It’s an easy word. One syllable. For some, it’s hard to ask, some ask because they know they need it … here I am … the one literally crying, pleading, begging …
I have IMMEDIATE needs:
Storage – $216 (due by April 1st)
Phone – $426 (2-month bill; due by April 1st)
Gas (heating, cooking) – $144 (again, 2-month bill; past due, disconnect pending)
Electric – $188 (2-month bill; due by March 28th)
Internet – $30 (relying on my phone wears the battery down, and overheats it – another reason I had to get a newer phone)
That is NOTHING allotted for food (delivery only due to no transportation; grocery orders are usually over $35 to avoid fees), personal care (I have specific health-related needs), laundry detergent or dish soap (again, specific health-related needs). There are also minor bills and expenses as well that I haven’t mentioned.
I also have NO way to hire movers (and there are no “charity” movers here), I can’t get any more supplies (if needed), and again … my car situation.
That’s in addition to nearly $6600 in past due rent. Although, a recent notice states a lower amount than an email.
This notice also helps as I don’t have to answer it for about 30 days (approximately April 15th). Yes, I know – they threatened – it’s a bullying tactic, but it’s caught in black and white.
You may have noticed the fundraisers changed amounts (I also changed the URLs to better reflect what I need).
When I set up my fundraiser(s), it was based on what I KNEW I needed based on my area, what I’d been living with, and the lack of assistance in my area. My goal was to set up at least a 3-6 month “safety net” – for rent, bills, and to fix my car. Not to sound snotty – I know my area, my bills, and my situation far better than anyone else would. I have been handling the finances for well over 20+ years. And, in 2009, I took over 100% of doing them since my mom was working and I got my license that year (don’t ask).
The goal was … while my car was being repaired, the bills would be paid. I could then get a job – work double hours (why not, I have nothing at home) and save up. Pack and take stuff to storage on my days off. What sounded good in theory has resulted in suggestions.
Suggestions, that while good at heart, are frustrating. They don’t take into consideration environmental issues (weather namely), feasibility, practicality, sustainability, or even affordability. They don’t take into consideration my physical abilities at all. Imagine someone with no knowledge of certain things, offering a suggestion that is not helpful.
Selling my car is NOT an option at all. I need a car where I am. It can get me to the doctor’s office, the pharmacy (no, my insurance DOES NOT cover pharmacy rides), I can get groceries (1-2 items as opposed to buying them $35+ to avoid delivery fees), get me to work (I could use it for work even), and get stuff to storage (that is NOT feasible on a bus or walking). I could even sleep in it if I couldn’t find a place. It’s better than a bus, and safer. In inclement weather it keeps me from getting too wet or drenched. I also shared it with my mom and legally can’t sell it (need to get a new title first). I wouldn’t get anything for it. It’s a 2008 Chevy Cobalt, flat tires, not running. Costs more to repair than it is worth, but beats trying to afford a new car. Used is NOT an option – you’re just buying someone else’s problem. And, adding payments with the potential maintenance and repair costs? Not a good idea. Best solution? Get a new car with no payments as I can’t afford it. But, that’s nearly $25,000 (including insurance and registration). Though, in my fundraisers I allotted $22,000.
As far as walking – not with my back and knee issues. Many of you don’t know that my back was injured in a car accident in 1988. Because of my age, and my grandmother (who was driving) – I didn’t get the medical attention I needed. And, my right knee has been injured four (4) times since 1983.
Most places are 1-3 miles – ONE WAY. Factor in rain, flooding, and summer temps of 120°F (at best we’re in triple digits over 100 days in the summer) – not ideal. An Über or Lyft can be $25 (about 7½ miles one-way). Even at $15/trip – that’s pricey. Five days a week,10 trips at $15 … that’s $150/week = $600/month. Yikes! I could get a new car for that! Buses? They’re NOT reliable. Construction causes detours – and that can result in LONG walks or service temporarily suspended in the area. I know this because … I rode them, and know the area.
Work from home? I’ve tried. However, I don’t have a decent computer. The one I am using has Windows 10 (purchased as a refurb in 2015), and not compatible with the Windows 11 upgrade (due to the processor). I have BASIC internet service (if I use too much, they will charge more), and no home phone. In some cases – no experience. Just because someone’s relative can or does do it, doesn’t mean it is available for all.
I’ve been asked if I had thought about being an author assistant. I would if someone would hire me. But, not sure it would pay what I need though. At $500/month, I’d need to work for six (6) authors.
This is why I ask y’all to share my GoFundMe. I created a GiveSendGo as I know some don’t like GFM’s platform. I also have PayPal and Venmo. This is the BEST way to ensure I get the help I need, when I need it – which is now.
But, I get it – some don’t want to take the step to donate. And, I’m not asking the ENTIRE amount from any one person. . That’s why it’s a called a fundraiser – everyone chips in. Share to people who CAN pitch in.
I’ll admit, I don’t understand why more people haven’t shared the links. Perhaps it is the “someone else will help if I don’t” mindset. Perhaps, they figure if there is help in their area – there is help everywhere, so no need to do anything. Maybe they feel like it would bring bad luck into their lives by sharing it. I wish I knew.
It’s easy to think that just because your [insert relative here] got something – EVERYONE can get it. Not so. Perhaps your (for example) grandfather got help with medical rides … let me ask, did he have Medicaid or Medicare? Was he paying out of pocket for a Medicare Advantage plan (they have different tiers and benefits)? Was he a VETERAN? Was he disabled? How old is he? What state did he live in? A lot of “factors” go into that “ASSISTANCE”. And some? Don’t apply to me. Those are “contributing factors”. Just because BLANK is available in Virginia, it might not exist in Nevada. Just because Florida has a ride share program doesn’t mean I do. While we’re the United States, we are vastly different on the assistance available.
Is the concern about sharing because one is afraid of getting scammed? GoFundMe is a great way to help. Donations are protected. Is it because someone thinks I am lying? I wish I was lying about my EMERGENT needs. But, I can’t wait another month (or two, three, four) for the county to help. I’m desperate. My bills are due NOW – not later.
I cry myself to sleep EVERY SINGLE NIGHT. I wake up EVERY SINGLE DAY to a never-ending nightmare. I’m trapped in my place because I can’t leave. I haven’t been out of my unit since 2/5 (checking the mail doesn’t count) – that’s 41 days. Even during the pandemic, I could at least get in my car and drive around. I’m trapped and feel like a prisoner! No, talking to someone won’t remedy the situation that is causing the feelings. A pill doesn’t pay the rent, fix the car, or even get my stuff to storage. And, I wish more people realized that.
If you’re waiting for someone to help – help is NOT coming. It won’t arrive in time.
There are programs I don’t qualify for – Senior (I’m under 62), Veteran (never served), Disabled (pending evaluation, that doesn’t count to some), LGBTQ+, ethnic minority, domestic violence, AIDS, teen, single moms. This is NOT disparaging these people at all – I am simply a white, single, straight female and don’t qualify. Many churches ONLY help members. And, some have limits to their financial ability to help. They also have their priorities as well.
Some charities also aren’t too “upfront” with their rules or their assistance either (HopeLink was one). And, anyone who does help? They want a plan from me going forward. I’ve been asked “if we help you now, what is your plan going forward so this doesn’t happen again?”
That’s a reasonable request. I can’t keep asking for charity.
Sadly, they don’t accept “God will provide” or “thoughts and prayers” as suitable plans. That’s not dissing religion or God at all. They just don’t accept God as a viable solution or plan. While some of us do – I’ve been looked at like I needed to be in a psychiatric facility. I won’t embarrass the man person who did. It was someone from the state of Nevada. He was VERY uncomfortable with my answer. He asked “what do you plan to do”. I said … “God will provide”. That didn’t go over well. As far as why the man was at my place … that’s a different subject for a different post.
This isn’t a tomorrow problem. It is a TODAY problem.
After I spend what I have today for a little more food – the balance will be about $6. That’s it.
If my electric goes off – no lights (indoor safety issue), no microwave (no way to heat food), no refrigerator (no way to store food safely), no way to wash clothes. No way to charge my phone or computer. If I lose my internet and telephone – no communication. I can’t even call for a medical ride to a doctor. I will lose all connection to the outside world. In essence – I will go away.
That’s it. There is NO tomorrow for me. I have no one here to help me at all. It’s just ME.
Please – either donate or share the following links
GoFundMe – https://www.gofundme.com/f/helpwithhousing-transition
GiveSendGo – https://www.givesendgo.com/housingtransition
Paypal – medwards4976@gmail.com (or @me429)
Venmo – @MarieEdwards429 (or use the QR code)
Marie
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