I am a mother of 3 children, 14, 10 and 1 year old. I was out of work most of last year and the beginning of this year. My husband was layed off in march and has been trying to get his own business off the ground. Our electric was shut off 1 week ago. This week we stayed at my in-laws while they were out of town but we have to go back home this weekend when they return. my father in law is not a very nice man and refuses to help us. My mother in law desperately wants to help but is not allowed as her husband is in control in that area. We live in florida, we have progress energy. It is the middle of summer and so hot for my children to be in that house with no ac. I work from home on the computer and obviously cannot work with no power. We have tried the assistance programs in our area but it never pans out. They have so many rules and want so much paperwork. By the time you get them what they want for paperwork, the account has been closed and they only give help with open accounts. I have a list of some churches to call for help, but I have gone down this road before and there is just very little real help. our bill is outrageous 1600 dollars! Part of the reason is because we just found out that there is a major problem with the electric. A friend who is an electrician came and did an inspection and there is something going on with the grounding wire? I believe that is what he said, my husband knows more about that then I do. Our friend says it is a fire hazard as well as running up the bill. our inlaws own the house and have been informed but do not seem to want to believe that is the problem. they want the power company to come out and take a look but the power company has already stated that where the problem lies is not their responsibility. My father in law is impossible to talk to or reason with, he is right about everything and that is that. Anyhow, our foodstamps were cut, they keep telling me I am not turning in the proper paperwork, even though I give them exactly what they ask for and then some. We are in real trouble here, we have been here before but there was always options, there was always something we could do or work towards, this time I just feel so helpless. My husband and I are fighting depression because of the situation and that of course doesn't help. I would greatly appreciate any ideas for help that anyone can give. I have horrible credit and can't get any kind of loans but I am in a position with the job I have now to be able to make paymenst on a loan if I could find a place that could help. I just don't know what to do anymore. If we didn't have the kids then we would just be able to suffer through til we could scrape the money together but my poor children are suffering.
