https://www.democraticunderground.com/100216659843STAR member mvd, begging again.
Couldn't put this up last night.
mvd (63,930 posts)
My mom is about to have her electricity shut off. I created an emergency fundraiser for her
Hi all,
As you might know from before, my mom turns 73 next week and is widowed. She just has her social security as income, and is therefore considered low income. I currently don’t earn an income and she has no other close relatives. She has nowhere to go if her electricity is shut off. She has an anxiety condition, depression and high blood pressure. Recently PECO, her electric company, sent her a ten day shut off notice. The shut off notice is being held by my mom in the fundraiser picture to help show how urgent this is. She just can’t have her electricity shut off. Her doctor agreed and wrote a medical certification, but this only delays the shut off for a short time and the bill still has to be paid. This is a bill that started festering when my dad was still alive - before 2019. His cancer bills and lack of job or savings left us in bad financial shape. My mom and I are unfortunately still in bad shape. She was on a payment plan, but had to miss some payments when tough decisions were required. Now PECO has not offered a new payment plan after numerous calls. LIHEAP wasn’t much help either and is now out of season anyway. I made the goal $1,500 on advice I got at DU. But since the bill is about double that, I will see how the fundraiser goes and can raise the goal some based on that. My mom and I appreciate anything you can give to help out.
Another thing, my mom and I both have our birthdays on May 12, and it would be a much better birthday to not be worried about the electricity. I don’t like doing this and wish I could donate to a lot of GoFundMes. Right now I have applied for disability and want to sell the house (which is in foreclosure) very soon. But we have no way to cover this emergency expense.
Here is the link to my fundraiser:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-keep-my-moms-electricity-on
Thank you very, very much!
-Matt/mvd
This dude (dud?) has done this several times on DU and each time he just needs a 'little money' to get them through until mom gets her check then he won't beg anymore. He gets called out, admits his problem, and they still donate.
BlackSkimmer (45,658 posts)
5. Isn't this the third time you've done this?
I’m just curious because the last time you said that you just needed money this “one time” and all would be fine.
mvd (63,930 posts)
8. It is but I thought she had a payment arrangement..
for this bill. So I didn’t mention it. If this bill is handled, the budgeting my mom have done should at least help us afloat. We’re going to have to live within our means. It will take more than a fundraiser to change that.
I have no problems answering concerns when they arise.
BlackSkimmer (45,658 posts)
13. Yes, living within one's means is important.
Did you say her bill is over $1000? That’s insane.
mvd (63,930 posts)
14. Unfortunately. It has been growing since..
My dad was alive. He died in January 2019. I still miss him greatly.
BlackSkimmer (45,658 posts)
17. So if you "thought" she had a payment plan, what happened?
Did she not?
I know our electric companies here work with people who are in dire straits. I donate money on my bill every month for that program.
mvd (63,930 posts)
18. PECO is not a very good company
In the US, many private electric companies just care about the money despite record profits. When she had to miss a few payments, the plan was taken away.
It's all the electric companies fault! They made a deal that mvd's mom reneged on and those bastards are going to turn her electricity off. In the words of our (in)famous VP "How dare they!"
Indykatie (3,148 posts)
25. Black Magic Marker Should Take Care of That.
You need to know that if this is your 3rd? time asking for $$$ on DU you have an obligation to document your dire need. It seems like you've gone out of your way to hide any relevant information on the bill but had no problem putting your mom's picture on the internet.
Even the top part of the bill would probably suffice since it probably contains demand for payment and shut off date.
BlackSkimmer (45,658 posts)
34. Yes, everything you said.
No problem putting mom’s face on the internet, though with a mask. Odd, since they are in each other’s bubble so to speak, and they have no interaction with friends or family?
How is an electric bill over $3000?
mvd (63,930 posts)
42. I explained how it is that much
It wasn’t being paid because of problems ever since my dad was alive. During COVID they were not shutting off and we still were in trouble.
As for family, we drifted apart. It happens. The family I was closest to has died, and one that was somewhat close also drifted away.
Let me translate that bolded part; "They got tired of me begging for money and disowned us!"
mvd (63,930 posts)
43. Mom is in bed now but I can change it tomorrow
I didn’t think of the marker thing. That’s a good idea. I understand if some want to see the amount. There is nothing to hide. My mom put the mask on because she is private and sensitive to such things.
She's tired of you using her to beg for weed money.
mvd (63,930 posts)
24. Thank you. All of it helps!
Much appreciated. I have a question for you: as said, the bill is around $3,000. But I wanted to start with a $1,500 goal. Would you move up the goal or just note that I am keeping things open due to the amount of the bill?
Same line he used the last couple of begathons.
mvd (63,930 posts)
28. So very true
I filed for disability in November and I just have my evaluation Zoom call coming this month. I am listing a few things, but as you said, they make it hard. All of what you said is worth considering. Sorry to hear about your health issues. Sending my best wishes.
He's gotten used to the free money and now wants to force the rest of us to pay his bills.
mvd (63,930 posts)
39. For now I am leaving it open with the statement that..
$1500 is just a soft goal. If I could get it to close to the bill amount near $3000, I would be beyond grateful.
mvd (63,930 posts)
46. Thank you
I have a few things I can use:
- autism
- nearly deaf without hearing aids
- physical limitations and arthritis
It’s good to see a positive story. And thank you very much for donating. I am only in my 40s so can’t get Medicare yet.
XanaDUer2 (4,858 posts)
48. Thanks for the positive ssdi story
It gives me hope. I'm not giving up. I have a good lawyer and great doctors.
North Shore Chicago (2,664 posts)
47. Hugs to you and your mom
Wish folks here would stop giving you a hard time, they can either help or not. No
one is forcing them and they need not be the gofund me police.
That said, my good thoughts and a positive outcome to your current situation.
KC
