Hi folks...my name is Harlin Neal, and to put it bluntly...this has been a very tough year for me financially. As humbly as I know how, I'm asking for help with some household finances. I am working, and I have 3 adult sons who are working and contributing to the household. We've just fallen behind on some pretty hard times, and we need help getting through it all.

Our famly needs funds to pay down a large water bill, plumbing estimate, furnace repair, and an exterminator. As of now, there is no running water in my house, and we're in a desperate situation to get everything restored. Before I elaborate on what led to this situation, please allow me to tell you who I am.

Again, my name is Harlin. I'm a husband, father, 10-year Army veteran, Christian, and what I'd consider a “regular guy” who just wants to take care of my family. Our Household also includes my wife and 3 young adult sons. Of course...I never thought I'd face this, but my faith tells me that God can provide for His people in their time of need. At the suggestion of a friend of mine from my local church, I'm reaching out in this way to ask for help in a really desperate situaton. I'm needing help to restore my local water service, and to potentially hire a plumber to clear a clogged pipe once service is restored. I'm asking for $1,000 to cover a water bill, $700 after a plumber's estimate to rod a sewer pipe that's currently clogged as a result of the water shut-off, $800 to replace a furnace motor, and an additional $2,500 to cover maintence issues and to give our house a very thorough deep cleaning.

My family and I have been going through a lot of financial challenges over the years, and this current situation is sadly no different. In my area, we pay a private company for water service like most people pay local utility companies for services like electricity, trash removal, natural gas, and other essentials. With that being said, monthly bills were getting out of control...even after repeated attempts to negotiate affordable monthly payments, our water service was eventually cut off. Having running water in my house is a necessity I never thought I'd lose, and it's easy for folks to think, “Well...if he just paid the bill...he wouldn't be in this situation.” That's partially true. While I was dealing with higher-than-normal water bills, I was also dealing with other obligations, such as higher electric bills, mortgage payments, and household necessities.

I turned to outside help, only to be denied in one way or another. I asked my church for help, but they were unable to. Local veterans agencies either told me no because they've helped me before, or local service agencies would say no because I exceeded “federal poverty oncome guidelines”. In other words...I made too much money to qualify for low-income assistance. I'm in the process of asking family for help, but I know they're strapped...not having enough to cover the amount needed to restore everything. Still...I'll press on.

My sons are contributing to helping get this bill paid, and I'm of course doing what I can with my income to cut this financial mountain down. I'm well aware it is my responsibility to handle my family's affairs...not yours. All I'm asking for is some help so we can get back to some sense of “normal”. I've received help from friends and family to partially get through this ordeal, so please don't take this request as a "freeload". Not being able to do things at home we take for granted like washing dishes, doing laundry, or using our bathroom, is taking a toll on everyone here. Again...I'm not making excuses for our situation...I'll take the blame for it. Just understand I'm doing everything within my power to rectify this situation...I'm just needing some help.

Thank you for taking the time to read this request. If you can find it in your heart to help, I would greatly appreciate it. I'll update you as to our progress, and I hope with your assistance...I can tell you that not only is our water back on and running, but a sense of “normal” is being restored to this house.

Thank you...and God bless you.