Our Emergency Water Main Pipe Fund
Hello folks. My name is Chris Salerno. My friends call me 'Sal'. I'm a U.S. Veteran having served in the Gulf War. I am currently in need of emergency assistance. I have unfortunately been unemployed for a long time (though I've put in over 1,000 resumés/applications during my prolonged unemployment). While my wife works, we are behind in our bills. That, however, is NOT the reason I'm asking for help.
The reason is that our water main pipe busted 6 weeks ago. We've shopped around for plumbers to fix it and the best we could find that would replace the water main AND restore the holes (which most plumbing companies do not do) will cost us over $11,000. Our home owners insurance will not cover the pipe and will only give us $1,300 for restoration repairs.
UPDATE: Having another company coming out to look at this. If we get a lower estimate, I'll lower the amount needed accordingly.
UPDATE: 3-11-15 New estimate from new company is lower! Their estimate is $7842. Also, due to our tax refund we can put $1500 towards this. So the total is being brought way down to $6342 (not accounting for what has already been donated).
UPDATE: 3-11-15 A friend donated $70 via paypal, so I've knocked down the total accordingly. If you can't donate via gofundme, you can donate via paypal (as a gift please so we get the full amount, instead of paypal getting a fee from it).
UPDATE 3-17-15 WOW, a HUGE leap forward. $4k has been given to us. (Not through gofundme). As such the total has been drastically reduced to reflect the new needed amount.
At this point we have to sponge bathe, a process I won't detail. Suffice to say, it's NOT fun. We do have a toilet in our basement, thank goodness. That, however, is in the coldest part of the house that does not get any heat whatsoever.
I've tried to get emergency assistance through the VA. I might be able to get $1,600 from them. Whatever, if any, I get from that, I will drop the needed amount here on gofundme to coincide with the check amount we get.
What I would really like is a job though, so I wouldn't need to ask for money.
I'm a proud person and it shames me to have to ask for assistance. However, this is one time I will ask you good folks. Please help. Especially those in the United States. I served the U.S. for nearly 5 years, while in the service. I get no assistance from the government. None. (save what I MIGHT get as mentioned above)
Please help. I will promise you that I will pay this forward somehow. I'm already looking into volunteering at my local Fire Station.
Should this be successful and money raised goes over the amount needed, the over amount will be donated to the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.
Thank You one and all. If for some reason you choose not to help me, at the least, please consider helping a local veteran to you. We are many thousands and many of us are in serious need.
Most sincerely and humbly,
Chris "Sal" Salerno
