Government Assistance: Utilities and Government Agencies (A True Insight!)

I have previously written an article published on Associated Content, about going without things: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/308839/going_without_a_true_story.html?cat=7 my event was electricity. And because of recent events, and what not- I am forced to point out something that might just leave your jaw dropped, just as it did mine.

The same place that I lived where we (my family and I) went without power; there was a family going without water. No one knew this, until we all started noticing our water bills sky rocketing. Several of us hired plumbers to check for leaks, others had landlords re-do plumbing and lawn sprinklers. It wasn't until one night, that my neighbor and I sat quietly talking on the porch that we seen how our water bills had been climbing. We witnessed this older woman in her fifties take a bucket and walk up to peoples outdoor faucet and fill the bucket with water and then go home. Why didn't she tell any of us, or ask even?! We were shocked!

Because our bills had went well above reasonable, we had no choice but to inform the water department. The water department said we were responsible for these high bills, and were required to also pay more into deposits and what not. And you are probably thinking we were being crude. But you see, we are talking over four hundred dollars.

And this woman, has a son who lives with her, in his thirties and he sits at home, doing nothing all day. Because he goes door to door complaining about his mother, refuses to do what she asks of him, we all started nagging him about getting a job. All he would do is laugh!

So we told that water department what we witnessed, and ask if anything could be done, or what we should do. They documented our input, and we gave the location of the residence without water. The representative asked if their trash had been being picked up every week, to which, yes it was. That is why no one suspected anything. Everyone's trash on the street, was picked up. And the trash is a part of the water bill.

The water department called the Police, because this was theft of a utility and services. This made us feel bad; all we wanted was a waiver or something because we all had discovered the reasoning in the heightened water bills.

The Police go to the home without water, and speak to the people. That night, their water is back on!

The woman was pleased, so she came door to door bragging. We asked her why she had been without water in the first place, and she said because the bill had gotten too high, and she didn't have the money to pay it. But she has and had internet the whole time, and even cable TV!

I was flabbergasted, because of her priorities. Did she tell the Police she prioritized cable and internet BEFORE water? I am thinking no, and wondering if she played the role of a victim instead.

I know what you're thinking. But it isn't jealousy. I had children, and a legitimate situation, and no cable! My husband was working, it's just that the hours were lacking. We prioritized a roof over our head BEFORE our power. And the neighbors called child services, and we were investigated by them and the Police, and no one could or would lend a helping hand.

Why not?

What is the difference? Yeah, water is more important then electric, I agree with that. But where do the government agencies get their rules and requirements as to whom they can help and whom they cannot? Do they really even care as to the how and why's?

And yes, I was glad that someone did help the old lady and her son out, because it helped all of us out, in the long run. Unfortunately my water was turned off because lack of funds to pay for it though, and I still have an outstanding bill with the water department because of that. I had to move, because of the water bill, the over priced landlord, and lack of monies. All of this- compiled-happened all at once and was sinking us rapidly, so we moved.

The water department KNOWS that these people had no water, and they know there was a theft going on, they investigated. The Police obtained the proof for them! But I am still responsible for the bill. How is that right? What am I missing here?