As many of you know, I was laid off twice in two years from well-paying jobs. Since 2024, I have struggled to find work that would cover our basic expenses. Mike has faced similar challenges; he was laid off from his job four months before I was.

We took jobs with a local storage company, but we later discovered that their payroll withholding was not being handled correctly. Because not enough taxes were deducted from our paychecks, we were hit with an unexpected $2,600 federal and state tax bill at a time when our income was already reduced.

We have managed by using my IRA savings, but after two years of under-employment, those funds are nearly gone. My substitute teaching work will increase once the school year is fully underway, and my freelance writing is picking up, but we need help bridging the gap until then.

By August 1, we will be struggling to cover basic expenses: our mortgage, utilities, car payment, phone, internet, and medical bills.

We have done everything we can to reduce costs:

We live simply. We do not take expensive vacations or maintain a luxury lifestyle. However, the combination of job losses, replacing our HVAC system, car repairs, and other necessary expenses has left us with very little financial cushion.

We are asking for $3,500 to help cover essential expenses while we rebuild. This would help with:

Mortgage: approximately $600/month

Car payment: $311/month

Utilities: approximately $250–$300/month

Phone and internet: approximately $140/month

Outstanding tax obligations

This support will not go toward extras. It will help us keep our home, transportation, and basic services while we continue working toward stability.

I have freelance writing work and continue applying for additional opportunities. Mike is working side jobs online, serves as our church organist, and has applied for Social Security. We are both actively working to improve our situation.

We know many people are facing their own challenges right now, and we truly appreciate anything you are able to contribute. Every amount helps and means more than we can say.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for considering helping us through this difficult season.