Helping in elderly and poor

Jim Pompetti

In the last couple of days we have come across several steam systems that need major attention . The people are old , and or cannot afford to pay for the needed improvements . We do as much as possible and keep the price down . How do you handle these situations . I believe there should be a place for them to go for assistance or is there one , we don't know of . We make sure everyone has heat ,we let them pay however they can 5 to 10 dollars a month . Just need some input from you guys.

Mad Dog_2

We need to do a few freebies a year for folks like these........

HOWEVER!, you need to get some donations of materiel...put the arm on some of your suppliers...and anyone else you can get your hands on, I have found in MOST of these cases....there are family members ...A) who HAVE the $$$ and plenty of time....get them involved. In the not so distant past....I gave it ALL....and FELT it!!!!!Mad Dog

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Alan R. Mercurio_3

Jim, Here’s an avenue you may want to try if they heat with oil??

Oil Heat Cares


Your friend in the industry,
Alan R. Mercurio

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toearly_2

It always breaks the heart when we run into this.For small repairs we have a fund built into our rate. This amount varies from year to year but seems to average between 5 - 7 thousand a year. It is very rare we do a job for free. Other then pumping after a flood We often take a reduced rate for the services.Something like 25.00 dollars for a 200.00 job. We do not mention this to people. But they always seem to know.

On bigger jobs we work with social services and other outreach groups to find them help.

It always comes back in a positive way
My wife and I need to sleep at night
If it ever reaches a point where we can not do this. It might be time to hang up this self employed thing.

Best of luck
David

. We do as much as

> possible and keep the price down . How do you

> handle these situations . I believe there should

> be a place for them to go for assistance or is

> there one , we don't know of . We make sure

> everyone has heat ,we let them pay however they

> can 5 to 10 dollars a month . Just need some

> input from you guys.

mp1969

How?

Look to civic minded organizations such as the Lions etc.I am A Lion member and we look for ways to help those in need.

Churches are more than willing to help out in these type of situations.

Than there is the give once and you will recieve three time rule. These people talk ,the good will generated by caring is one of the cheapest forms of selling yourself and your company.

We all know there is a human side to this mayhem!


Thanks for your post it needs to be addressed when you run into these situations.

Contractors with a conscious make my day!


MP 1969

Jeff Lawrence_25

A church member was dying

And my father-in-law called me to ask if I could help.

I went to the couple's house and found their source of heat was a nasty kerosene heater. The FA furnace needed a couple of parts and I gave them a price. Since she had quit her job to care for her husband, the money wasn't there for the repair.

I called my FIL and told him about the problem. If he (or the church) would pay for the parts, I'd install them free. He didn't even ask how much or when, he told me to do it.

When I returned the next day, I got the unit working again and gave them the bill. Labor - Nothing Parts - paid

I thought they were both going to cry. I went to his funeral less than 6 months later. When I walked into the room, she got up and gave me a big hug while crying her eyes out. Getting rid of the kerosene heater let him breathe better and she thought helped him live longer.

That was the most I ever got 'paid' for a job.

Jim, this may not help you with your customers problem, but it may give you an idea. Good luck.

John R. Hall

Jim

In our area the local social services organization often helps out those in need. If you do a little research you may find such a group in your area. Good luck and thanks for caring.

Dan La Jeunesse

Service Organizations

Gents,

Local service organizations will usually be happy to help share the load with a contractor who has a needy customer. Local chapters of the St. Vincent De Paul Society, Little Brothers of the Poor, Salvation Army, churches or even the local township office all know how to assist with contractors who want to help. A few phone calls to local organizations will generally secure the necessary funds or donations. These groups appreciate your help and the good word gets around. Thanks for lending a hand.

mtfallsmikey

And, if you are in a rural area like me

Contact your local Ruritan club. I have done some things for them in the past. Also, I would finance some of these people, most every one eventually paid me back, and got reduced rates/free parts. Never forget the downtrodden,for some of us eiether have been there or may get there someday.

Jim_67

Jim_67

http://www.eere.energy.gov/weatherization/

Jim_67

http://www.eere.energy.gov/weatherization/

Jim_67

here is a government program that helps low income people with both weatherization and furnace/boiler replacement or repair...and its free

http://www.eere.energy.gov/weatherization/