Ms. Mindie Boulden
The Problem:
One day we were happy and planning our wedding and the next day my fiancée’s medical condition worsened and I found myself working full-time, 60 hours per week juggling our daughters in between doctor’s visits and school.
My kids and my fiancée mean the world to me and the sacrifice of not being there for them weighed heavily on my heart. My fiancée who was once a provider has an ongoing health issue and cannot contribute. I have a beautiful 11-year-old who loves to dance and cheer and a two-year-old daughter that is full of energy. I’d spent maybe three hours a day with them. One hour in the morning before work and about two hours in the evening when I got home. It was exhausting. When you acquire a full-time job, state benefits decrease so severely that it almost feels like no help at all. I needed all of the help I could get. I almost felt punished for trying to become self –reliant while teetering on the edge of dependency. I made the tough decision to reduce my work hours and spend more time with my family. I’m still working full-time but I lost about $300 a paycheck.
The Process:
At first, we juggled the bills. After a while, there simply is not enough money. I felt like things were going to fall apart. That’s when I searched for help and found IMPACT. When I learned about the Home Energy Assistance Program/ Percentage of Income Payment Plan honestly, I cried. At times it had been so hard and here was an answer to my prayers. The PIPP program was a way to stop my finances from spiraling out of control.
The Progress:
Based on my income I went from a $350-dollar bill to about a $60-monthly payment option and a huge weight was lifted of our shoulders. The thought of being evicted because your utility is disconnected is over whelming but the PIPP program gave us an affordable budget that we can manage. I now have a little bit of money to put towards another bill or get gas, buy food or get something for the kids. The best part is that I am making a contribution. I am happy to pay on time and in full. No one should have to work this hard and not feel active in the solution. I can see my contribution monthly on the bill and the programs benefit. This is the best part of the PIPP program to me. The PIPP program is a blessing. It’s still hard and it’s a daily struggle but I know we can make it until we can get back on our feet.
The Partnership:
The Home Energy Assistance Program/Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus helps thousands of central Ohioans manage their energy bills year-round. IMPACT Community Action is a local provider serving more than 20 thousand families in Franklin County.