Christine's Journey
"Christine" has a big heart and a big dilemma. Even while living in retirement on only her social security income and food assistance, she has opened her home to a disable friend who has limited employment and no where else to go.
Christine recently came to the Salvation Army in Warren for the first time to ask for help paying her energy bills. She had not asked for help before because she did not think she would qualify for assistance. While she was on a budget plan with DTE Energy, she ended the plan year owing over $1200, along with owing several hundred dollars to Consumers Energy.
Salvation Army case manager Wendie Previdi determined that Christine should qualify for low income self-sufficiency programs set up by both DTE and Consumers. In these programs the client pays a reasonable portion of their bill and receives a grant for the remainder. But Christine was apprehensive about filling out the forms and providing the needed documentation. Because our case manager is an approved navigator, Wendie was able to walk Christine through the entire process.
However, Christine's application was denied. Wendie found they problem and they applied again, only to be denied again. The third time was a charm and Christine is now receiving assistance with her energy bills and the Salvation Army provided additional funds to help pay her past due amounts. A free energy audit of her home was also arranged to help her lower her monthly energy use and bills.
With her budget now back in control Christine is joyful and hopeful for the future. She calls Wendie the "Head Honcho" for her guidance during the month-long journey it took to be approved for the assistance program.