Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Aaaccckkk!

My head is spinning right now and I veer between maniacal laughter and hot, cascading tears. After many days of leaving messages at several different phone numbers, I finally received a call back from social services. It was another fast lesson in how to feel like less than a human being who matters. I won’t even go into detail over the attitude I got after asking a few questions! I asked specifically about a program written up on NYC.gov regarding a Rental Arrears Grant for individuals in the legal possession of an apartment who may or may not be on public assistance. Unfortunately I cannot find anybody who knows anything about this program. Every city employee I talk to calls it the "one-shot deal". Supposedly, because I receive social security disability every month, if I am given the money to help pay my back rent through the one-shot deal program, I will have to pay it back in a year! The social services employee I was speaking to told me to find a less expensive apartment. It’s not like I am living in luxury right now. I need an apartment on the first floor or with an elevator and no steps up to the building entrance. That’s not easy to come by in this city. When I asked her where and how to find this apartment, since I only pay $1,000 rent as it is, she told me she doesn't have any information for me. I said the least expensive apartment I saw listed was $800 and it was on the third floor without an elevator. Her reply was, “But you'd have $200 to live on!” Hello?! That won't pay for my monthly prescriptions, never mind food. And I cannot walk 3 flights of stairs every day or every other day....

I said this is ridiculous and humiliating. She said, “You have to find a family member or third-party to help you or get a roommate“. Ti, from Book Chatter, had this great idea and kindly suggested it. I wish I could but my apartment is a studio and the one room really isn't large enough to divide into 2. I said so my only option is to be dependant on someone else? Like I already said, this is humiliating and extremely demeaning. This phone was not a great way to start the day! I have to remind myself that I didn't cause my health problems although it certainly feels that way many days.
I am looking at different jobs and thanks to some of you, such as Willoughby and The Bumbles, I have some good ideas. But finding a job takes time which I don't have a lot of. I am really afraid I am going to end up on the street without a place to live. My life has been a struggle for most of the years I've been a live and I'm beginning to wonder if that will ever change. Some of the problem now, too, is that I don't really believe in myself anymore and I need that confidence. I need to believe I have the right to a good life. It's difficult when you're constantly battling for self-worth. But it ticks me off that I feel embarrassed and wrong to be looking for help, especially since I just need the help until I can get regular work. And I'm not going to be able to get that work if I don't have somewhere to live. Ugh!

I want to thank all of you who left kind words and/or great advice for me a couple of weeks ago when I wrote about what was going on in my life. I meant to reply to all of you and I will I just have so much going on in my end and so many phone calls and emails and research I feel I have to do but I’m also just trying to get through the days which isn’t always easy. Please know how much I appreciate your friendship. I know prior to now my blog was primarily about books and cats but now it’s going to be about my life, too. I realize I will probably lose some readers because of that which I am truly sorry about. But I think it’s important that people know how difficult life can be for disabled people in situations similar to my own and how little this great country of ours cares. If I can help to get the word out by posting my story here, I will.

20 comments:

  1. I am so sorry this is happening to you. I am sure you are exhausting every aveune you can think of. You are a very bright and articulate woman. Something will come along. Social Services must be able to help in some way in finding you residence.
    Know that you have blogger friends who care about you!

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  2. The entire situation is just ridiculous, this is a last resort but you should call the media. The system has failed you and the only way it will ever be addressed is if it is thrown out there for all to see.

    I know it's humiliating but there HAS to be other people like you, fighting the same fight. Get vocal. More so than you have been. If this issue gets put before the public it will be addressed. Government agencies are not immune to criticism but so many people have no idea what goes on in the real world.

    This is not your fault, and you have value. Don't ever let a government agency, or anyone else for that matter tell you otherwise.

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  3. Amy, I'm so sorry about all this. I missed your previous post about your situation. I'm sending positive thoughts your way!

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  4. I agree with Ti....you should get the media involved. So many people would be outraged once hearing your story.
    You're in my thoughts and prayers, Amy....

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  5. Amy, again I am sorry that you are experiencing this in your life right now. As hard as it is, do not give up, there is help out there and I echo those who said get the media involved, so whatever you have to do to get the help that is out there and NEVER feel embarrassed!

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  6. I, too, am sorry this is happening to you. I've been wondering if apts. are less expensive outside the city??? I don't know a lot about NY. Don't feel embarrassed and don't give up! You're a great writer -- get the media involved -- and write letters to the newspapers.

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  7. I'm sorry you are having to go through such difficulties. I get so angry at the failings of our government and it's agencies. Money can be thrown away on ridiculous projects, while good citizens are hurting because the help they need is not there. Don't give up Amy, and don't ever question your worth or talents. Write about your difficulties - maybe it will open some eyes to the inequities of our system.

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  8. I must have missed that post, but I do know generally what is going on. (I feel bad that I didn't respond. You know I care!) I agree with everything Ti said. You do have value. You do matter, and your circumstances are not your fault, not one bit of it. I think the media is the way to go. It won't be pleasant, but it is better than being out on the street. My heart is just breaking for your situation.

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  9. Amy, I don't know how I missed what is going on with you, but I'm really so sorry to hear about your plight. I went back and read some of your other posts and my heart goes out to you. I really hope you get to keep your cats, but I know that may not be feasible for you. I used to have 5 cats and I had to go down to one due to certain circumstances...having two kids for one! There is a really great blog that I follow called Work at Home Revolution (http://workathomemomrevolution.blogspot.com/) She posts about legit work at home jobs and/or flexible part-time jobs. I got my job as a retail merchandiser for Hallmark through info on her blog. Maybe you can find something there. I wish you luck and I really hope things get better soon. Please keep us posted. I'm keeping you in my thoughts. Best, Michelle

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  10. You're in my thoughts and prayers...

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  11. Amy,

    I am at a loss for words. My thoughts and prayers are with you that someone will help you.

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  12. I wish I could give you good advice or suggestions. It sucks that you are in this situation. Please don't doubt yourself or your worth ... you are worthwhile and amazing. It is the situation that sucks ... not you. Hang in there and I wish you the best of everything.

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  13. Oh, sweetie, of course you have the right to a good life! I'm so sorry to hear that you are still having so much trouble getting the help you need and that should be available to you. Ti may have the right idea; you have nothing to be embarrassed about by doing this, you have done nothing wrong. Know that you will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

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  14. *Hugs* Amy. I wish I knew how to help you. Ti may be right. Perhaps bringing your situation out to the media might be what it takes to get something done. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

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  15. Don't stop believing in yourself Amy. I have never meet you but I can tell just by reading your blog that your are a wonderful person, very talented with many things to offer. I know that you will find a solution and a job soon. Keep in mind not to take anything those social workers say personally, you are just a phone call to them and they know nothing about you. Please keep us posted on your progress. My thoughts and prayers are with you. All will be well!

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  16. I am disabled and know firsthand the struggles you face. Some days it is so frustrating that I don't even leave the house. I'll remember you in my prayers that your siituation improves. Hang in there and don't EVER give up! We've never met before, but feel free to drop me a line if you need to talk.

    Nancye
    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

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  17. Amy I am so sorry that you are being strung along. Do not give up on yourself-you have lots of worth and value. I know that it is frustrating and a frightful situation. You really should call the media I bet they could bring your story to light and help you in the right direction.

    xo E.

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  18. Hi!
    I have an award for you at my place. Have a great day!

    Sherrie
    Just Books
    http://sherriesbooks.blogspot.com/2010/03/award.html

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  19. Amy - can I just say that your words are very inspiring - that your blog used to be about books and cats but now it is going to be about your life. That is powerful. Your life is powerful. You may feel that the world, government, a higher being - is against you. But you have control to engage your power to combat your unfortunate circumstances, which we know will be temporary. Anything we can do to support your efforts, you just let us know.

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  20. I doubt you'll lose any readers, Amy. Like some of the other commenters I missed your post of a few weeks ago, and now I feel awful about it. I'm SO sorry you're going through this. It's just so horribly unfair. If there's anything at all your blogging friends can do, we're here for you. I wish I could give you some proper advice, but not being American I know nothing at all about how things work. You have my full support though. Big hugs.

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