Daphne’s Story

The Sequence of Events

Daphne*, a working mother of three, unexpectedly received a 10-day electricity shutoff notice. Since moving into their new place, Daphne had struggled to understand why her electricity bills had suddenly skyrocketed. She applied for a Customer Assistance Program through the utility company, only to be told that she needed to pay the past due amount before being accepted – a catch-22 that left her feeling trapped and frustrated.

The Impact

What began as an inexplicably high utility bill quickly evolved into a more complex problem. With 12-year-old twins and a 17-year-old at home, the prospect of an electricity shutoff meant more than just darkness and inconvenience; it put the family’s food security at risk. Daphne realized that without power, all the food in her refrigerator and freezer would spoil. The cost of repurchasing the lost food might equal or exceed the cost of the electric bill.

This situation underscores a common but often overlooked reality: when families face unexpected financial crises, food insecurity often becomes the most pressing issue, even if it wasn’t the initial challenge.

The stress of the situation weighed heavily on Daphne. “I’m working and still struggling,” she shared. “I don’t understand how they cut me off as soon as I start working.”

The impact extended beyond Daphne’s personal stress. Her children, witnessing the challenges she faced, added another layer of emotional complexity. “The children see me struggling and I am embarrassed,” she admitted. In Daphne’s case, as with many caregivers, the source of stress from a financial hardship was exacerbated by her inability to keep her children from seeing or feeling the effects. 

Community-Based Support in Action

A Family Center in Daphne’s community recognized the urgency of the situation and referred her to Footbridge, who paid Daphne’s electricity bill in full averting the impending shutoff. This timely intervention did more than keep the lights on. It prevented the loss of perishable food, saving the family from additional financial strain and potential food insecurity. Moreover, it provided Daphne the opportunity to refocus on her family’s needs and future plans.

With the immediate crisis averted, Daphne could redirect her energy towards her children’s activities and her own aspirations. “I want to focus on my kids playing football and keeping them busy,” she shared, adding, “I would like to go back to school eventually.”

A Broader Perspective

Daphne’s experience is an example of how quickly an unexpected expense like an unusually-high utility bill can escalate into a multifaceted crisis for working families. It highlights the connection between financial stability and food security, and the importance of rapid, gap-filling support in preventing a cascade of hardships.

*This name has been changed for privacy reasons.