Walking with Joan

Recently, we received a thank you letter from a client, ‘Joan.’ She wrote, “Dear Doug and We Care Staff: Thank you for all your help with resolving my recent water bill, it is really appreciated.”

Joan had come to us with several issues, with the main one being that a water pipe under her cement slab foundation had frozen over the winter and broke with water leaking for months unbeknownst to her. Now her bill was over $1,000, and she was just beside herself with worry. At 80 years old, she was in a difficult position - she couldn’t work, had health issues, and was on a limited income with social security. She couldn’t pay her whole water bill and she desperately needed help. After getting Joan a cup of hot tea to calm her nerves, and some tissue to wipe her tears, our amazing staff were able to help meet her needs - they found funding through Senior Services, United Christian Services and our utility program to pay her bill in full. Now that she was caught up, she could make equal monthly payments in order to stay up with her bill year-round. We were also able to help her with weatherization so the pipe didn’t freeze again, with the Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency, and set up delivery of food and personal hygiene items so she wouldn’t have to leave her home, as that was difficult for her. Joan felt she could face the world once again, thanks to the support of We Care.