Help Halie Overcome Utility Bill Challenge

Hi, I’m Halie. Asking for help is not something I tend to do, as I’ve spent my entire life striving for independence and trying to prove to myself and others that I'm capable despite having a physical disability. I’ve had Cerebral Palsy since birth and navigate the world using a wheelchair. Though I’ve grown to accept my circumstances, there are some challenges that are unavoidable and leave me discouraged, to which I have no choice but to swallow my pride and ask for help. I need assistance daily for physical needs, such as dressing, bathing, toileting, etc. This is a day-to-day reality that I’ve made peace with. However, the biggest, most burdensome challenge that I struggle to outrun is the looming financial hardship I experience from month to month. I feel that this is something that isn’t talked about enough. For example, I am unemployed and live off of Social Security, which makes for an extremely tight budget. I receive $943.00 per month, and this barely leaves me with $100 of spending money after bills are paid (excluding entertainment, dining, etc.), and that is supposed to last me the remainder of the month. This brings me to the reason I created this GoFundMe in the first place:

I'm currently having difficulty paying the remainder of my utility bill, which is $471.10. You’re probably wondering why the bill is so high. I receive energy assistance via the state of Nebraska, and I go through Lincoln Electric System for my electric bill (I’m very grateful). However, when I began the recertification process for this year, I forgot to apply for both the heating and cooling season separately, and I only applied for heating. Thankfully, there was enough credit left that carried over into the cooling season until a couple of months ago, and I missed the window to reapply. Now I’m stuck and don’t know what to do. I’ve been in contact with my electric company and I’ve reached out to other resources which have helped pay for some, but I can’t under any circumstances afford the remaining balance of $471.10 I have until the 30th of September to pay for the remaining balance; otherwise, my electricity will get shut off. While I have the option of asking for an extension and enrolling in a payment plan, I fear that due to my fixed income, I won’t be able to get it paid on top of other expenses and emergencies that could arise. So, here I am putting this out into the universe and laying down my pride, asking for help.

I don’t know who this will reach, but if you’re taking the time to read this, thank you. Whether you’re just stopping by or you feel compelled to give, thank you. Any form of support means the absolute world to me.

-Halie :)