Hello everyone, I am a mom of 2 kids and on Thursday my electric was shut off.  I went to DHS and they want me to pay $2,000 before they will help.  I do not have that kind of money and I have asked everyone I know for a loan.  My bill got so high because back in Oct of 08 I filed a chapter 13 and ended up with an attorney that did not know what he was doing.  When you file a 13, DTE *utility company* can not shut your power off and they cannot harrass you.  In Jan my bancruptcy was dismissed, and I never recieved a bill from DTE.  3 weeks ago I recieved a shut off notice and they wanted over $3,000. I dont know what I am going to do about this because all other agencies in Michigan that help with utility shut offs are out of funds too.  Right now, I am using a generator that a friend is letting me borrow which is keeping a few things running but I am almost out of money to buy gas for the generator. 

If there is anyone that can please help me with this, I have proof of my bill and proof of my DHS decision.   I really need a hand up right now.  Thank you.

Hi just checking to see how you are doing. I have never met you or even spoken to you but I ran across your Aidpage and noticed you havent been on in a while. I hope everything is going better for you and you had a decent summer. Its good to hear you didnt give your son to Mom. Keep your head up and keep pushing on. Jennifer

Thank you for these phone numbers Tina. I am in Michigan too and its good to see someone here giving folks some need to know resources. I will be keeping these on hand to possibly use myself and share with others that might find them helpful. You Rock!

Are you getting any finacial aid for schooling? Even if you work you can apply and qualify for grants to get an education. If you havent been here yet http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ I would strongly advise you apply to see what you can get. Good luck to you and I hope that you will be able to get back on your feet. You and your daughters deserve the best!

Have you attempted to get aid from your local social service agency? You and your husband might make too much money to qualify but it doesnt hurt to try right? At the very least you might be able to get assistance with food. Have you heard of Greenpath? Its a nonprofit company that will counsel you and help you with your debts. I have heard a lot of good things about them and I believe they can help out alot.

WOW Please take a deep breath! I understand your pain but please do not do anything stupid. You can handle this I promise. Can you go down to your social service office to get any type of assistance? Even if it is just food, it is something. They may even be able to help you with rent and if your utilities are about to be shut off there are services to help you during hardship. I have had to utilize these services before and I feel no shame because of it. Everyone needs a little help sometimes.

Rosebud, It seems as though you know what you are talking about as far as grants go but you never really tell any of us how to get them except to go to the social service agency. I have been to them and they for whatever reason had no idea what I was talking about. I also noticed on one of your websites that you yourself may be charging money for the information you have access to. So you explain that yes grants are available but could you guide me in the direction I need to go to find the applcations I need. I know grants are not going to come to me but I have NO money to pay someone for information. Could you possibly help? Thanks

We did buy our home and it would be to heartwrenching to move away from here.

Its amazing to me how many folks here are from Michigan. Things are so bad here, I feel for you I really do. Good luck I wish I was in a position to help you.

Its terrible here and I never dreamed that we would be going through this. So many people are losing their homes and I refuse to become one of them. Its very depressing. Its good to talk to others in the same situation. It kind of eases the blow a little to know your not the only one. Thanks. Jennifer