SAUGUS — With temperatures finally dropping in Massachusetts, it’s crucial that families have the ability to stay warm. A major part of this is having a hot water heater in the home. For one family, this hasn’t been a possibility for two winters.
As winter closed in, Joanne Miller reached out to her community on Facebook in hopes of funding a replacement hot water heater in her home. With time passing, Miller forgot about the post until another local, Fran Salamone, responded to her, hoping to help the Miller family.
Miller lives with her disabled husband, 78-year-old mother, and 19-year-old daughter. All three women work in retail. Miller’s daughter is currently saving all of her money for college.
“I’m a certified nurse’s aide. I’ve been caring for the elderly for 40 years, but I’ve had to work close to home recently because we only have one vehicle. I haven’t been able to make the money that I could be making,” Miller said.
As mentioned, the family hasn’t had hot water for over a year. Miller said it’s been difficult, and only her daughter has been brave enough to shower at home during these cold months.
“I tried in the summertime because usually it’s hot, but it was freezing, and I never did it again,” she said.
Salamone has now reached out to the Saugus community with a GoFundMe that will directly donate to Miller and her family to fund a hot water heater.
“I really appreciate anyone’s help,” Miller said.
The GoFundMe can be found at www.gofundme.com/f/keep-warm-joannes-family-needs-our-help. The current goal is to raise $1,200 for the heater, installation and GoFundMe fees.
