Chris and Deb Dyrssen

Hi, my sister Deb and her husband Chris have experienced a life changing event that has depleted their resources and left them in a precarious situation. On February 26, 2024, Chris suffered a significant medical emergency while out of state that resulted in a week stay in the hospital followed by three weeks in an intensive rehabilitation center. Deb spent most of the time with him until he was able to go home thus resulting in a significant accrued debt. Chris is now in outpatient therapy twice a week and still working with multiple doctors to resolve the underlying medical issues. Chris’s medical team’s prognosis is encouraging however, recovery will take time. Because of his condition, he will need ongoing care in the home which has fallen on Deb. She gladly gives of her time and energy but as sole caregiver, she is not able to seek employment outside the home. They currently have no income and although we are working with numerous organizations to stabilize their situation, this also takes time and their needs are immediate. They are grateful and humbled by any and all donations to help support them until they are back on their feet.

Funds will be used to cover living expenses for the next six months while we work with other organizations to develop a long term plan.

Funds will also be used to pay down the debt incurred while staying out of state during the initial medical emergency.

We have actively sought assistance through local organizations. However, several organizations have requirements that Deb and Chris do not meet. Here are some of the organizations we have explored and why they don’t qualify.

Have not lived in Kentucky for at least a year:

Section 8

Lexington Emergency Financial assistance

DHHS

Chris already made more this year than their minimum annual income.

These programs you must already qualify for DHHS to qualify:

Life Line for internet/phone service

Bridging the Gap - one person must be working

Housing Stablilzation - only for Covid related issues

Many of the other organizations are for specific groups like military, cancer patients or domestic abuse victims.

These are the organizations that may be able to help that we are contacting:

United Way - contacted 4/29. They don’t offer funding but gave some referrals. We are following up with them. Some of the referrals are the same organizations we have already or are on our list.

LiHEAP - must have a cut off notice which we do not have.

Salvation Army

Maxwell Street Presbyterian Church

Centenary UMC Love Fund - only available first Monday of the month

Catholic Action Center

Immanuel Baptist Church - must be willing to meet with a counselor three times.

Rhea Wings

Southland Dollar Club - one time but cannot be used for rent, response time is several weeks.