Furnace and Emergency Home Repairs

Two and a half years ago, Tahnea, Lyric and I moved into a house in an effort to get out of a really bad home situation. We were excited to be starting over, in a safe, peaceful, space where we could relax, exhale, and start fresh.

Little did we know that almost immediately, our sanctuary would become an absolute nightmare.

Within a few weeks, we found out there was an extensive list of things that was not disclosed by the inspector, and was going to cost tens of thousands to repair. Everything from small stuff like the washer and dryer not working properly, to windows not fitting in the frames, to the electrical not being up to date, to the deck literally rotting off, to the entire house being illegally plumbed.

We had already spent pretty much all of our savings refinishing the hardwood floors, painting the whole interior, and furnishing our new home. We were not prepared to be bombarded by something this extensive.

I have taken out more than 60K in loans trying to repair the windows, doors, and plumbing. For two and a half years we have lived with one toilet- no bathtubs or showers, no bathroom sinks- just one toilet- in a 3 bathroom house- while trying to get some assistance or a loan to have these repairs done. We have been washing up and brushing our teeth in the kitchen sink for over 2 years.

After months of having our walls, floors, and ceilings ripped apart, and all new incoming and outgoing pipes installed (which took almost 4 months), they finally closed up the last of our walls 2 weeks ago.

Last week the furnace went out.

There is no money available in the city, county, state, or federal pots to get it fixed. It took me forever to find the money the first time- I was either not old enough, not disabled enough, made too much money, hadn’t owned my home long enough – there were a plethora of reasons- but it took FOREVER to eventually qualify for a loan to get the most critical things fixed.

My credit cards are maxed and our savings is gone.

Unfortunately, we are left with no other option but to turn to the Village for help.

If you know me, you know this is hard. I don’t like asking for help. I’m the person who figures it out. Who makes it happen. Who gets it done.

But this morning as I was ONCE AGAIN asking God what the heck I was supposed to be learning from this experience, it came to me: maybe what I am supposed to be learning is that it is not only just OK to ask for help, it is what we are supposed to do.

Leaning on each other is the only way we are going to survive. I tell this to other people all the time- we need each other- we are a Village. Let other people help you- we WANT to help you. Yet somehow I still struggle to accept help myself.

So, here I am asking for help from the Village. On behalf of Lyric, Tahnea, and myself, we appreciate any help and or prayers that you are able to send our way. If you would be so kind as to share this with others in your circle, we would be grateful.

Love and blessings to each of you!