A four-day hospitalization was enough to upend Kayla T.’s stability.
“It was overwhelming because I was dealing with all of my health issues, and going through a breakup at the same time,” Kayla shared. “I have borderline personality disorder and I actually lost my job because I had spent too much time away from work while in the hospital.”
Kayla says she’s never needed to reach out for community support before. But with a mountain of medical and household bills coming due, she decided to try calling United Way 211 for help.
“I’ve never really needed to ask for help because I’ve always worked at least two jobs,” said Kayla. “One of my caretakers at the hospital actually told me about 211 and I figured it was worth a try to see what they could do for my situation.”
A 211 Community Resource Specialist told Kayla about United Way’s Critical Medical Needs program and steps she would need to take to apply. The program, started in the summer of 2024, provides utility assistance to individuals with a medical diagnosis that hinders their ability to cover utility costs, and which could be worsened if service is disconnected.
“I wasn’t going to therapy or doing the things I should for my mental illness, and owing all this money to keep my power on felt impossible and made things even more stressful,” said Kayla. “So to have this financial assistance with my light bill was a really big deal. I’m really thankful.”
Last year, more than 700 unique clients were supported by the Critical Medical Needs program, with an average utility payment of $867.
Consider a gift today to ensure United Way can continue to support the financial security of people like Kayla in 2026.