My name is Jessica. I'm a single mother of three kids. I have a 16, 11, and 5-year-old. It's the holiday season and I'm so scared we won't have a home to spend them together in. I have really fallen into a financial hole I can't seem to get out of. I haven't found myself in a situation like this in over 9 years.

It all started with plumbing issues in my home, which cost me hundreds in repairs and labor alone, on top of almost 900 dollars of water usage in a month's time due to it going unnoticed! I've managed to pay that in full but fell behind on my light bill in the process. That wasn't a big deal as I've always managed to maintain, until I lost my job a few weeks ago due to car problems. $300 later, it's fixed, but I now lack the funds to pay my light bill that fell behind. My bill is two months past due and I need 1,900 for reconnection.

I have been to DSS, RCS, Salvation Army, and multiple churches for help, but every location has informed me that due to the government shutdown last month, any emergency funds the organizations would have received were issued out for EBT recipients. I don't know what to do or where to turn. I'm more than willing to pay back the amount needed with interest to whoever is kind enough to help me! The catch is it would have to be tax time. Having three kids and being the sole provider, I'm definitely good for it. I will forever be gracious to whoever can afford to help me avoid disconnection and keep me and my babies home and together for the holidays. If we lose electricity, we will have to pack up and find places to stay. Chances are my kids will be placed in separate homes throughout my family and I wherever I'm able to lay my head! Please help us! Please help me avoid failing my children.