Living expenses needed for Hartford

Hello. During this past year my husband, Chris has had 2 lumbar disc removal surgeries. His discs continue to herniate so the next step is spinal fusion surgery. This surgery is scheduled for Monday, July 31, 2017 at Oak Ridge Methodist Hospital. He has a really good surgeon whom we trust.

The problems we are facing with this are financial. Chris will be unable to work for at least 3 months. He had to leave his job (that he just began) for this surgery. So we are not sure if his job will be open to him once he recovers.

I have been a teacher at a private school. This year was tough financially since I only make $15,000 a year and I was the only one working while he was recovering from the 2 disc surgeries. 

About 2 weeks ago the decision was made by the school board not to continue operating the school where I taught due to lack of funding. So now I am unemployed as well!

I have tried to get another teaching job, but school is beginning in another week and there are no openings. Tennessee unemployment is in bad shape and I can't guarantee that I will get it. My husband tried and waited for 4 months with little progress (even after contacting state representatives).  A friend of mine's husband waited 6 months before he got any benefits.

So the problem is we are both unemployed. I am trying to teach online a few hours a week while I am taking care of Chris. He will not be able to do much at all at least for the first month or two. We can't pay our rent, we are 2 months behind on our car payments, (our 17 yr old 2nd car is not drivable and in need of about $350 worth of work to fix it).  Our church is helping with our electric and water bills and gas for our vehicle. We currently have some food stamps as well - so we are ok there.

We still need money to pay for day to day living expenses (laundry supplies, toilet paper, precriptions, cell phone bill and internet bill - necessary for job contacts and to stay in touch). We don't have any frills or anything - we live a very simple, basic life - we don't even go out to eat or to the movies except for maybe once or twice year.

We really appreciate all the help you can give us to get through the next 3 months.