Hello, and thank you for stopping by. My name is Carin and myself and my family have been going through a tough time for the last few years. I know the world has been rough on everyone.

I recently had a joint replaced in my hand (August 2025) after two previous surgeries that failed to do their purpose on the same hand. I was under the impression that my leave for the joint replacement would be covered by my short term disability, but it will not be. I have gone 2 months without an income and we are pinching pennies to put gas in the car for my husband to get to work.

We, so far, have been able to stay current on rent, but our electric is sky high and is our only heating and cooling source. Our electric company runs a monopoly and there are zero other options to get power. We rent, so solar is out of the question, as is a wood stove or a generator.

I have been back and forth with the electric company asking for payment options and arrangements, but to no avail. We don’t qualify for assistance or loans as we have exhausted looking into those options as well.

I don’t know where else to turn. I have always been one to help others and give what I can, and now I need a bit of grace. Our electric company will shut us off with an astronomically high bill that we can’t meet. The crazy thing is, if my short term disability had been approved, it would cover what they are asking for.

I am not only asking for myself, but also for my family and the two small pets that call us home-a small dog and a pet corn snake.

Anything you can do, even just sharing our need, would be so very greatly appreciated.