Forward Futures: Meet Harold

Harold, a single father of four, gets much-needed help just in time.

Keeping the Lights On: How the Summer Crisis Program Helped a Single Dad of Four

At Step Forward, we see every day how a little help at the right time can change everything. For Harold, a single father raising four children in Cleveland, that moment came just as his electricity was about to be shut off.

A Father Doing It All

Harold has spent decades raising two sons and two daughters on his own. Like many families, he relied on an energy assistance plan to help make ends meet. But when it came time to renew his plan this year, he ran into unexpected roadblocks.

The office he mailed his paperwork to had closed, and his renewal was never processed. With the shutoff date looming, Harold found himself scrambling, desperately searching for help.

“I was in the middle of termination,” he recalled. “I didn’t have the $900 I needed, and I didn’t know what to do.”

A Lifeline Through Step Forward

Just in time, Harold connected with Step Forward’s Summer Crisis Program. One of our dedicated team members worked quickly to gather his pay stubs, process the paperwork, and get his benefits reinstated. The program not only prevented his electricity from being shut off but also provided a free air conditioner to help keep his family safe during the summer heat.

“She was able to get me reverified, completely set back up on the program, and stopped my termination date, which would have been shut off yesterday,” Harold said with relief.

Why This Matters

For Harold and thousands of families like his, programs like Summer Crisis aren’t just about bills or air conditioning - they’re about dignity, safety, and the chance to keep moving forward. Without it, Harold and his children would have faced a sweltering summer in the dark.

How You Can Help

Stories like Harold’s are possible because of community support. Your donations allow Step Forward to respond when families face crises they cannot solve alone. Together, we can make sure no parent has to choose between keeping the lights on and taking care of their children.

👉 Donate today to give families like Harold’s the stability they need and the hope they deserve.