Richard* is a proud father and grandfather. But his voice wavers a bit as he describes the reason for his visit on a hot summer day.
Disabled by psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, he is fighting to keep his family afloat in the midst of yet another crisis. His first grandchild stopped breathing a few months ago and spent weeks in the hospital. Home now, the baby still requires special equipment and in-home care.
To top it off, the family’s old HVAC unit began to fail just as temperatures began to rise. His power bill spiked, medical bills piled up, and there just wasn’t anything Richard could do about the air conditioner.
With the power scheduled for disconnection, he sought help at Crisis Assistance Ministry. Thanks to your support, a payment directly to his energy company kept the power on and his grandchild’s medical equipment running.
Richard was also able to pick up a brand new window air conditioner, donated by corporate partner Electrolux, to prevent heat-related exacerbations for himself and his grandchild.
He says it’s hard to ask for help after a lifetime of providing for his family on his own. “I can be stubborn,” Richard says. “It’s humbling to come here, but I’m so grateful too.”
*Name changed at customer’s request to preserve confidentiality.