[evildouble102]

I'm always striving to be positive and optimistic; I'm good at doing it for others; but, not for myself. I'm sure some of you can relate no doubt. My dilemna is this: I have some assistance programs; like, I get SSI every month but not SSDI because I have never worked enough in the system I guess. I live in Maine... I get MaineCare the low income, disability type insurance so I just have copays mainly. I get assistance through the state as food stamps, Heap(which is fuel assistance), I've been trying to look for a part time job which would take away some of my ssi but the idea was hopefully it'd be worth it; but, haven't had any luck yet and I've been working with Voccational Rehabilitation services through the state a little here and there but they aren't always available when I need them and there help is few and far between and scheduling is sometimes difficult. I understand it is that they have heavy caseloads and what not and are spread pretty thin. But I'm still trying to figure out how I'm going to pay for bills without losing anything by shutoffs. I made payments on what I could based on what I could afford and I thought was a priority. I don't live in subsidized housing because in short it is in the dumpy parts of town where it just isn't safe for the ones that are available. I also have a small dog and a cat which I love dearly and just couldn't live without because they are really my world. I'm trying not to cry here..... but I'm just really not knowing what to do... I'm behind on bills mostly my water, and electric. I think that's it. My check goes fast and I'm lucky I get food stamps to pay for food; I don't know what I'd do with out it really. My mom said I could live with her and pay a small portion; but, that is really not an option basically because I'm 23 and it would contribute to my illnesses is what one of the pdocs said at one of my last hospitalizations; that living there with my mom was causing some of my problems and if I ever wanted to get out of there I had to live with my dad until I could find housing or live in a homeless shelter. Of course I lived with my dad for a couple months, sleeping on the couch after everyone went to bed and that didn't work out the best either. I also feel bad because one of my best friends who I hardly ever see invited me to her bachelorette party and her wedding but I don't know how I'd swing it. It's making me really depressed that all this is going on. On top of it all my twin sister just got married; her husband went to serve in the marines and she's back living with my mom rent free plus she paid pretty much everything for the wedding; and all my mom can do is be bitter and throw it in my face that we were worse off than my current situation when I was little and how I could live with her but I chose not to! That's enough for now my blood is starting to boil. I'll probly add more later. To get to the point: does anyone have any suggestions? Or anyway they could help me out somehow; advice or what not? I would greatly appreciate it and thanks for reading my ramblings.
So stressed, Danielle

[nothemama8]

check out www.angelfoodministries.com
they have a great program for 25.00 in food stamps you get 50.00 worth of food

[Perna]

Have you talked to your landlord about your situation or do you have an idea where you could find someone reliable to live with you (and help pay) or have you thought of asking someone to care for your animals for a while while you research other places to live (and maybe live somewhere free and save up so you can get a little ahead and have your pets with you later)?

I think if I lived in an apartment building again I'd do little odd jobs for seniors (their grocery shopping or take them shopping, etc.) and see if I could make a little extra money. I would try to find something I could do that I do anyway (companion/help seniors keep their homes neat/take out their trash, etc.). But I have always liked older people, got on well with my grandmothers, etc.

[evildouble102]

Food is not an issue for me bc I get about 150 a month and that's enough for me as long as I shop sales and don't go crazy. But thanks anyway.

[evildouble102]

Thanks, your suggestions are wonderful just probly not practical for me. The only place I could live for free would be a homeless shelter. I'd rather go into debt here then be extremely lonely and depressed in a homeless shelter. I don't know what I could do for odd jobs really, I can't even mow my own lawn because I have visioin impairment and run over rocks and stuff and then the mower doesn't work for me anyway after I start it and everything. But you do have good ideas. I'm sorry I'm being difficult. I gotta go though I'm starting to get really sad and depressed right now......

[Gracey]

Each state has a program that allows vouchers for low income people. I am not sure whether you need children to qualify, but if you look up your states HUD page, they should have some answers on the page. In GA it's called Section 8.. .not sure about elsewhere.

[Cheri]

Good idea, Gracey. In Maine they're called Housing Choice Vouchers (aka Section 8, which is a federally funded program). I found a page that explains eligibility for the program:

http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mh/Housing...igibility.html

Maybe you can get some relief from them?

[evildouble102]

Thanks for the suggestion. I signed up for BRAP which has so many constraints that it's not worth it here in maine in my county it would be the rent including all utilities would have to be 473 which amounts to barely anything living in the really runned down projects... not safe or up to code. I checked out an efficiency that met their standards before I came here and it was disgusting and the bathroom was so small that you had to go into the bathroom and shut the door to use the tiny shower stall. I am 5'1" and could touch both walls in the middle of the bathroom. The one bedroom wasn't big enough to put anything besides a queen sized bed in and that would take up that whole "room" the other part wasn't big enough for the average small tv, furniture, and table and chairs. Another one I looked at was further away than I would have liked but was a little better except the fact that the landlord used a credit card to jimmy open the door to show it to us cause he couldn't find the keys when he got there. And again not a good place for a single young female. I am also on the list for Section 8 which would be helpful but last I knew the minimum wait varied between a year or so to three years... so I have a ways to go and then it's only for so long anyway. So I guess as much as we'd like; there's no easy solution to anything. But thanks for the thoughts and everything.

[Perna]

I'm sure you've been here:

http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/adults.shtml