Community Chat

[ROMARY]

Lolakimono: I 'had a feeling' that Florida also offers many type(s) of assistance., if and when needed. And, especially when babies/young children are involved. (Because I read posts from newest toward oldest, I just ran across your posts.)

[Colonel Meow]

On 9/25/2014 ROMARY said:

Lolakimono: I 'had a feeling' that Florida also offers many type(s) of assistance., if and when needed. And, especially when babies/young children are involved. (Because I read posts from newest toward oldest, I just ran across your posts.)

I know that Lola was trying to be helpful (because she is so awesome!) , but many of the programs that she listed would probably not be available to this family.

While their websites and literature provide information about qualifying info, eligibility requirements, etc - the reality is exactly as terrier and I have described in our posts.

It is extremely difficult to receive such resources in FL, (particularly if you are not disabled). I think folks mistakenly believe that just because these programs exist - that everyone who applies and meets eligibility requirements will be approved to actually receive them.

This is not the case. These agencies are under-funded and over-extended, and it is extremely competitive to receive services or resources (particularly in rural communities).

Priority is most often given to those applicants who are disabled (regardless of what their literature may say). In the OP's case, neither of the adults are disabled.

[ROMARY]

Colonel Meow: Oh, that's too bad. Oh, well. Around here, lots of help; almost immediate when children are involved. Especially food assistance, etc. Housing assistance, etc. Never see families out on the streets, etc. Plenty of assistance, if and when accepted by the needy/homeless.

[Colonel Meow]

On 9/25/2014 ROMARY said:

Colonel Meow: Oh, that's too bad. Oh, well. Around here, lots of help; almost immediate when children are involved. Especially food assistance, etc. Housing assistance, etc. Never see families out on the streets, etc. Plenty of assistance, if and when accepted by the needy/homeless.

I'm curious what state you are in? LOL - in all your posts that I have read, I don't believe you have ever mentioned it. (We seem to post on the same threads quite often.)

[ROMARY]

I do believe that expensive areas offer more services. Rents are probably four times higher, homes probably six times higher, etc. Could be that working a regular job could pay for rent, a small, inexpensive house, etc. in some areas. While in expensive areas, it often takes two, three families (or roommates), working several jobs, living together to afford housing.

[ROMARY]

Yes, we do 'run across each other' quite often! ('That's a good thing', as Martha Stewart? often says........)

[Sunnyfield]

On 9/25/2014 Colonel Meow said:

ckr1147 - Do you know why the mom chose to retire early? Surely she must have had some idea that she couldn't afford to do so? Even working a minimum wage job, her net income would still exceed what she is currently collecting from SS (if it was full time work).

We don't really know - all we know is that she was fired (from a job at a fast food place she had worked at for 15 years - as is typical with her, no one knows the entire truth - just what she chooses to share "her drawer was short""....

I feel like I come across as very judgmental, and maybe I am, but I am almost 67 and work two consulting jobs so DH and I can live comfortably - I know I am fortunate in many ways...but I also work very hard and am not about to'"RETIRE" on my SS, which is quite a bit more than $750/month....I also understand what it is like to have no job and have to ask for help - people helped me when I was unemployed and could not pay rent/etc. - that is not the issue - the issue is when does someone help themselves???

[Colonel Meow]

On 9/25/2014 ckr1147 said:

On 9/25/2014 Colonel Meow said:

ckr1147 - Do you know why the mom chose to retire early? Surely she must have had some idea that she couldn't afford to do so? Even working a minimum wage job, her net income would still exceed what she is currently collecting from SS (if it was full time work).

We don't really know - all we know is that she was fired (from a job at a fast food place she had worked at for 15 years - as is typical with her, no one knows the entire truth - just what she chooses to share "her drawer was short""....

I feel like I come across as very judgmental, and maybe I am, but I am almost 67 and work two consulting jobs so DH and I can live comfortably - I know I am fortunate in many ways...but I also work very hard and am not about to'"RETIRE" on my SS, which is quite a bit more than $750/month....I also understand what it is like to have no job and have to ask for help - people helped me when I was unemployed and could not pay rent/etc. - that is not the issue - the issue is when does someone help themselves???

I hear you! Sorry if you explained this at some other point - but are these people your family or just your friends?

[ROMARY]

All in all, O/P, I think your 'best bet' is to walk into one of the suggested gov. and/or community services buildings, and just ask what's available, and whether or not your friends/family are eligible. I'm sure they have guidelines and/or pamphlets, etc. Perhaps even a counselor can direct you to someone who will explain all of the options available. Perhaps social services dept. will go and 'take a look', pay them an unscheduled visit. They do around here, when a person in the community alerts them about a family/person who might be in need. ....... 'Hey, it's worth a try'. ...... Whatever you do, don't call. Just walk in, ask questions, look very concerned, get some answers/suggestions. 'You'll never know, until you try'............In person is always best. Not on a Friday, but on a day and time that would be less busy in your area. In fact, ask around in that bldg. which days and times would be less busy.

[Lucky Charm]

I didn't read all the replies, sorry.

I feel badly for the child.

Does the woman own a home? Perhaps she can get a reverse mortgage on it and just live off of that and take care of the kid. Forget the 30 year old. Let him fend for himself.