[freespirit37]

I am currently homeless. I spent 2 weeks in a Crisis Stabilization Program and now I am at a women's shelter. I really want to go to a sober living house. I am about 4 months sober.

I've been accepted at an Oxford House about 2 hours from where I am staying. I have no car.

My case manager at the Community Services Board first told me that they would fund the first month of my stay at the sober house which would give me time to get a job. Now she is saying they can only cover the $150 move-in fee. It costs $130/week to live there.

She also said she could drive me there and now she says she can only drive me to a nearby town and I can take the bus there. I have only $3 to my name.

I am expecting a $230 tax refund check in the mail. The post office did not forward my mail when I got a PO box a month ago but said they did. I just put another request in at the post office yesterday.

I was extremely triggered while in the Crisis Stabilization Program and I had some scary flashbacks. My borderline and OCD behaviors came out, but the staff was able to help me use the skills I needed to manage them.

Right now I feel triggered just by seeing a man, or if I don't like the way someone talks to me. I shake constantly. I am in no state to just go out, get a job and do it all myself.

Through all this, I have stayed sober.

I have never been in this situation before. It is scary and confusing. I am doing my best to do what I can on my own, but my resources are limited. I try not to get too irritated with my case manager. I am sure she is trying her best.

I have a friend in AA who helps somewhat. She can't take me to the sober house because of her car problems. She also is limited on when she can meet with me and give me rides because she has a phobia about her son being around other people, so she has to make sure her mother is available for babysitting first. - That friend is my former sponsor, the one who was getting too bossy with me.

This is very very frustrating. Any ideas on stuff I can do to help myself.

I've applied for disability and food stamps.

I don't know many people in the town I live in so finding a ride is hard.

I don't want to ask my parents for money or transportation because they were my abusers.

[Moogieotter]

Hi,

Nice job staying sober during all this. At least you have that an a home AA group. Can you work out of the Women's Shelter? Some of the programs here can help you get some minimum wage jobs and sock away a few checks before they put you in transitional housing.

Usually, you can get food stamps pretty quickly. Just keep gravitating towards good people and staying sober - all of your help will dry up quickly if you relapse and you'll be in serious crisis.

Best of luck,

moogs

[Moogieotter]

PM Sent!

(((((freespirit))))

[freespirit37]

I decided I would hold my case manager to her original promise of funding the first month at the sober house. I called and left a message stating very clearly what the original understanding was and that I expected her to follow through on that. Later, I spoke with my advocate at the shelter because I was really stressed about the situation and thought I would need a backup plan in case the sober living arrangement fell through. Then my advocate called my case manager. Suddenly, the case manager says they have found the money for the funding!!!

[Moogieotter]

Hooray! Bet you are glad you are staying sober now!

Please keep us posted!

moogs

oh, i'm so glad! stay safe and keep us updated

[freespirit37]

Will do. As soon as the sober house receives the letter that they need from the CSB, I can move! Hopefully by Tuesday

[freespirit37]

Moving in today!