Head-on Collision with Poverty
Frank had been in a head-on collision over a year ago. He was not at fault in any way. This man spent three months in the hospital fighting for his life, then a year in rehab, and recently came home with an oxygen machine and crutches. The electric was about to be turned off even though Frank was on oxygen. Think about that -- the oxygen machine needs electricity to work.
He had lost his job and his car was totaled. Because he was hit by a delivery driver who works for a business, the insurance companies of the driver and the business are still fighting over who will pay, so Frank won't have the money to buy another vehicle until they settle.
Since the accident, he had used up all his savings to pay his electric, fuel, phone and other bills. He had always paid his bills on time. Now he was facing the loss of his home for back taxes. Frank had worked hard all his life and lives simply. He owns his own home, so he is not eligible for any government assistance. He’s a year away from getting his Social Security benefits so he will have the means to pay his bills.
A group of Frank's friends pooled their funds on his behalf, though it wasn't a lot. One friend filled his freezer with meat; another one is paying his trash bill indefinitely. His fuel oil had been used up and got delivered automatically, and he owed for that. His friends came to us and told us about his situation.
Frank came to our office and we told him that the oil company had grants available for people with bad luck, and he called them. He did receive a grant to pay the bill. We told him about local food banks where he could get groceries. Thanks to your generosity we were able to get his electric bills caught up, and paid the back taxes so his home would be secure. Soon he'll be able to pay his own expenses again.