Imagine being a single parent, solely responsible for providing for your child. You work full-time, earning $14.00 per hour, bringing home around $800.00 every two weeks.
Now, let’s break down your bills:
Rent: $1,000.00
Electricity: $150.00
Car payment: $250.00
Car insurance: $150.00
That leaves you with roughly $1,600.00 per month, while your bills total about $1,550.00, not including groceries, internet, cable, cell phone, and other essentials.
But then, reality hits hard. It’s a bitter December, and your power bill arrives, a whopping $600.00. How do you manage that? The truth is, you can’t. So, your power gets shut off, and according to your lease, terminated utilities mean eviction.
Now, you’re in court, pleading your case to an indifferent judge, with just 10 days to find a new place. You scramble and find a $650.00 apartment, but to move in, you need to pass background and credit checks, which you can’t due to the recent eviction.
Time’s ticking away, and the landlord, accompanied by police, changes your locks at 7 am. Now, you’re living in your car with your child, relying on truck stop showers and gas station microwaves.
A concerned citizen calls Child Protective Services (C.P.S), and they remove your child from your care. To add insult to injury, you lose your job too, as your employer sees it as a reflection on their company.
Desperate, you apply for housing assistance, facing a waitlist of 3-7 years. You seek employment at Walmart, only to return to a smashed car window and stolen belongings. You call your insurance, learning your deductible is $1,000.00, and your rates will increase due to being “high risk.”
As a last resort, you contact homeless shelters, but they’re full. This tale of woe doesn’t end here. It serves as a reminder that life’s unpredictable nature can thrust anyone into dire circumstances with a single unexpected bill, accident, layoff, or tragedy.
We interact with individuals facing such challenges daily. They are not distant others; they are us. Instead of casting judgment, let’s cultivate gratitude for what we have and extend kindness to those in need. After all, we’re all just a step away from facing similar struggles.
I am a passionate animal expert with a deep love for the creatures that share our planet. With 10 years of experience and a science degree. My mission is to share my knowledge, inspire a connection with animals, and promote their welfare. Join me on this journey to explore the beauty of nature and make a difference, one paw print at a time.