I would first like to say, even if you are unable to help, thank you for taking the time to read our story.
I am afraid to share out story since there are so many people that ruin asking for help and use it for “other” things but I will say we are not into any of those things, never have never will.
We are a family of three. My husband I both work full time and most of the time we can’t afford food for ourselves. We prefer to spend what little money we have after bills on food for our 3 year old son. We live in the same house i grew up in since I was 3 years old. My husband and I share one car that I inherited when my mom passed away in 2018. My mom’s sister lived with us and we cared for her until she passed away this past March 2022.
My husband and I met in 2014, had our son in 2019, and celebrated out love with a small, simple and quiet wedding ceremony in our backyard July of 2022 with only 12 family members to witness.
We live in a rural area in WV. Our goal is to grow our small homestead and grow our own food, at least as much as possible.
We try not to need anything extra, and do not live beyond our means. Our bills are basic; electric $260, internet $160, cell phone $180, car insurance $150, wood $90 a cord (truck load) and oil $600 each tank fill up, for heat, gas for our car, and food. We are usually left with about $30 for our emergency fund at the end of each month.
Last winter was pretty cold and harsh and we went through 8 cords of wood and 2 oil tank fill ups for out oil furnace. We try to buy a cord of wood a month and put some back for oil but some months it’s very tough to do and as of lately we’ve not had extra after food at all.
My husband has 2 children from previous relationships and pays child support as best he can, but is slightly in arrears because we have to pay for bills and food. His child support is $123 weekly.
We have minor and major home repairs that need to be done to our home since it is 90 years old give or take a few years.
We are both proud and hate admiting we need help but we are not to proud to do what it takes to make sure our son gets a proper diet even if we have to eat ramen noodles.
We have no set amount that we need at this point anything will help. With winter coming we do need wood and oil to heat our home.
I have asked the state for assistance and upon review we make 500 a year too much to get help with any.
Food, gas, and bill prices continue to rise at a steady rate and I’m not sure how much longer we can stay afloat.
Again thank you so much for taking the time to read our story.