Help My Mom Get Her Water Turned Back On

Hi, my name is Olivia, and I’m creating this GoFundMe on behalf of my 72-year-old mom — a proud, kind, and selfless woman who would never ask for help herself. That’s why I’m doing it for her.

She’s spent her whole life working hard, budgeting carefully, and being the most loving Mimi to her grandkids. She now lives off Social Security with my dad, who we believe is struggling with undiagnosed dementia. For the past year, he told her he was handling a leak and the water bill. Every time she asked, he insisted everything was taken care of.

Last week, she woke up to find the water shut off. When she called the utility company, they told her not only is the water off — they physically removed the water meter. They say she owes over $3,800 in unpaid bills and reconnection fees. No payment plans, no extensions — nothing.

My mom had no idea the bills were never being paid. Every month, my dad told her he went to the water company and handled it. Sadly, this isn’t the first time something like this has happened, and his condition continues to decline.

She’s applied to every nonprofit, church, and local program — all denied due to technicalities or income thresholds. She has no savings, no emergency funds, and her credit has been affected by past issues caused by my father.

She’s devastated. She can’t cook, clean, bathe, or even do laundry — all the simple things she used to enjoy. She would be embarrassed to know I’m doing this, but I truly don’t know where else to turn.

I’ve seen TikTok and the internet come together to change lives, even if it’s just a dollar at a time. If 3,800 people gave $1, her water could be restored.

Please consider helping me give my mom some comfort and dignity again. Anything helps — and even if you can’t donate, sharing this page can make a difference.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

— Olivia Rae