Losing my home

**meowingsnail** · 10-25-2004, 03:36 AM

Hi everyone. I'm very new to this site (just joined a few days ago). I am in need of some advice. I was diagnosed with IC after a biopsy done 5 years ago. Since that time the pain has gotten so awful that I had to stop working and doing most of the things I enjoy, and I had to apply for disability last year. Now I am in a situation where, come November 1st, I will be without a home. I would stay with a family member if I had family to stay with, but I don't. I just can't afford the cost of living in the Boston area. Its far too expensive. Currently I am looking to find an apartment in Western Massachusetts because rental costs are far cheaper here. Even still, I don't have enough money set aside right now for first, last and security. I tried to apply for a Section 8 voucher, but was told that the system is "frozen" right now. I am wondering if anyone knows of any resource or organization I might contact to help me. I'm very worried and don't know where to turn to for help. The last thing I want is to be homeless with a disability (let alone the fact that winter is coming). Thank you for any ideas you may have, and as soon as something pulls through, I'll let everyone know.

***ICNDonna*** · 10-25-2004, 04:11 AM

You may be eligible for some public assistance --- if you haven't already, I suggest you apply. Is there a St. Vincent dePaul Society in your area? They might have some ideas that would help you find a place to live, at least temporarily. I'm so very sorry you're in such a tough spot right now.

Sending warm hugs,
Donna

**Dixiefireball** · 10-25-2004, 04:13 AM

Oh hon i'm so sorry I do know how your feeling the court date for my home is Nov 4 we are trying to fight it to save our home too.
we got behind on our payments when my husband was out of work and we are still so far in delt it isn't funny I think the morg. company will work with us. I hope I pray!

You need to know even tho. section eight is frozen right now there is still many apartments places that goes on income alone they may not be the nicest places in the world but its a roof over your head.
Get the phone book out and call these places and see which ones go on income basis only.
There is some places that even have emerg. housing.
I hope things get better for you.
sending you hugs and prayers
Rhonda

**meowingsnail** · 10-25-2004, 04:23 AM

Thank you for the suggestions. I'm going to try to make those calls. I think there just may be a St Vincent's around me. I'll look into it. Thank you again.

**Betsie** · 10-25-2004, 05:07 AM

I am a bit rushed, but saw this. Yesterday morning (Sunday news on Channel 4/Boston) Liz Walker did a segment with a women who was speaking on this very issue and they do have an agency dedicated to situations that people find themselves in...and it could be anyone at anytime, so I am sensitive to your post.

She did especially mention that the city has frozen Section 8 housing/assistance and then discussed their mission. While I can't remember where she worked, I do know you could get the information on line through the WBZ/Channel 4 website, or at the very least be directed to some contacts. There are also numerous sites (I think) on www.thebostonchannel.com (Channel 5). I hope this is of some helpto you and I do wish you much luck and am sorry that this is going on in your life, wish I could be of more help.

**Annie2** · 10-25-2004, 07:52 AM

Meowingsnail,

Have you contacted the Boston Housing Authority? Their website is http://www.bostonhousing.org/index.html There are other types of housing assistance beyond Section 8. Also, the Housing Authority should be able to assign you a caseworker who can inform you of your options and assist you. I would give them a call, ask for an appointment with a caseworker or a referral to an agency that can help you.

It is a little known fact that the American Red Cross does have a few emergency shelters in some cities. A call to your local chapter would help you determine if there is one in your area. If not, your local chapter still might be able to assist you with information and referrals that might help you.

Have you contacted the Social Services agency in your area? They can assign you to a caseworker who can also give you referrals to other agencies that might help. There are many churches and civic organizations as well as programs that assist people with security deposits, etc. Your social worker (caseworker) will know about these resources and could assist you in contacting those for which you might qualify.

You might want to start by contacting your social services agency and then go from there. Good luck to you and please keep us posted on your situation. I certainly hope you will quickly find the assistance you need right now.

Annie :butterfly

**Judith56** · 10-25-2004, 04:56 PM

Are you involved with a church? Sometimes churches can be of help. You may also want to check with a women's crisis center or a homeless shelter. They may have some ideas or can give you contacts. I am so sorry that youu have to deal with this. Judith

**Jean12** · 10-26-2004, 09:28 AM

Hi Meowingsnail. I live in the very most southwestern part of Massachusetts. Do you have a town or county in mind that you are looking to live in. Berkshire county (western most county) has very high housing rates in what we refer to as South County. For the most part the more north you go the more reasonable the rates. If you don't want to post publically where you are looking for housing you can email me at ponycamp@aol.com and I can try to give you some guidance what may be in the area. Good luck.

Jean

**mayray518** · 10-30-2004, 12:51 AM

The same thing happened to me. I had to sell my condo when I got diagnosed with IC. I am single and living in the Wash DC area, like Boston, is rough when you have full time employment much less trying to fight for disability. I feel for you.