Tommy and I have both recently lost our jobs and with the job market being what it is, we are really struggling. Tommy lost his job a few months before I lost mine. We were never expecting to be in this position. I am struggling to find a job that works within my physical limitations. With chronic illness I struggle with keeping normal hours and I can no longer do the physical labor I once did as an archaeologist. These back-to-back losses have left us struggling to make ends meet, and the stress has been overwhelming. Things have finally come to a head and we are looking at losing our apartment, our cell phones have been cut off, we have borrowed more money than I am comfortable with to keep the power on and to maintain our car insurance. I can't ask any more of my family than I have and we are still behind on most things, just paying the minimum to keep the lights on. So now I'm here. Putting aside my pride and asking for help from anyone and everyone who might can spare a little. Which I know is asking a lot in this economy. I know we are, unfortunately, not alone in our situation.

Our Focus: Right now, we are trying to focus on keeping up with our essential bills. Rent, electric, internet, and phone payments are piling up.

What we have done so far: Unemployment is stuck in limbo. I've reached out to the GA Dept. of Labor to find out what is holding it up, but haven't heard back. I suppose it might be that a lot of people are in our same situation. I've looked into charities to help, but it seems most are closed until after the new year. The one that wasn't, didn't have any remaining resources to give. We are doing everything we can to stay afloat while we look for new jobs, but my family has contributed so much that I just can't in good conscience ask for more because it would create hardship for them.

Any help is deeply appreciated, and we promise to pay it forward once we are back on our feet. If you are unable to give thank you for just reading and thinking of us.