Fighting Homelessness

One of the top scariest moments in my life was when we were homeless. I didn't know who or where to turn to, even having my husband beside me wasn't enough to soothe the worry out of me. Every week that went by with my husband not having a job scared the dickens out of me and when the final day came, I thought all was gone. I don't want people who are in the same situation to feel they are alone because they are not. The US is one of the best places to help you get back on your feet, so many churches and charities that will go the extra mile to help you if you just ask.

One of the best places to go is your state agency, not only will they help you with food, utility and rental assistance, if you are in immediate need of money and food, they are there to help. Most states have a set time for those in immediate need to get assistance faster then others. Though I didn't find this to be the case in the great state of California, other states are much better at handling food stamp, cash assistance, and medical need faster than the specified time. When we lived in Missouri and my husband lost wages that were important, I filed for food stamps and received my assistance in two weeks which was faster then I did in California and we were on the verge of being homeless. Don't feel bad to pressure your case worker because sometimes, that is what is needed, stay on top of them and see what is needed to be done to finish your case so that you can get the assistance that you need.

If in the mean time they find you not of immediate assistance and your electricity or gas are in the process of being disconnected, call your electricity and gas company right away and explain the situation. Ask them if there are any places that you can go to for assistance such a churches or charities that will give you utility assistance. When we were in Missouri our electricity was on the verge of disconnection I went searching for assistance. I found that through the St. Vincent De Paul Society they would come analyze our situation and give us assistance as needed. They came to our house and we showed them our bill and gave us both food (when we didn't have food stamps) and helped pay the past due bill to keep our electricity on. Without them, we would not have been able to keep our electricity. These are meant for emergency assistance and not to be abused. They will only allow you to get assistance one time a year, so if you need, please ask for it.

If you are in need of food, there are tons of places to get food. Each city and state has a food bank where you can go get food usually once a month or depending upon how much food they usually get, it's a few time a year. Churches give out food on a regular basis and sometimes through Birthright you can get diapers, wipes, clothes, and food if you are in need of it and a woman. They will also let you know of who in your area is giving out food if you need more before your food stamps kick in. Additionally, you must show qualification and proof of residency to be able to get it, so be prepared to bring it with you when you go.

If you have received an eviction notice, don't wait! There is rental assistance out there for your either from your state agency, church or charity. Once you receive the eviction notice take it right away to the agency and wait until a caseworker can see you. You have a very limited time once you receive an eviction notice before your court date, so as long as you are prudent, you could get help with any past due rent and get current so that you and your family will not have to leave. As long as you can pay the court fees, any balance due then your landlord cannot kick you out. If they try to, keep all records of conversations that you have had with them and bring that as note with you to court.

Being homeless isn't fun, but if I had known these things before it had happened, I could have fought it. I was too scared and too proud to reach out for help until it was too late but in your case, it can be saved if you just reach out to those that want to help.