Urgent help needed!!!

I don't know what to do.  I need suggestions where to turn.  I got home from work this evening at 7:30 & our house was freezing!  It is 50 in here.  Minnegasco has shut off our gas for past due bills.  We have tried to pay something as we could, but we haven't even had food & gas $.  We got behind when I was out of work for 2 1/2 yrs & even tho I have been working the last 15 mos & my husband has been working right along, just trying to catch up is impossible & Minnegasco is the one who got the short end of the stick.  Does anyone have any suggestions?  I  went to the welfare office awhile ago for help & they said since I am working - we make too much $ for any help.  We don't have friends or family who can help us.  Our total bill is like $4,000.00.  We were paying 400/month to Minnegasco for awhile, but we almost lost our house & had to start catching up our mortgage.  We are 2 months behind on that, but will make a payment Friday to help that.  I am so upset I could cry. And I am not a crier!  We try so hard.  We do not splurge.  We do not go out.  We do not party, waste $, buy things or clothes unless absolutely necessary.  Our kids do not have all the "toys" other teens have.  I don't even go to Cub for groceries - I go to Aldis.  There are NO extras in our lives.  I don't know what else we can do.  Sorry - I am tired (3 1/2 hrs sleep last night & then worked a 12 hr day), stressed, too full from dinner& all my DH can say is that he will shower at the gym & the house will be cold.  I need some helpful ideas - not him just saying "oh, well".  Our kids are on a trip to NY with their high school orchestras that they paid for with fundraisers, so I am glad they aren't here to freeze.  Sorry - I am tired and upset.  HELP! Thanks - Laura

Can you call Minnegasco and ask if you can make somekind of payment arrangement to get the gas turned back on? Have you checked into a credit counselor? They help for free, set up payments to visa's & loans, etc. Kelly

have you tried your local outreach?  I think the one up there is ARCH.  They do help with utilities.  I will look up some phone numbers.  Do you belong to a church?  I would also call the salvation army.  Let me know if you need more help.  I have been there not that long ago.  I would also talk to your dr. to see if they can write a letter of necessity for the gas, something stating you need the gas for your waterheater for therapy.

I can't believe they turned your gas off in winter   All i can think of is if you are a member of a church, maybe they can help, or if you have an EAP (Employee Assistance Program) through your employer, they might have some ideas, there might be programs through your county or the state that could help, but I don't know specifics unfortunately.

I agree with trying the salvation army. They have helped me several times in the past. As a single parent of three I have been in your shoes more than once. Also call your main county number and ask if they have something like information and referral. Sometimes they hve numbers to places that can help you. We have Lakesand pines in my are all they way to Mora who helps with that kind of stuff too especially in emergency situations. See if there is something like that in your area. I though as long as you were mking payments they couldnt shut off your gas its part of the cold weather rule. I would check into that also. Good Luck and thoughts and prayers with you! Brea

I am in Brooklyn park, give CEAP a call tommarrow morning. 763-566-9600. they can help and if by chance cant, they will refer you to whomever can. the Gas company does have a special program  to help but it is through Salvation Army. dont know if they have any funds left. also try the energy assistence program. Ceap can direct you to that. if you can make it through the night it will be warmer during the day. be sure to tell them of your wls surgery as obesity is a desease, and we are always cold because of it. also anything other health problems you or family member may have. it may help with the plea. Bonnie

I thought it was illegal for them to turn the heat off? Am I wrong on this. You have a bunch of good advice up there. I'm sorry you are going through this. I hope you are able to get a solution soon. My prayers will be with you.  Lori

Sorry to hear Laura..  As far as I know the cold weather rule is still in effect and energy companies are not suppose to shut off your gas until after 4/1... I think...  I would definately give them a call.  I wish you all the best!

Sorry!  Good advice here---wish you didn't have to go through this! (((((((((((((((((((((((Laura)))))))))))))))))))))) Love ya! Connie B.

((((((((((LAURA)))))))))))   I am sooo sorry!  You've gotten good advice for help!  Let us know how this turns out!  How awful! HUGS