I'm raising money for getting my power back on so I can maintain my housing..

Why I'm using HandUp for getting my power back on.

I have been going through a lot lately. My nephew died in a car accident and I just found out I have cancer. With all this going on, my electric bill got higher and I did not reach out for help until the power got shut off. If I want to stay housed, I need to ask for help to pay DTE what I owe.

About me.

I am from Pontiac Michigan, and lived there most of my life. I worked at a General Motors Factory, but eventually got laid off. I enjoyed volunteering and going to church, but couldn't do those things after I became homeless. Transportation was a problem for me too. Now I'm in an apartment in Auburn Hills and have been living there for a little over a year. I've been trying to make my life better by working hard on staying clean and sober. I make sure I attend phone meetings every week. It helps a lot that I have good friends and case managers that look out for me.

My backstory.

I am the only child. I was taking care of my mom for 5 years. When she passed away, I became homeless. I ended up at South Oakland Shelter and they helped me find my apartment in Auburn Hills where I am now, Because I'm mentally and physically disabled, I'm unable to work. I'd been getting Social Security Income to live on each month, but it got cut off so I had to reapply. It will take a while for my benefits to be reinstated. I have a used car and the alternator will either have to be fixed or replaced. I go to a lot of medical appointments and I have to depend on other people to get me there. Having a car that works would help me be more self-sufficient. Even with SSI, I wouldn't be able to live and get my car repaired. Whatever help anyone is willing to give me I would very much appreciate it. Thank you!

My goals, moving forward.

It's important to me that I stay stably housed. I'd like to get better at handling my money so I stay on top of paying my rent. I've also talked to my case manager about helping me move to a ground level apartment because I got hit by a car and my injuries make it hard for me to get up and down the stairs (I'm on the second floor). I have faith that God will provide all my needs.

Other things I'd like to share about myself.

My proudest moment is when I graduated high school, and when I took care of my mother. I want to say thank you so much, I really appreciate whatever you can do!