My husband and I have always worked hard to maintain our home and property, but the past few years have brought challenges we never expected. My husband’s health issues have made it impossible for him to work on our one-acre property, which is surrounded by trees and bushes and has a steep front yard. When Hurricane Helene hit, we were left with fallen trees and branches everywhere. We tried to find help, but the prices were far beyond what we could afford, and because our house wasn’t damaged, we didn’t qualify for free assistance. I do my best to keep up with the yard work, but at 74 years old, with a bad back and arthritis in all my joints, it’s become overwhelming.

As if that wasn’t enough, our HVAC system failed on the coldest day of the year, leaving us with a large bill for a new system. We already have significant debt from necessary car repairs, the rising costs of property taxes and homeowners insurance, and appliances that failed shortly after the hurricane. We live on Social Security income only, and the mounting bills are making it harder and harder to keep our heads above water. We are doing everything we can to avoid bankruptcy, but we are truly struggling.

If we are able to raise funds, we would first pay off our debts, then cover medical and dental bills—my husband desperately needs dentures—and finally hire someone to help us clear and maintain our property. We have tried very hard for the past 25 years to keep up with expenses, but we are elderly, not in the best of health, and live on Social Security benefits only. It is difficult for us to ask anyone for money, but we don’t know where else to turn. Your support would mean the world to us, and we would be eternally grateful for any help you can give.