I would think most people have been in a pinch where you only had cash on you or you forgot your card. Someone offers to cover you and in turn you pay them back. It's a wonderful gesture to repay them quickly, it's what keeps the good karma flowing.

The bad karma pops up with the habitual borrowers. They are constantly behind on their bills and payments, borrowing from friends, family and unsuspecting acquaintances. Always promising to pay each back immediately but it never happens.

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FULL STOP

Take stock if this is you or if you know of someone who is doing this in your life right now. Instead of continuing the cycle, please refer to the below resources.

It's Called Enabling People

It's starts with the ask

  • It's my phone bill
  • My internet got shut off
  • I'm on my final notice for power

You've heard the ask before and when you can handle one or three bills you pay them. They are so appreciative and offer to pay you back immediately but you know full well they won't. That being said you still feel good about helping as you should, they got what they needed so now they will be able to get ahead, right? WRONG!

Why would they ever start getting creative or put in the work when people are so willing to help them? You know you aren't the only one they asked right? Some people even take it as far as asking a few different people for the same thing. NEVER give them cash to pay their bills. If it happened once and then again, it will continue to happen and if it does, SHUT. It. DOWN. NOW!

The Definition of an Excuse

attempt to lessen the blame attaching to (a fault or offense); seek to defend or justify.

The best thing you can do is be real with them and yourselves. Not everyone functions the same but there are consequences to every action. You overlooking someone's inability to pay their bills, while not working at a job and without taking action is allowing them to live in this space where it becomes the responsibility of everyone else to take care of them. Literally stealing from people and saying, "I did it for my family." ****ing BULL****!

5 Resources to Assist with Bills and More

211 - 211 connects you to local experts that can assist you in all things having to do with community resources. It's your one stop shop when you are in a spot and have no idea where to start. Follow the prompts and you will be provided with options. Nothing good comes easy so be prepared to fill-out paperwork or provide details on why you aren't able to provide currently. There is no shame is asking for help but there is a hell of a lot of shame in doing nothing and then wondering why it isn't working. Just stop, for yourself and for everyone around you.

Yakima County Volunteer Attorney Services - Perhaps you have an upcoming court date and you owe back child support. Maybe it's time to file for bankruptcy or you have a legal matter that is consuming all your time. If you qualify, reach out and get your questions answered from professionals. Set yourself up for success, one step at a time.

Catholic Charities - Serving East Yakima, Central Washington and also covers housing services. Make a list of your most needed items, your bills and more. Be as prepared as you can and be open to suggestions. You can do this.

Food Banks - They are everywhere and available multiple times a week, a quick google search will give you the active ones in your area to take advantage of fresh produce, bread, meat and more. Pacific Northwest Fresh has a program on their site where you can donate a box to a family in need or even sign-up for one to begin receiving weekly items to keep you full of energy to crush each day.

Lifeline in the State of Washington - You could qualify for a free phone, that's one less bill to worry about

Assurance Wireless offers you our most generous cell phone plan yet — Assurance Wireless Unlimited. It combines our Lifeline service with the Affordable Connectivity Program, successor to the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, to give eligible customers Unlimited Data & Texts & Minutes, plus 10GB Mobile Hotspot Data.

* Bonus Option *

Monthly Diaper Drive - The Henry Beauchamp Center recently teamed up with OIC to provide diapers, baby wipes, formula, tampons and more. A months worth of supplies and you are allowed to come back the next month to stock up as well!

The Henry Beauchamp Community Center, located at 1211 S 7th St, Yakima, WA 98901 will be hosting a diaper drive between 9 am - 12 pm and again from 1 pm - 4 pm.

So Where is the Good News?

The good stuff ALWAYS comes after the hard work. You do your part and hopefully those asking can do theirs. Fingers crossed one day this moment will seem like a bad memory.

Sarah Johnson via canva
Sarah Johnson via canva
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