My name is Jessica and I'm organizing this fundraiser on behalf of my family who live in Pennsylvania.

Their power was disconnected after federal assistance programs were suspended during the U.S. government shutdown.

This is a working family of five: two parents and three school-aged children, who rely on several federal benefits such as LIHEAP, SNAP, and WIC. When Congress failed to pass a budget, these lifelines froze overnight. The family qualified for help, but no payments could be processed.

Their electric service with West Penn Power was disconnected on October 23, 2025, after their account fell behind. The original balance was $750. A local charity contributed $200, and another family member provided $90. The remaining balance of $460 is all that stands between this family and having their power restored.

This is not a long-term request. Once power is restored, Pennsylvania's Winter Moratorium takes effect on December 1, protecting low-income households from shutoffs until March 31. That means this one-time payment will keep them safely connected for the entire winter, until federal programs resume and normal assistance can continue.

How the funds will be used:

All donations will go directly toward the remaining balance on their West Penn Power account. I am authorized to make payments on their behalf and organize the restoration effort as they are without a reliable form of communication. Any surplus, should it occur, will be applied directly toward their next bill to prevent that from going past due as well.

We have an official letter from West Penn Power's Compliance and Customer Accounts Division confirming the disconnection, payments received, and the amount required to restore service. This document also notes the suspension of the energy-assistance programs during the shutdown. I have already attached the redacted versions of the documents.

Thank you to anyone who reads, shares, or contributes. Even small amounts collectively help turn the lights, and their normal life, back on.