Helping people who slip through the cracks

Unemployment has risen to 9.1%. The unfortunate Americans who are forced to collect unemployment benefits can expect to only recieve about 50% of their former salaries. The best case scenario is that they have ample savings and/or a spouse or other support person who brings in additional monies. Unfortunately, many do not and they need our help.

Many of these people can barely pay their mortgage or rent. A report states that 27 million Americans are in danger of having their utilities shut off. When there is only enough money for food and the rent or mortgage, the utility bills usually get placed on the back burner.

Some may argue, "But it's summer. They don't need electricity. It's not as though they might freeze to death." or "Our ancestors lived without electricity. Why can't they do it?" The sad truth is that every American needs electricity. Cordless phones require it. Where do most job-seekers look for work? The internet. Unemployment filing? Online. Warm water to bathe before a job search or an interview? Gas or electric. It does not matter. People need their utilities to stay on!
We want to make sure they stay on. There is not enough help out there.



I know a man who needs ear surgery but he has no insurance. No insurance = no surgery. Yes, he can purchase health insurace for himself and his wife, but it would cost him over $500 per month for the premium. His unemployment benefits are $498 every two weeks. How is he able to afford insurance?

We wonder how many sick Americans cannot go to the doctor because they do not have insurance. How many people die because they cannot afford health care? How many people go without their prescriptions because they cannot afford them? We want to help them!


I know of a mother who was the victim of a flood. Creek water mixed with raw sewage flooded her basement. Insurance won't pay because it was a flood. Even though the sewer system backed up, the city will not help her because a flood was the cause. As she waits for possible Federal help, she cannot live in her own home because she does not have the money to pay a cleaning crew. Raw sewage = biohazard. We want to help people like her!




What about basic household necessities like toilet paper, deodorant, and diapers? Many people cannot afford these simple items. What about school supplies, socks, and underwear? How sad to think a child may have to go to school without. If your car breaks down and you have no money, what do you do?

We know there are many opinionated people out there who say, "Just get a job and you won't have to worry." Let us ask, how can a person get a job without money for a newspaper, gas for the car, electricity to run the computer, soap for basic hygiene?

"But it's not my problem. There is plenty of help out there."

It is everyone's problem. There is not enough help out there.

It is time to take care of our fellow humans. We are all brothers and sisters.