r/Assistance • u/Moonie246 REGISTERED • 12d ago
REQUEST I need help avoiding homelessness.
I’m facing the very real possibility of being homeless again, and I’m doing everything I can to prevent it. I have until May 2025 to pull things together, but time is running out, and I need help raising $1,500 to cover my first month’s rent, groceries, and some bills. This would give me the chance to secure stable housing and focus on finding a job that can accommodate my disabilities before I lose my current place to live. It’s been a long, difficult road, and while I’m determined to make it through this, I can’t do it alone.
I’m legally blind, and while I can manage with shaded lenses, it still makes finding work a challenge. On top of that, I’ve suffered multiple spinal fractures, leaving my back fragile. I can still walk, but heavy lifting or strenuous activity isn’t an option for me. These physical disabilities alone make finding a job difficult, but they also disqualify me from receiving SSI. I’m grateful to receive SNAP benefits, but they only cover about two weeks of groceries each month, leaving me to figure out the rest on my own.
In addition to my physical challenges, I also have Tourette’s Syndrome, Autism, and ADHD. These conditions bring their own unique struggles to finding and keeping a job. My Tourette’s and Autism can make certain work environments overwhelming, and my ADHD impacts focus and time management. To make matters worse, I’m allergic to many of the medications that help manage these conditions, so I’ve had to rely on non-medical coping strategies. While I’ve worked hard to adapt, traditional workplaces are rarely designed with these challenges in mind.
My first priority is finding stable housing. The constant instability I’ve experienced over the last two years has taken a huge toll on both my physical and mental health. If I can secure rent and cover my basic needs for even just one month, it will give me the time and stability I need to find a job nearby that works with my limitations. I know that job is out there, but I need a little more time to find it without the constant stress of wondering where I’ll live.
I also have a cat who’s been a huge source of comfort through everything. She’ll be turning one year old soon and needs to be spayed, which is another expense I’m struggling to afford. She’s family to me, and her health and happiness are just as important as my own. Taking care of her is a responsibility I refuse to give up, no matter how tough things get.
Having been homeless multiple times before, I know just how hard it is to rebuild when you’re starting from nothing. Each time I’ve gotten back on my feet, it’s felt like stability is just out of reach, and this time, I want to break that cycle for good. That $1,500 wouldn’t just be a temporary fix—it would be the foundation I need to build a more stable future.
I’m not asking for a handout; I’m asking for a hand up. I want to work, support myself, and finally have a secure place to call home. But the reality is that finding a job with my disabilities takes time, and time is something I don’t have much of right now. Without stable housing, I’ll be stuck in survival mode, unable to move forward.
If you’re able to help, even just a little, it would mean everything to me. Every dollar gets me closer to having a safe place to live, food to eat, and the chance to find a job that will finally allow me to support myself. And if you’re unable to contribute financially, sharing my story could help me reach someone who can. Thank you so much for reading this and for caring. Your support—whether it’s financial, emotional, or simply spreading the word—gives me hope that I can get through this.
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u/MeechiJ REGISTERED 12d ago
You qualify for SSI if you are legally blind and have other physical and/or mental conditions that make it difficult to obtain or keep gainful employment. SSI is for those who do not have a work history and is subject to asset limitations. You can apply online or if you need assistance with filling out your application you can apply at your local DHS office. You will need to be able to provide names and dates for any doctors you see as well as dates you were diagnosed with your conditions. DHS could also help you apply for SNAP benefits and Medicaid (if you don’t already have it) as well as possibly direct you to resources specifically for those who are blind/vision impaired.
Best wishes for a better year ahead.
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u/irate_anatid 12d ago
If you’re legally blind, you should be eligible for SSI on that basis. I’d pursue that ASAP. Even if you were able to get together enough for first month’s rent, no one is going rent to you without some kind of proof of income.
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u/Moonie246 REGISTERED 12d ago
So my blindness falls under this category: bad enough I can't legally drive, but manageable enough that I only need a pair of $700 shaded lenses with side protectors to see properly (with limited color receptors). I've tried applying in the past, and I get denied every time. Even when I also try for my Autism and Tourette's Syndrome, they label my Autism as independent (which is true, I'm not dependent on someone else in terms of self-care), and my Tourette's only causes occasional speech impedimentcy and minor facial and arm tics (used to be A LOT WORSE as a kid with an underdeveloped brain). I fully don't qualify because of that.
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u/SavaRox REGISTERED 12d ago
Social Security denies everyone the first time they apply. You have to appeal it if they deny you, and you absolutely must have a lawyer to fight for you on the appeal! Social Security lawyers don't require any payment up front. They get paid only if you win your appeal, then they take a percentage of whatever back pay Social Security gives you. You can definitely qualify with the disabilities you have listed.
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u/Florida1974 12d ago
Hire a lawyer. They will take a cut but that’s a one time thing. I worked for one that did only social security denials. Everyone gets denied, especially the 1st time.
As long as all of this is actually diagnosed, you should be a slam dunk for the lawyer.
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u/Moonie246 REGISTERED 12d ago
I'll look into it, though I've applied multiple times for a few different things. I'll see what a lawyer can do for me. Thank you for being supportive. ♡
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u/Royal_Tough_9927 REGISTERED 12d ago
With all your many medical problems ,Im not sure what actual job you are able to work. The majority of people who are unemployed and looking for work are having difficult times locating anything. Im not sure what you might find. I imagine your disabilities are going to make it even more of a challenge. If you need to bring in atleast 1500.00 a month to make ends meet you need to make more than minium wage. Do you have the skills to get a high paying job? Once that month is up ,Im not sure you will have a job. What will you do then ? Disability will net you under 1300.00 a month I think. Its not a lot. SNAP is about 23.00. You need to contact the cauncel on blindness and see what is available to you. I wish you well.
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u/Moonie246 REGISTERED 12d ago
I qualify for $291 in SNAP at the moment, and I'm actually an Ivy League graduate from Berklee. I have a Bachelor's in Music Ed. I can do most, if not all, administrative work as a secretary or CSR, but most people don't want to higher me because of the tics. Imagine you are trying to talk to a CSR and, out of nowhere, they yell "HANDRAIL" in the middle of the conversation. Not great for PR.
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u/purplgurl 12d ago
That's not how you spell Berkeley.....
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u/Moonie246 REGISTERED 12d ago
Uhm, look it up? Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA (I took their online course).
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u/Royal_Tough_9927 REGISTERED 6d ago
The 23.00 I mentioned is for recipients of disability. People living off of that are really struggling. I read through many of your past posts. I wish you well. Please keep in mind the pay rate of the job type you mention won’t likely be enough to cover the monthly rent you mention. My home has found that two or three incomes is what it takes to get by. By the way , you are a beautiful writer. I hope you find peace.
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u/Budget_Wafer382 12d ago
I'd be willing to put some funds towards getting your kitty fixed. If you provide the name of your vet and phone number along with the kitty's name, I'll call and put some money into your vets account. I'm assuming others might be willing to do the same.
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u/Moonie246 REGISTERED 12d ago
She is, by technicality, my roommate's, but he's giving me her to take with me since she and I have been together for so long and she seems to have imprinted on me in some form or fashion. She's only really nice to me. I'll get that information for you come later today, since I'll be grabbing my things from his place and spending a while with my partner, who can only let me stay with him till May at the latest. After that, I'll be on my own.
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u/CaitlinHenson1985 REGISTERED 12d ago
I do wish you the best of luck, although this does sound like more of an ongoing situation as opposed to a temp issue. With those restrictions, as ppl have said, it will be very difficult to find employment. And any place you move to, it will most likely take more then a month to get a job. And that housing won't be very stable if you can't pay the bills. I'm a mom with a full time job, a 9 year old and lots of bills and I am struggling. With those limitations, definitely look into disability.
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u/CatStuckInSpace REGISTERED 12d ago
Your previous gofundme request has different ailments listed than the ones you are saying you have now. I'm not saying your not disabled, just seems like this issue is going to continue even if you find people to donate $1500 you're just going to be right back here asking in a month or two. Sorry to sound harsh but YOU need to find a long term solution for this.
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u/Moonie246 REGISTERED 9d ago
I'm trying... my main issue is that I can't even afford to feed myself. I said I wasn't asking for a handout, just some help getting up and having the time to do what I need to, which has been difficult to find. And while it does say I have different ailments on my previous post, I don't like talking about some of my issues and other ones have changed as of late.
Not everyone is the picture of health 24/7, though I wish I was.
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u/Advanced_Elk2451 12d ago
If what you say is true you do qualify for SSI. Or If you have a good work history, SSDI. You should definitely check into what services are available to you. If you share your county and state I can probably point you in a direction.
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u/jeromymanuel 12d ago
I broke my neck and I also have ADHD but I still have a job. With that said, it’s hard to find any sympathy when you seem to play Sims 4 all day when you could be looking for work.
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u/Moonie246 REGISTERED 12d ago
I'm really not looking for sympathy at all? I'm looking for help and being honest and upfront about my situation? Also, I play Sims 4 because I enjoy playing it and have time between job hunting, babysitting for my roommate, and trying to go to appointments with my doctor about my weight (which, based on tests, is thyroid related). Just because I make a post doesn't mean I am playing Sims 4 all day. It means that I have 2 minutes to make an interesting post or reply to something.
If this is how you treat someone who is just trying to survive and is humbling themselves enough to ask for the help of others (which I hate doing), then I would like to apologize to everyone you've hurt the feelings of on this subreddit on your behalf, because some people have it far worse off than I do.
Treat others how you would like to be treated.
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u/irate_anatid 11d ago
You can’t job hunt 100% of your waking hours, of course you’re allowed to do other things, too. But have you considered what motivates a person to reach into their own pocket to give money to a total stranger? It’s usually some combination of sympathy and empathy.
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u/Paramore96 REGISTERED 12d ago
If you are in the US , please call 211 or go their website. They have amazing resources to provide you with information of places that can help you out. Also if you have an eviction notice and you are In the US, please contact Legal aid in your state. A new law was passed during COVID that will allow for you to get a free lawyer who will help you fight the eviction process.
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u/purplgurl 12d ago
I came to say try the purple leash project for help but reading through your responses, I'm just going to wish you the best.
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u/jeromymanuel 11d ago
Every response you’ve given is just excuses for this excuses for that. You should diagnose yourself with that also.
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u/Trumpcangosuckone 12d ago
You need to try again to receive disability. Denials are very common and you might need professional guidance. It sounds like this is your only option, as you won't be able to find or keep work given your disabilities. One month is barely enough time for an able bodied person to find work - it might take you years to find something sustainable. May I ask if you are still seeking/undergoing hormone therapy or transitioning genders, as your profile history suggests? These are very costly procedures and although you might think of them as necessary, being homeless or hungry will make everything worse, so please for the sake of yourself and your pet please analyze your expenses and they to pare things down to the basic essentials. I'm sorry if this is insulting to you, and that's not what I'm trying to do. I've just seen people for years on this sub asking for money and hiding the fact that they have bad spending habits. I have been homeless myself as well. You need to be spending bare minimum. No tobacco, no alcohol, no video games. No clothes unless they are necessary for traveling or job interviews, and no food unless it is healthy and filling. Every spare penny must go towards your housing and financial security. It's a sad reality, and I hope this is all obvious to you already, but I feel the need to say it when I see someone who has been homeless repeatedly. I wish you the best of luck and a safe winter.
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u/Dangerous_Variety415 10d ago
Have you hard of local ready to work programs? They have jobs for disabled people too.
Check to see if best friends society can help with spay/neuter.
Contact united way to see what options you might have.
Some city/state governments have programs to prevent homelessness. Check your local .gov website. Or call the city.
There's a lot of extra help for legally blind, including drivers to help you get to and from work.
Definitely call social security.
Find a community advocate rather than a lawyer, my recommendation.
It would help to know where youre located, to turn you on to resources in your area.
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u/Moonie246 REGISTERED 9d ago
Thanks for the tips! I appreciate the help, and I'll start working on these. Social Security and I have a history already of them denying my multiple applications before, but I've been advised by others to get an SSI lawyer.
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9d ago
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u/Zealousideal-Fan6412 11d ago
There are lawyers that do disability they only charge if they win and the government pays them directly. You pay nothing to them at all. Draw back it could take up to three years or less. They will interview you over the phone to see if you have a case. They will also tell you on that phone call if they will take your case. Get a lawyer that only does disabilities, google is a good source for them.
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u/jesusdriver 11d ago
Bro. I got an eviction letter today. I am out of work for surgery and haven’t been paid in 5 weeks. Our government is failing us. I hope you get things fixed in your life. I feel your pain bro.
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u/Moonie246 REGISTERED 11d ago
I wish you the best, mate. Honestly. You have a bright future ahead, I support you.
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u/jesusdriver 11d ago
I’m expecting some money from my insurance. I won’t be able to spare very much but I definitely will share a little. I have been going through hell and would be glad to brighten your day when I get right in a week or so.
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u/Moonie246 REGISTERED 11d ago
You are so nice, bro. 10/10 would play APEX with you.
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u/jesusdriver 11d ago
I unfortunately don’t have home internet. I live in the South where they don’t care if you have internet or not. lol. I have been struggling waiting on having my surgery, it’s been a nightmare for real. My lights were off for 4 days until my brother got the money for me. I have no one to help me, so I don’t mind helping you because I know how that feels.
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u/Agreeable-Ad9883 REGISTERED 12d ago
I actually thought I wrote this at first. I am so so so sorry that you are living a life that I would mistake was my own. It's just a crap toss of the die over and over again... I am still trapped or I would be first to offer help. I don't know your age range but my 24/7 fight or flight has started to cause deep tissue brain damage on top of all the other fun stuff so if you can find safety and stability before that starts to damage you embrace it fully and bask in it please! I hope you get all the help needed to lift you up high enough to stay risen.
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