CAP offices in your area will help you if you apply but you'll have to prove you applied through your electric company first and you have to have a disconnect notice first before they'll even help. You'll also have to prove you didn't have enough to pay-meaning show your pay stubs and prove how much your rent was, etc. I also know that the Salvation Army will give you help once a year for a utility. I know that most churches will help out one time a year-you just need to phone and ask for help. I also know that if your heat is connected to your electric that they WON'T shut it off. They will threaten but you can make payment arrangements. And I know full well that if you are truly wanting to change your financial situation you would do what is necessary. That you'd look for extra monies by being frugal. You may very well not want to hear this at this point but you've insulted most on here who have given you the helpful ideas when you said this was a joke.

i have done all the leg work and im not going to explain in detail but i dont have a major electric comp so no one wants to help i didnt ask for cash id gladly give you the account number to anyone willing to help i wouldnt send cash either

Been there, done that, own the t-shirt. It's not that people don't want to help you, they have. They've told you to call the electric company and get on their LIHEAP plan. They have explained that the electric company can't turn off your electric in cold-weather months because of the cold weather law. They have told you to contact your CAP offices locally. They have told you to start contacting churches until you find one that will help you.

You are choosing not to accept that help, and you are choosing not to do the leg work involved. No one should be made to feel bad just because they won't send you "cash". Most of us are skeptical of people who want cash because we feel they may be using it for something else.

Try doing a bit of work for yourself, pull up your boot straps, and show the world how strong you really are. This is life sweetie.

Amen.  Tell it 'like it is'.

This page isn't about instant answers... more about what people have found to help through their own life living. If someone knows something that can help... like the link left by another... then you can use that info to help yourself.

Then when you have found things to help... add it here to pay it forward to another person.

Did you really think that someone would just pay your bill for you, or hand me the stay at home job I need, or get Chris's son a lap top?