Where can I find help with my power bill so i can get it turned back on?

Question

I have three little kids and I am a single mom. Its either rent or power for me, so any ideas? I live in Lasalle County in Illinios.

And no I am not an alcholic, I havent touched the stuff in years, i just like toby keith. Also, my three kids come from the same dad that took off on me when i was pregnant with the youngest. I have no social life, i go to work and then home again. that is my life.

Answer 1

I understand completely the choice you were faced with. One of the ways I learned to prioritize was when my Grandmother would sit with a stack of bills in front of her and ask me who should get paid this month. The rent always won out because if we pay the light bill and not the rent, who's going to be enjoying the lights here while we're living in the car?

I found a site listing a bunch of numbers that you can try to call. If all else fails, start calling churches in your area... they might not be able to help you directly but may be able to direct you to someone who can. Also, I'm posting the link for the Salvation Army. They provide assistance with food and utilities... you might have to meet certain criteria, but it's worth giving them a call.

If the kids are bothered by this, try to make it a game for them. My Grand would have us pretend we were camping out in the living room.

Keep your chin up, you are going to be all right.

Good luck.

Answer 2

I don't mean to be mean or rude, but if your name has anything to do with it....well there you go. You don't need a lecture on being responsible and putting the children you have already had first at this time. Figure out your priorities, get a room mate that doesn't party, grow up, get a better job and be responsible. Sorry, love, but I raised 3 kids myself alone. I had hard times. I spent my time buying clothes at goodwill and fixing meals out of literally nothing. I never had to beg, never had my electricity turned off and held two minimum wage jobs to support the children that "I" gave birth to. When the two oldest went to school, so did I. Then when the eldest turned 15 I had #3. Again, alone. I don't make good men choices, you see. I continued on in school until I could get a job that would pay for the luxuries, like Charmin instead of Always Save. I didn't have time or money to party if my kids were going to have. It's called sacrifice. You do it because it's the right thing to do. You don't "hook up" with some loser in a bar and bring that drama back to the kids. You got yourself into the mess youre in by your choices, now make the right choices to get yourself out. Sorry, turned into a lecture anyway. But that is how I did it. Good luck. Nana

Answer 3

First, I would ask what the power company can do to help. Many have departments to help.
Second, Illinois Department of Human Services or your local Township office. Also look at this link:
http://www.illinoisprobono.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.dsp_content&contentID=1370
Most importantly: Because there are special procedures for emergency needs, you must tell the caseworker that you are "in immediate need of help," and that "it is an emergency."
More help can also be found at: http://illinoisparents.org/

Answer 4

Contact social services, you can get a government grant every year for electricity or heat, it's based on your income how much you get. Also, there is a program called TANF temporary assistance for needy families, this might help. Call St. Vinnies or other church like organizations, they are usually willing to lend a hand.

Answer 5

Call your power company and ask to speak to an account manager. Tell them the situation and ask for a payment plan or some kind of low income allowance.

Call your local family and children's services and ask for help.

Answer 6

try calling your local welfare agency thats what i did when i needed help with my bill good luck

Answer 7

its somewhere u can go look it up and find assistant they pay ur bills go to google and look it up

Answer 8

What town do you live in please. I can help you.