Modest Needs Prequalified Applications

Single Mother Needs Assistance With Unexpected Water Bill After Leak

2/10/2012 1:25:32 PM

I am a single parent of a nineteen-year-old daughter, who is trying right now to attend college.

Not long ago, like many people, I was downsized, and since that time, we've been struggling. I have taken steps toward bettering our situation by actively looking for work and then by moving to a more affordable apartment. However, when I recently received our water bill, I was so shocked at the high cost. Apparently, this high cost was due to a problem with the leak in the apartment which was not visible at all to me. I was completely unaware of the problem, and I am now in danger of losing my water all together if I am not able to pay this bill.

I was trying to make life easier by moving to this less expensive apartment, not harder, but this water bill has create a real hardship for us. So, I'm hoping that Modest Needs can help me by making it possible for me to pay this bill. The leak has been fixed, so this really is a one-time situation, and helping me with this bill would put me back on track to the financial recovery I've been working towards on my own. Thank you very much for reading.

Elderly Woman Asking For Assistance With Small Medical Bill

2/10/2012 1:25:32 PM

I am an elderly woman, living by myself. Thankfully I receive social security, and usually I can take care of myself. But right now, I'm struggling with a small medical bill.

At the moment I am living in low-income housing, but haven't been able to afford furniture, which will have to wait. I've become so sick, and have become so anxious and stressed out over my expenses. Although I have been able to take care of my financial situation with the help I do get, as I get older and more in need of medical attention, it is impossible for me to save, even for medical bills like the one I currently need help with.

If I received help with this one bill, it would alleviate some of the stress I am under, and that would be great for me. It would help me get back onto my feet. I would be so grateful and would not forget your kind generosity.

Please Help Me Sleep Without Pain

2/10/2012 1:25:32 PM

I am a fifty-one year old disabled male with several medical conditions. I work a seasonal job, which I'm lucky to have, and try to live within the my little means. I like to live a simple life, without much, thankful for all I do have.

However, my health is a big problem for me right now. This past year I suffered a mini stroke, and, afterward, had to receive two surgeries. My medical expenses have since been difficult for me to handle, even with the help I receive from social security. I am simply not able to save for anything, but I am so desperate for a new mattress, and so I hope Modest Needs can help.

The mattress I have always used is fifty-years old and has springs coming out of it. Because I am disabled, and not well, my sleep is so important to my health. I wake up in so much pain, because I have a degenerative disc disease. I don't sleep at all, and I'm afraid I am only becoming more ill because of this.

I recently put a mattress on layaway and have been able to pay off half of it. I'm hoping I can get some help to afford the rest of the cost of the mattress. If I don't find help, I must choose to make my car payment or pay for the bed, and I am praying that Modest Needs will allow me to keep my car, which I need to get to and from medical appointments, as well as buy this much needed mattress.

If I received help buying this bed, I would finally be able to rest, and hopefully heal. It would be a true miracle. Thank you so very much.

Widow Needs Emergency Dental Bill Help

2/10/2012 1:25:32 PM

I am a sixty-eight year old widow who lives alone, retired, and on a fixed income. I am hoping to receive help to pay for a large unexpected dental bill.

When I switched my insurance in November, I was under the impression that I would receive $300 per year for dental. With this in mind, I had some dental work done that was necessary for an upcoming surgery that I have. When my dentist submitted the bills to my insurance, they were rejected and I was told I'd have to pay because my dental coverage would not take effect until January 1, two months after my new health insurance. I wish they'd told me that before I spent over $300.00 for a body brace for the upcoming surgery!

If I'd known that my dental work wouldn't be covered until January, I'd have waited until January to have it done. But now, I'm stuck with a large dental bill with no way to pay it, so I'm asking if Modest Needs would consider helping me with this bill.

If I could get this dental bill paid, it would make it possible for me to go on living and continue paying my bills like I want to do. And to think that strangers from all over the world had reached out to help me would make me ever thankful for this organization. Thank you!

Struggling Parents Just Back to Work Need Help With Urgent Car Repair

2/10/2012 1:25:32 PM

We are a family of three, with one ten-year-old daughter, currently in the 5th grade and doing great academically. My husband and I have been married for eleven years, and we are both very hard working people.

Because of financial difficulties that have arrived because of unexpected decreases in pay and unemployment, we're currently facing a financial crisis. Right now, we desperately need a car repair to keep the jobs we have, but paying for that car repair would mean not paying our rent, utilities, or something else. It feels like a no-win situation.

We are trying desperately to get back on track with our finances. Initially when my income was reduced we were able to keep up with our bills by using money from our savings account as well as doing other things to make a little extra money, like babysitting for relatives, running errands for other people and selling off some of our personal belongings. We've become extremely frugal and were able to keep up with our mortgage payment, utilities and other necessities, but the last few months have been very hard, especially because of the Christmas season, as we were unable to purchase gifts for our daughter.

Having the opportunity to open up about our financial struggles to people who don't even know us personally and don't have to help but do because they have compassion is very humbling. With our new source of income and stability, we hope to have enough to save for these kinds of emergencies. I have come to Modest Needs as a last resource and it would mean the world to get the help we need to keep our jobs and lives secure, especially now that our financial crisis is ending. Thank you very much for your time.

Senior Recently Diagnosed With Breast Cancer Needs Electric Bill Help

2/10/2012 1:25:32 PM

I am sixty-five year old, and I live alone. I have an adult, disabled daughter who has epilepsy. We have done fine, but taking care of my responsibilities has been more difficult for me since I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.

I have been trying to stay positive for my own health and for my daughter's, but the continuing treatments are very daunting, and remaining hopeful is more difficult with my worsening financial situation. I receive food stamps and utilize the senior food bank once a month, so I am fine with food. But the costs I've had so much trouble with are those which I couldn't have expected. This included the new heater I had to put in my car, which was crucial because I am spending so much time this winter going back and forth to the medical center, and since I am not well having no heat could be so dangerous. I am also spending so much money on gas.

Now I am forced to pay either this month's rent, or take care of a very large past-due electric bill, which is the result of an old refrigerator that I've since had replaced. I am so fearful, because if I don't pay this bill very soon, my electric will be cut off, and because I live in a very rural area, this means no running water either.

After I have this bill taken care of, my plan is to get back to work as soon as treatment is over, and also to find a roommate to help with future costs. I was offered a job right before I was diagnosed but had to put it on hold until my radiation is over.

If I received this one time assistance, it would allow me to continue fighting this cancer with a better peace of mind, knowing my finances are back on track. It is so hard for me to ask for help, but I will never forget any help wonderful people have given me.

Help Fix My Car to Get Steady Emplyment

2/10/2012 1:25:32 PM

I live alone in a one bedroom apartment in a complex named Canal Senior Apartments. It is a wonderful and warm place to live where the tenants are close knit. Unfortunately,I am not married but hope springs eternal.

After relocating to Arizona and with the economy situation finding steady employment with a business has been extremely difficult over the past three years, so I have been doing all types of handyman work to survive. But a big problem that I have is that I live in a rural area, and all of the jobs I can take are a long way from where I live.

I have a car, but it's about twenty years old and needs some work. With the small income that I'm earning right now, I don't have enough money to fix the car to the point that I can go from town to town, and that's really the biggest obstacle that I have to getting my life on track.

My doesn't need a whole lot of work, but it does need the brakes fixed and some other repairs of that kind. Unfortunately, even though those repairs aren't expensive, if I pay for those repairs, I'll put myself behind on the rent (I'm current!) and will face eviction.

I've already applied for some full time jobs in hopes that Modest Needs could help me fix my car so that I can get to interviews and then take the full time job I'm offered. I really appreciate any support Modest Needs and its donors would considering offering me as I work to recover from this difficult economy. You're a lifesaver, really. Thank you.

Help Grandmother Take Care of Self And Loved Ones With Stove

2/10/2012 1:25:32 PM

I am a single grandmother, living alone. Thanks to visiting nurses, I am still able to maintain my independence. I have lived in my home for almost thirty years, and it means so much to me to be able to take care of my home, where my children and grandchildren can also always call their home. But with my health issues and limited mobility this is becoming more and more difficult for me.

My social security income is a very limited one, and after I pay all of my bills, I just have nothing left. Due to the cost of my medical co-pays and medications as well as my monthly utility bills, I have just enough for food.

What I desperately need help with is the cost of a cooking range. This is an expense I have had to put off, but being able to cook more would allow me to spend less and to take care of myself better, as well as my grandchildren when I watch them. If I don't have my stove replaced it is also a safety risk because of the possibility of leakage and the emitting of carbon. This fear keeps me up at night, especially because I feel I am risking the health of my family, too.

With your assistance in purchasing a new stove I will be able to cook healthy food for myself and for my grandchildren. I am so thankful for my family, and I will help take care of them as long as my health and spirit allow. If I am able to get a new stove, this will help me stay independent. It will mean more than you will ever know, and will relieve the worries of my family whom I love so very much. Thank you.

Please Help Fix My Car So I Can Get to My Surgery

2/10/2012 1:25:32 PM

I'm single and live by myself. I'm also disabled.

I need help to fix my car. The steering is out, and without my car, I'll have trouble getting to my doctor. This is bad timing, too, since pretty soon, I'm going to have to have surgery, and the hospital is about sixty miles away. If I can't get to the hospital, I can't have the surgery I really need. That's the real reason I'm here asking for help..

The actual bill for this repair is more than the amount that I could request from Modest Needs by $200.00, but my daughter has promised that she can help me with the rest if ya'll can help me with the other part of the bill. Getting my car fixed would mean a lot to me, and I appreciate your reading this. Thank you.

Please Help Single Mother Keep Special Needs Child Healthy

2/10/2012 1:25:32 PM

I am a single mother of four wonderful children, one with special needs. My seven year old was diagnosed at birth with a rare genetic disorder called Hemihypertrophy syndrome, which makes her susceptible to a condition that causes tumors of the abdominal wall. Taking care of my children is my greatest priority. I work cleaning homes and offices, which allows me to be at the hospital most of the time. Even so, all of my income goes toward household bills and transportation costs to and from medical appointments, and, of course, toward the daily care of my children.

Last year we were able to move from an apartment to a house, but we are now in need of a washing machine, because the nearest laundry facility is miles away. Unlike in a normal circumstance, I must wash my daughter's clothes daily; if I do not, the chance of infection increases. I worry every moment about her health. She is the most caring child. She loves life, and I only want to keep it that way.

If we have a washer in our home, I would be able to better take care of my children, making sure that my daughter is always in clean clothes. It would enable me to help her stay healthy. I hope that someone will reach out to her, in assisting me with this, as she always reaches out to others. Thank you so much.

I Need a Bioness H200 to Improve Function of My Hand and Arm

2/10/2012 1:25:32 PM

I am a 26 year old human services student with a traumatic brain injury and I have lost use of my left arm due to spasticity. I have lived alone for 5 years and am trying to do whatever I can to be successful and independent so I can be more productive as I enter the workforce after I graduate in Fall 2012.

I need help to afford a Bioness H200 unit which minimizes spasticity in my left arm and helps with my neuromuscular systems. I need this to allow my left hand to assist in my daily activities, which can difficult with only one fully functional arm and hand.

I know this particular piece of equipment costs more than Modest Needs usually can grant. But I've requested and received both a one-time discount on the cost of the item and pledges from other organizations to lower the cost of the equipment. The amount I'm requesting represents the difference between the cost of the unit and the discount / funding that has been pledged by other organizations.

I have been seeking funding for over a year now. It has been very stressful and depressing, but if I receive this grant, I'll finally be able to do things with my hands that other people take for granted, and my chances of finding a job once I graduate will be greatly increased. I appreciate any help Modest Needs is willing to offer me. Thank you so much.

Elderly Man Needs Help to Bathe

2/10/2012 1:25:32 PM

I am an elderly man living alone. I have no children, but my niece helps me out from time to time. I am living independently right now, but I cannot get into my shower - I cannot lift my legs over the tub. I need to have a walk-in shower installed so I can continue to live in my home.

Like many retired people, I live on a very small fixed Social Security income. The amount I have is just about enough for me to live. I don't have any way to save for the walk-in shower I need, but I'm afraid that if I can't get this installed somehow, people will decide I can't take care of myself and put me in a nursing home.

This situation is frightening to me. I've known several people who have been living alone and then fall. They always end up in a nursing home and they always die. If I can get the walk-in shower, I will be able to regain my independence and not have to go to a nursing home. That's what I'm really afraid of and the only reason I'm asking for help. Thank you.

Mobility Harness for Service Dog So I Can Stay Independent

2/10/2012 1:25:32 PM

I am a single woman, living alone and trying to continue living independently. I suffer from MS and my symptoms have been getting worse lately. I am so thankful for the service dog that I have who helps me greatly.

What would give me hope that I can maintain my quality of life would be to have a proper harness for my service dog and myself. The harness I have already does not help with my balance issues, and not having the correct equipment for my service dog drastically affects my ability to take care of myself safely.

Without this needed harness my mobility is reduced, and I am forced to depend on others outside of my home. I may even have to move into an assisted living home. I am not ready for that. I have begun feeling hopeless and afraid, but I am trying to do as much for myself so that I can stay independent.

Having this new harness would mean a great deal to me, both for my spirits and my safety. It would show that people really do care. This harness will last many years, and will allow me to move forward in my life as an independent person. Thank you so much from both of us.

Shelter Needs Urgent Help With Boiler Repair

2/10/2012 1:25:32 PM

We are a small, non-profit, personal care home that provides shelter, food, medication administration and general assistance to those who are unable to live on their own, but are unable to afford traditional long-term care. We provide housing for up to 18 people (we are currently at capacity); some people have come to us homeless, all suffer from a wide range of physical or developmental disability.

In order to be compliant with state regulations, we are required to have a boiler inspection. Although the cost is relatively small, we truly operate on a shoestring budget and every additional expense is a hardship.

Our boiler stopped working as did the first floor thermostat, which meant we were unable to heat the home. Regulations prohibit from using space heaters and we need to act to get the heat back on as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, this unexpected expense puts a tremendous strain on our budget.

Your help would ensure that we won't need to scale back or eliminate our services. We would be able to continue caring for others. Thank you for your consideration.

Retired Woman Needs Rent Help After High Auto Repair Bill

2/10/2012 1:25:32 PM

I am a retired single woman, living on my own. I volunteer time at a cancer center and at my church. Like most retirees, I live on a limited, fixed income, but I'm more or less self-supporting. I get $60.00 in food stamps each month but otherwise, I'm on my own.

Living pay check to pay check doesn't allow me to save for emergencies. Not long ago, I had to get my car fixed, because without it I would not be able to get to and from my appointments and to my work at the Cancer center. I live on only the essentials, and right now, because of this car repair, I am one month behind on my rent.

Right now, I am so worried. If I lose my apartment I will not have a place to live, but if I get this funding I will be able to sleep better, knowing my living arrangements are safe. I am so appreciative that there are other people who are willing to help strangers. Thank you so much.

Keep Six Children Warm This Winter With New Heater

2/10/2012 1:25:32 PM

Hello. My husband and I have four children, and we are also raising my husband's two little sisters. Our children are eight-years-old, six-years-old, five-years-old, and two-years-old. My husband's little sisters are ten and fourteen years-old. Both he and I work with individuals with disabilities. It is a very hard, but rewarding job.

Our family needs emergency help to buy a new heater to replace our current broken heater, which is not repairable. Our jobs only pay very little. One of us also has to stay home with the children when the other is at work, so we work opposite shifts everyday. We have always done what we can to make our hard, fast paced life work, but we are living pay check to pay check. We always take overtime hours, but this is not very dependable.

We keep track of every single penny we spend, but has been especially impossible for us to save. We just cannot afford a new heater right now. I am very afraid that my kids are going to get sick this winter. I have one child with asthma and one child who is very susceptible to a respiratory virus and pneumonia. As it gets colder, I am becoming more worried and stressed.

If I received funding to buy a new heater it would be a great weight lifted off of my shoulders. I would no longer worry about my children being cold and getting sick. If my heater is replaced, I will know that my children will be warm this winter. Thank you very much for all of your help.

Hospital MRI Co-Pay Bill is Threatening Our Ability to Stay In Business. Please Help!

2/10/2012 1:25:32 PM

My husband is a sub-contractor who owns his own interior demolition company. He does demolitions for remodeling jobs for several general contractors. We have been in business since 2006 and, even with the economy downfall in 2009, we continued to maintain the business to meet our needs. I stay at home with our two children, age 9 and 2, and maintain the 'business side' of the company.

In September of 2010, my husband was in the hospital for 10 days after a near death appendix rupture. We fell a bit financially from that, but was able to recover with a tight budget. But now, my husband needs to have some work done on his legs due to a rare bone disease he's had since he was a child. His first surgery was completed in late June 2011 on his right knee and his recovery was fairly easy and he fortunately did not miss too much work. His left knee, the more severe of the two, was just completed last week, December 2011. With this surgery, his knee bone had to be drilled in six places and he can not walk or place any weight on it for at least six weeks.

Even though we have some savings, six weeks without any work has put us in a very scary financial position.

I've come to Modest Needs because, right now, we need to pay a co-pay so that my husband can have the MRI he needed to successfully complete his surgery. Our insurance has a $1,000.00 co-pay for all MRI procedures, and with us not having any income for the next six weeks, we don't have any way to pay the bill for this service, which my husband absolutely had to have.

We've already trimmed our budget to the bare minimum. If we pay the bill out of our savings, we won't be able to afford our house payment, and that will put us at risk of foreclosure. If we don't pay it, it will go to collections and ruin our credit, and our credit is essential if we want to stay in business.

In such difficult financial times, it is hard to find a financial institution or an individual who wants to help. We are seeing the ugliness that is shown when you do not have financial stability. Funding of this application would give us the faith we once had in good people and see that people and strangers can still be nice to you even when you don't have money. Once we are back on our feet again, we would like to be there for others who, like us, just needs a little help from circumstances uncontrolled by them. Thank you very much for reading. We really appreciate your thinking of us.

'Disabled father of three needs help paying HEFTY light bill'

2/10/2012 1:25:32 PM

There are 4 people that reside in my home. I have 3 children. There is a 16 year old boy, a 9 year old girl, and a 7 year old girl. I am disabled, but I used to be a contractor.

I am on a fixed income, and my heat pump unit was not working properly and caused my summer bill to be more than it normally would have been. I cannot afford to pay the overage that this caused and the late fees that the light company adds to my bill.

There is not much help here in the state of Georgia, and I can not afford with my fixed income to even have these payments stretched out. It would be a blessing to my family and I to know that there are some caring individuals across this country that are generous enough to help myself and my family. Thank you.

Help to Transport Autistic Child to Critical Therapy

2/10/2012 1:25:32 PM

Hello, I am a single mom raising an autistic 6 year old child. We live on a fixed income that is stretched even more by the cost we incur for the care of my child.

My son has to attend regular doctors visits, and our problem is that car we use to get to and from the doctor has broken down and is not drivable. We're grounded until we fix the car, and we don't make enough money to get our car fixed without some kind of help.

I'm hoping that Modest Needs will find a way to help us fix the car. I'm asking for this help because If we can continue to get my son. Thanks for your time.

Help Ill and Disabled Woman Sleep Without Pain

2/10/2012 1:25:32 PM

I am a sixty-four year old woman with a permanent back injury and also kidney and liver disease.

I have not slept well in a very long time because my twenty-year-old bed keeps me in terrible pain. It sinks in badly. I live alone and I am fighting two major diseases, and since I am disabled having a decent bed is really important to my health.

I live from paycheck to paycheck (social security disability), and this is my only income. Asking for help is my only option, so I'm here to ask for help to purchase a basic mattress that will help me sleep through the night.

If I obtained funding I would be able to sleep during the night, and hopefully because I am rested I will feel better. I won't be in pain all nigh. I would be eternally grateful to those donors who gave of themselves to help me. Love and thanks to all.

Help to Afford Co-Pay for Medical Bill from Crohn's Disease

2/10/2012 1:25:32 PM

Hello. I have been struggling with severe Chron's disease for a long time now, and I am unable to work. .

Because of this disease, I am on long-term disability. But since I have so many medical bills, from time to time, I get a medical bill that I just can't pay. This is one of those times, and I'm hoping Modest Needs will help me pay the co-pay on a past due medical bill that I have so that I can keep my insurance. Without insurance, I can't fight this disease.

If this one medical bill were taken care of, it would be incredible. I would be able to continue seeing my doctors without fear. Thank you so much for caring. I am hoping to receive help with a medical bill, which represents my share after insurance.

Please Help Family Keep Mobile Home

2/10/2012 1:25:32 PM

I am married and have an eight-year old son. I also have three stepdaughters, who my husband and I are trying very hard to get custody of, ages fifteen, eleven, and eight. I am an assistant supervisor for a department store, where I have been employed for almost eleven years.

Our expenses have always been manageable, but we have recently experienced a large number of unexpected and urgent costs related to the custody battle for my husband's daughters. Since we have been trying to gain custody of my husband's girls, attorney fees have made us unable to save for emergency expenses. Specifically, when I had to replace my car tires, which we were told were too risky to drive on, I was forced to fall behind on lot rent in order to pay for those. Even as we've been using as little money as possible on extra expenses, cutting off cable, and sharing rides to work, we just cannot afford this past month's lot rent without some help.

I own our mobile home, but there is now the chance we will lose all we've worked for. It would be so devastating. If we do not have a place to live, we will never be able to gain custody of the girls. I will feel I have failed as a mother.

If we were able to make this payment with your help, it would be a huge emotional lift. My greatest fears would be erased. I have already saved for February lot rent, so I am confident that after this past payment is taken care of I will be able to continue to take care of my family. Thank you so, so much.

Disabled Driver Looking For Help With Car Modification Fee

2/10/2012 1:25:32 PM

For twenty years I was a well-regarded professional salesman. Now that I am disabled I am just trying to maintain and recover as many skills of independent living as possible.

I am asking for assistance with one bill, which would allow me to use my car properly. It is a reduced-fee program for low income disabled residents of California to have their cars modified so that they can drive safely.

Right now, my primary source of income is State Disability I receive due to a workplace incident, and I am on disability leave. Money is tight because of increases in my health insurance payments and reduced income, but we're making it OK, and I wouldn't have needed help if this bill hadn't come due right now. But if I am unable to make this payment I will lose eligibility for my car customization program, and it is my best shot at living independently. It would set back my recovery, my spirits, and my ability to contribute to the community.

Upon my paying this bill, the DMV will make modifications to my vehicle at no cost to me, making it more accessible, and I will be able to drive safely with things like reduced effort systems, specialized steering devices, a seat brace and other modifications that would be very, very expensive if not provided through this program. I would be able to continue living independently and return to full time employment. Thank you very much for all of your help.

Allow Woman With Multiple Sclerosis To Stay Independent

2/10/2012 1:25:32 PM

I am a woman with Multiple Sclerosis. I live in a rural community in Vermont, and I am lucky to not be too far from where I receive my medical treatments. I am also currently working on a micro-business plan with Voc Rehab that would allow me to be self-employed from home.

Financially, right now, I depend on the aid that I receive, which I am so grateful for. I am able to get by with the assistance I get from social security, and I've always budgeted very well. But my car is in need of a repair that I just cannot afford on my limited income, which doesn't allow me to save. Without my car, I would not be able to attend my medical appointments, because there is no public transportation between my home and the center. And I would not be able to continue my appointments with my Voc Rehab Counselor. Of course, being able to work on getting physically better with my doctor is so important, but being able to train in order to work from home is crucial to my being able to live independently.

I am, again, thankful for all the help I receive, but I will be so much better off once I am able to become independent again and earn for myself. I have, long ago, had to swallow my pride and let others take care of me, but I desperately want to be able to take care of myself, physically and financially.

If my car is fixed, I could continue trying to better my health as well as my financial situation, with the training I've begun. Your help wouldn't only fix my car, but it would let me go on living as a person of independence. It would mean so very much to me, and I thank you.

Help Fix Car Needed To Get To Doc. Appointments

2/10/2012 1:25:32 PM

I spend my time taking care of my husband, trying to provide a healthy environment for us to live in. Lately, it has become more difficult for us to get by.

At this time, we desperately need help repairing our car. We are very worried we will have to drive an unsafe car.

My husband is disabled, and attends respiratory therapy three times a week as well as regular hospital visits. We've enjoyed the convenience of having a vehicle to get to and from appointments, and we have been panicking over this new needed repair. We get by only on my husband's social security, so we cannot afford the very high bill.

If we are helped with this car repair, it will be such a relief for us. Our safety will be assured, and we will be warmed that there are such good, kind hearted people out there. We will feel loved and cared for. Thank you.