When A Helper Needs Help

My toilet was constantly running, and I didn’t know that affected our water bill. It would stop if I double clicked the handle, but my teenager wasn’t consistently doing that.

My $200 water bill jumped to over $500, so I ended up owing more than $800.

I’m not the type to reach out for any kind of help. I’m the one who’s always helping and connecting people with resources.

I’m a nurse, but for the last three years, I’ve been operating a small business, so money is not always the same every single month. I do first aid emergency training and am working to make Pontiac a heart safe community.

The water bill was that breaking point where I thought, “Can I even continue doing this? Do I need to go back to the hospital and work?” I was at a point where my funds just weren’t there, but I knew it was temporary.

I don’t care how good I want to make things out to be. I just didn’t have an extra $882 for my water bill on top of all my other bills.

It was a very stressful time for me. I bit the bullet of pride and decided to take advantage of a program that benefits me.

The water department directed me to United Way, and the experience was easy. I applied online and waited a few weeks. Then I called and a nice lady told me that my application was being processed, and I’d hear something in the next 10 days.

I didn’t have to do anything else. They paid the water company directly and I got a confirmation note.

It definitely made the situation a whole lot easier and stress-free. It took another burden off of my plate during a time when my money just wasn’t there.

I’ve been telling everybody about this resource, so if United Way gets an influx of calls from the Pontiac area, it’s probably coming from me.

– Denise Harris, Auburn Hills