Among Friends

[Preds]

Don't mean to intrude, but I miss feline, too.  I hope she got the help she was looking for and needed.  I want her back on here ASAP.

[gmom labluvr]

My first post is just to support feline groovy!:

[cotton4me]

---

@gmomluvr wrote:

My first post is just to support feline groovy!:

---

@gmom labluvr

Welcome to the board!  

[Lucky Charm]

---

@gmomluvr wrote:

My first post is just to support feline groovy!:

---

Welcome back Feline, Hope all is getting better now.  You have been missed.  And worried about!

[feline groovy]

OK, so what follows are my current situation stats.

I tried to be succinct, but... ;-)

And if you can give me some time, please, I'll reply to your much-appreciated caring posts.

Thanks. 8)

---

I pretty-recently (and thankfully) turned 53, live solo (born introvert), have no family or close friends, have been homebound since 2008 (sold my car for budget reasons), and - like many - my only income (for the last ten years) is Social Security Disability.

Although the benefit amount ($1161, which is average) is well below the federal poverty level for one person, I'm very grateful for it and the others blessings that I have.

BTW, my monthly benefit is loaded onto a SSD debit Mastercard that's from a company called 'Direct Express' (I've no need for a bank/credit union account).

After my first ever eviction (monetary) last month, and then a two and a half week unexpected hospital stay (which included an almost back-to-back endoscopy and colonoscopy, LOL; not my firsts, though, and I always look forward to that one-second 'buzz' you get feel right before you knock out, hehe, and it's why I couldn't update you sooner), and still might have some more tests and appointments),

Found out I was anemic, borderline iron-deficient, and my 'H&H' (hematocrit & hemoglobin) levels are low.

Although I've been trying not to think about blood tests and biopsy results and all that stuff.

I have been very temporarily residing in my first- time-ever roomy at a Motel 6 (yep; they do "leave the light on for ya") since this past Friday evening, after I was discharged.

I had booked a room from for 7 nights, along with a microwave/fridge combo, but may have to extend my stay here.

Hopefully not, though, as my finances are pretty rapidly dwindling despite my best efforts to budget extra tightly.

The room is very small yet cozy, no-frills, and the inn provides housekeeping, a TV with HBO (yes!), free Wi-Fi (key, since I can't help myself without my laptop), free wakeup calls & messages,an attractive shower curtain, and free AM coffee and tea (no continental breakfast, haha, since this place is truly no-frills).

By the way, I chose this particular location because it seems to be within walking distance of a supermarket, Walmart, other affordable retailers, and affordable restaurants.  

There's also food delivery if necessary.

If any of my former helpers aren't available to help transport me to/from any place I have to get to, there's always cab rides.

And hopefully, they won't be too expensive.

Did I mention that Motel 6 is also pet-friendly?  Yay! ;-)

Upon my arrival, I was greeted by a Pomeranian-mix service dog, then later met a a chubby Pibble (Amer. Bull Terrier) in the lobby. 

This temporary pad is just a 'base of operations' for me, so that I have somewhere remotely private to live at while I continue my new apartment search.

But I also have to contend with my former landlords and the possibility of them having tossed/sold most of what I had in my former home.

I cannot even start to deal with that as well, but know that people everyday must survive leaving their home with mostly just what they were wearing.

And the majority of us in this rich country of ours have been extra fortunate to have never previously left  a home not knowing where we were going, and not having been unable to pack any of our belongings. 

So for the time being, I must stay in 'action mode' and obtain a new apartment in a very timely manner, due to the expenses currently being incurred, as well as for health and personal safety reasons.

It's OK here, at least so far. Plus, I have my awesome inside- the-door MasterLock security bar. ;-)

I have contacted possible new apartment places, as well as agencies and organizations for any assistance, but neither assume or expect that they will be able to help me at this time.

Funding can be limited you know, and their parameters and rules may not apply to me.

---

So, "Feline Posse" friends (heh), if you could send out into the universe some good vibes and positive energy, I would be especially grateful.

Thank you very much, my peeps. 

[cotton4me]

((((Feline))))  You're in my prayers and thoughts.  

[Trinity11]

Sorry to read of your troubles and hope that a solution can be found quickly.

Why didn't the hospital social worker make sure that you had some kind of help before releasing you from such a long stay at the hospital? If you are on Medicaid, the hospital has administrative services they could put you in touch with that could help you find a new home based on your prior health history. I feel like you are slipping through the cracks and need someone to advocate for you. Won't Social Services assist you in finding a new home and address your needs?

If you are researching the system, there are many organizations that could help you with all of this.... It is very sad to read that you seem to be alone in all of this.

[feline groovy]

@Trinity11 wrote:

Sorry to read of your troubles and hope that a solution can be found quickly.

Why didn't the hospital social worker make sure that you had some kind of help before releasing you from such a long stay at the hospital? If you are on Medicaid, the hospital has administrative services they could put you in touch with that could help you find a new home based on your prior health history. I feel like you are slipping through the cracks and need someone to advocate for you. Won't Social Services assist you in finding a new home and address your needs?

If you are researching the system, there are many organizations that could help you with all of this.... It is very sad to read that you seem to be alone in all of this.

Thanks for the kind words, Trin, plus good thoughts, tips, and strong support. 8)

But please don't feel bad; there are tons of other SSD recipients from ages 18 through 59 that also deal with this stuff.

Plus those whose only income and asset is regular SS.

I've been solo for quite a while now; 20 years, actually.

Only child, plus my stepfather passed ten years ago and my stepsistasand I kinda grew apart.  It happens to many people, and it's really no big deal.

Besides, I've got a a pretty-decent relationship with God, my parents 'upstairs', my guardian angel, and my spirit guide.  ;-)

'My' med center social worker was sweet (and very cute), and helped as much as he could.

Not everything was available to me at the time, and some weren't affordable enough.

But my kind of extended stay there worked out well as I not only neede more tests/procedures done, but also needed my April SSD benefit to book this temporary pad, and also pay my phone/DSL Internet bill and my electric bill LOL.

Don't want any problems with them with reinstating my services at my new home.  ;-)

The only thing - but a very crucial one - that Medicaid pays is my Medicare drug premium every month, and that thankfully saves me about $100.

It's not 'straight' Medicaid, but rather a low-income assistance thingy..

I really don't want to hit too close to my budget limit, as I stillhope that the rest of this year is for adopting another kitty companion (been 3 years since my last ), plus I've been wanting to start my own little at-home creative business to supplement my SSD 'income'.

It's allowable by the SSA up til a certain amount each month.

[Trinity11]

---

@feline groovy wrote:

@Trinity11 wrote:

Sorry to read of your troubles and hope that a solution can be found quickly.

Why didn't the hospital social worker make sure that you had some kind of help before releasing you from such a long stay at the hospital? If you are on Medicaid, the hospital has administrative services they could put you in touch with that could help you find a new home based on your prior health history. I feel like you are slipping through the cracks and need someone to advocate for you. Won't Social Services assist you in finding a new home and address your needs?

If you are researching the system, there are many organizations that could help you with all of this.... It is very sad to read that you seem to be alone in all of this.

Thanks for the kind words, Trin, plus good thoughts, tips, and strong support. 8)

But please don't feel bad; there are tons of other SSD recipients from ages 18 through 59 that also deal with this stuff.

Plus those whose only income and asset is regular SS.

I've been solo for quite a while now; 20 years, actually.

Only child, plus my stepfather passed ten years ago and my stepsistasand I kinda grew apart.  It happens to many people, and it's really no big deal.

Besides, I've got a a pretty-decent relationship with God, my parents 'upstairs', my guardian angel, and my spirit guide.  ;-)

'My' med center social worker was sweet (and very cute), and helped as much as he could.

Not everything was available to me at the time, and some weren't affordable enough.

But my kind of extended stay there worked out well as I not only neede more tests/procedures done, but also needed my April SSD benefit to book this temporary pad, and also pay my phone/DSL Internet bill and my electric bill LOL.

Don't want any problems with them with reinstating my services at my new home.  ;-)

The only thing - but a very crucial one - that Medicaid pays is my Medicare drug premium every month, and that thankfully saves me about $100.

It's not 'straight' Medicaid, but rather a low-income assistance thingy..

I really don't want to hit too close to my budget limit, as I stillhope that the rest of this year is for adopting another kitty companion (been 3 years since my last ), plus I've been wanting to start my own little at-home creative business to supplement my SSD 'income'.

It's allowable by the SSA up til a certain amount each month.

---

If you are living in New Jersey, the cost of living is very high, so I can see how difficult it must be to live on the disability alone. Hopefully, you will receive some kind of stipend from the state for affordable housing.

As far as the kitty, just remember how costly vet bills and food for the kitty will be.  Hopefully, in time, you will be able to have a pet and it is a good goal for you.

I wish you all the blessings for a much easier time of it. You've been through so much and life can certainly be unfair.