Symbolman isn't the only one hurting on DU

[Fireweed247]

I posted about this before but thought I would try again...

How could we start some sort of giving tree, secret santa, pay it forward program for DUers...where people in need could ask for help and more affluent DUers could help out in the spirit of the Winter Solstice season?

There are people here who need food, clothing, housing etc. and as many of us stay cozy and well fed in our warm homes talking about cutting back on spending this year, I think many people would be overjoyed to spend some money helping out another family in need out there. Most people who need help are too proud to ask, but there must be some way to do this...any ideas?

[Stardust]

1. We could keep it kicked and anyone in need could mention themselves

and we could pm them...Kinda crude way to do it but organizing isn't my forte. Good luck. It's a great idea.

[The Backlash Cometh]

6. It won't work.

This is a newsgroup where people like to keep some semblance of anonymity. The best thing to do is find a way to do quick transfers via paypal.

Personally, I was thinking maybe we should set up our own Good Samaritan Ponzi scheme. Where everyday somebody puts a name up on the top of the pyramid - someone who has been vetted by another DUer. And then we can paypal a dollar or more. Everyone on DU can spare a dollar a day between now and Christmas to someone who is in more need than themselves. So we'll help maybe a dozen people.

And for those who don't want to be recipients, just remember that it goes both ways, because we get something out of it too by helping someone who has been a part of us for many years. Should our name ever come up on the top of the pyramid, just return the favor by sending a dollar in return.

[Uben]

7. It may not work.....

....but I know it got Symbolman some donations that I am sure he appreciates. Hell, I ve been there. Didn't lose my house cuz I didn't own one. I can be one on the helping end now.

[The Backlash Cometh]

11. I didn't say that donating won't work. I said that the method that

the poster suggested, wouldn't work. Symbolman used a paypal method. That method, in my opinion, has a better chance to succeed.

[Uben]

14. You are right

His having a PayPal link made it convenient to donate. I hope others will come forward with their need. There is hope, and WE are the hope we are looking for.

[ooglymoogly]

129. Perhaps folks in dire need should if possible get a paypal account

It is not that difficult to do even if some folks have to watch it from the library. Most folks on this site are pretty computer savvy; About some kind of revolving payment I would be game for that. The tragedy of the simbioman just breaks my heart. If we all put our heads together we can help out a lot of folks in his position. If enough of us donate a couple bucks that surely mounts up.

[Fireweed247]

86. This site uses paypal

I think this is the best way...

https://www.fundable.com/startcollection

[Cleita]

2. Yes, I know a DUer who is close to becoming homeless.

Would there be a way to keep this anonymous? Also, would there be a way to be sure that they are in need?

[Fireweed247]

17. good questions!

I have no idea.

Maybe in your case you could raise donations here for your friend. Obviously there would be potential for scam artists, perhaps we could just keep it to small amounts to many people. I like to think the majority of people are not evil and the people who would benefit from a few hundred dollars probably really need it. Maybe one DUer could just adopt a family they know who needs help.

[Jackpine Radical]

64. I'm willing to take the chance of there being a few parasitic rip-off artists.

If 99%, or even 95% of the effort goes where it should, that's good enough for me. It's still a much smaller percentage than the overhead of any conventional charity. So many people seem willing to allow the small possibility of a scam to prevent them from doing something that is very likely to be good. People with that fear just don't need to do it.

[Fireweed247]

79. I agree

I like to think that most are good people here, and it is worth the risk if we all can work together to help change some lives.

[jhrobbins]

112. Maybe you could email them and ask if it would be OK.

[1monster]

3. K & R

Not there yet, but... there but for the grace of (fill in the blank as you please) _____________ go I.

[AnnieBW]

20. I've been there

Almost homeless, that is. We were able to declare bankruptcy. My husband was out of work for 10 months during the 2001 recession. You know, the one that was "Clinton's fault". :mad: We almost got foreclosed on, but we were able to find a good BK attorney and filed Chapter 13. Of course, this was before they tightened up the laws.

It's the main reason that I was against Biden. Because he was a major proponent of that, due to the credit card companies that are located in Delaware. But, you take the bad with the good, I suppose.

FWIW, I would be willing to contribute to help an individual who was in that situation. I sent some money to Signalman yesterday.

[juajen]

132. I'm confused. Do you mean symbolman? I've been on DU for

a long time and know symbolman.

[BrklynLiberal]

Yes. He lost his house and is now homeless.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=4641233

[AzDar]

4. What a better place the world would be if we just *helped* those who need it...

Like John Cougar (Mellencamp) sang " Everyone Needs A Hand To Hold On To ".



:kick:

[Fireweed247]

23. Imagine

That's the only way we are going to get through this mess Bush created.

[Turbineguy]

5. Fire up

the Grovelbot! Of course he'd have to have a better name.

[Ghost in the Machine]

8. Many of us are struggling just to keep our heads above water...

I have been for well over a year now, since I had to close my business. I've also been fighting for my disability for 15 months now. I've been turned down twice already, so I got a lawyer a few weeks ago. He's telling me it will be another 12 to 15 months to get a hearing.

I've tried getting jobs, but no one will hire me with my limitations. I've tried selling things online, but haven't done too well at that. I've had yard sales, but living way out in the sticks, 12 miles from town, we don't have much traffic. I've done the flea market scene... and it usually costs more for the gas to get there and for the table rent than what I make selling stuff.

I get a check every couple of months for $100-$120 from google adsense program, from people clicking ads on my sites, and I use that to stock up on soap, toothpaste, toilet paper, shampoo.. the basic necessities. I've had a few DUers who have made donations to my republican sex offenders site, to help keep it online, and I thank them from the bottom of my heart. Sadly though, it'll probably be gone next month..

This past 15 months has been a living hell for me. I've never been in this kind of shape before. I've always been able to provide for my kids, even though I've been a single father for 13 years and have never seen a dime of child support. Right now, we're basically living on food stamps. Even though that is our case, I spent $100 of my food stamps last month to help another family that had no food. I never expected anything back for it... it just felt good to help someone else who needed it. We struggled at the end of the month.. but we made it through. Even through all this, I still help raise food/money for our local food bank, and I help organize our local version of Toys for Tots.

Things will get better one of these days... but until then, we're dug in and hanging on by our fingernails and toenails....

Peace,

Ghost

[Fireweed247]

15. What is the name of your website?

I'm glad someone is keeping track.

[Fireweed247]

22. now I see your website- doh!

Great site!
http://www.republicansexoffenders.com/

It is worse than I thought! The party of perverts!

Saturday, December 13, 2008

# Republican sex offender and former North Country assemblyman and current state Parole Board member, George "Chris" Ortloff, 61, was arrested on Monday, Oct. 13, 2008 on federal charges that he used the Internet to solicit sex with minors. He was arrested following a sting operation at a Colonie motel and had allegedly arranged for a date with a minor he met on the Internet. '' The New York Post reports that he had child pornography and sex paraphernalia in his possession when he was arrested. State Police reportedly searched Ortloff'''s home in Plattsburgh and a computer had been seized from his Lake Placid real estate office, officials said. Ortloff, married with two sons, retired from the Assembly in 2006 having represented the 110 th District. '' He was appointed to the part-time position on the Parole Board, a six year term which expires in 2012, a position paying him $102,000 a year.


Anyone want to help out?

Here is the paypal donation link:
https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=CuERtXqXc6pBwrwf-KE6xgRlAg6PO-r3CTJPKTHcsfpsitDEBdCCfMOVqn0&dispatch=5885d80a13c0db1f9fecf49521b3f5af727cc8f9db6c1fec3d872083e6365f05

[Ghost in the Machine]

25. Thanks... I try to keep it up to date as much as possible..

Sadly, repressed republicans keep molesting/raping children and the list will continue to grow...

Thank you also for your effort to get others involved. I hope it doesn't go against DU rules, they usually let me post one fundraiser post per year, but I always have to clear it with Skinner first..


Peace,

Ghost

[Fireweed247]

40. oops, I had no idea

:yoiks:

[Ghost in the Machine]

105. No problem, brother...

I appreciate the thought and effort..


Peace,

Ghost

[williesgirl]

56. link doesn't work

[Fireweed247]

76. Which one?

They are both working for me...strange...

[Waiting For Everyman]

18. Fwiw, if this is a Soc. Sec. claim, my husband got turned down twice too

before getting 100% disability. What I'm saying is, it's not unusual to be turned down first. I did his claim by following the directions on the forms, asking a lot of questions on the phone, and calling in some help by way of a little oversight on it from my Federal representatives - one in particular (Sen. Mikulski) was a tremendous help in cutting through the red tape. Some are great, and some not so much, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

I also did his VA claim too which was very similar, and he got rated 100% on that too but it took longer. If it's VA though, there is a very good bb for information from other vets. It's called the Veterans' Benefits Network on Yuku (formerly EZ Board)...

http://vets.yuku.com/

[Ghost in the Machine]

26. Yes, it's for Social Security Disability...

I know here in Tenn that they automatically turn down the first claim... just because they have such a backlog of claims... I figured I'd get it on the first appeal, seeing as how I have papers from an insurance company (workers comp claim) and a judge saying I'm 90% permanent total disabled...

I won't give up on it, it just sucks that I have to wait so long... and fight.. for something I shouldn't have a problem getting..


Peace,

Ghost

[Waiting For Everyman]

30. A thought...

See if your Congressman or Senator can expedite it for you. Since you have that kind of evidence you mentioned, IMO you have a good chance of winning the appeal, even without giving a cut to an attorney. Of course that's up to you, and I guess for most people it's mostly about lessening the chances of being turned down again. It might not make any difference though. Both SS and VA will turn people down (even twice) just to shake out those who will get discouraged and give up. It sucks, but that's pretty much built in to the way they do things "as a given".

With a Rep. or Sen.'s scrutiny on a claim though, they're more likely to back off and "do the right thing" without further delay.

P.S. If you don't have any Dem Reps. or yours aren't cooperative, give Sen. Mikulski's (D-MD) staff a call and tell them that, and maybe they can help or connect you to someone who will. (She used to be a social worker, and cares.)

[Ghost in the Machine]

108. My Senators are Lamar Alexander & Bob Corker.. my Congressman is Zack Wamp...

... 'nuff said?

They'd probably prefer that I went away or died...I think republicans would do away with Social Security, Disability, Welfare, Food Stamps and any other program that helps the poor, sick and/or disabled if they could.


Peace,

Ghost

[juajen]

134. Thank God for FDR and the New Deal, also for LBJ and medicare

My husband became disabled when he was 43 yrs. old. We had a hard row to hoe, but we are both now 68 and I know we would not have made it had it not been for SS Disability, and now we are both on regular SS. Right now we are feeling very fortunate to have it. We get by on it pretty well, with occasional help from our children, who are all working right now, anyway.

[xxqqqzme]

93. Getting a lawyer is smart. It took me 5 years to get

disability - Lost left side mobility in a car accident - brain injury so it's not like I was going to get better. I did two smart things - 1)got an attorney who knew the procedure (she told me, I was initially denied because I was 47 when I was injured & I would be awarded the maximum because of my employment/salary history) and 2)filled out the forms SS sent me for my doctor to complete. Looking at the form, I realized my orthopedist(also broke 3 vertebrae) couldn't answer the lifestyle questions, so I completed those forms myself. My doctor read the form, made notes & copies and signed them. The appeal judge cited that form in finally awarding me disability. It really is all about perseverance when it comes to SSI.

Good luck, you'll get it at your next hearing.

[Ghost in the Machine]

107. My lawyer said that my age is part of the reason it's so hard, too..

I'll be 46 in February... I was 40 when I got injured in an accident at work in 2003.

I'm confident that I'll get approved when we go before a judge... I just wonder what's in store for the 12 to 15 months until then... I'll make it through somehow, though... giving up/quitting has never been an option for me...

Peace,

Ghost

[otohara]

63. Have His Doc

Write a detailed letter (ie: what he has and why he can't do various things, like sitting, lifting, walking) close the letter with strong statement stating your husband is no longer able to work...ever again, send with new application.

Search the internet for exact wording to use on the SSDI forms for what ever the problem is that your husband has. Don't fill out the form until you have exactly worked out what you will write down - I used my computer to type in detailed answers, then taped it following the particular question.

PM me if you have more questions.

[shadowknows69]

37. I'm in the same boat with you as far as SS/Disability Ghosty

Denied twice and my lawyer say average of two years until I get a hearing. Most fucked up things is the SSI doctors even agreed with my doctors diagnosises and essentially said I qualified but they pretty much automatically turn you down the first time anyway and hope you don't pursue it. How this is anywhere near a legal practice is completely beyond me but what do I know?

[Ghost in the Machine]

94. At least we have some good company, huh? We'll just keep rowing (and bailing water) until

we get somewhere. I know they have to weed the frauds out somehow, but this is ridiculous, isn't it?

I'll keep you in my thoughts brother.. best of luck to you and yours..

Peace,

Ghost

[Fireweed247]

141. I hear Texas is nice this time of year

That is so cool that trailrider offered your family a place to stay.

[Irishonly]

44. I will be thinking of you

My fight with disability lasted three and one half years but I won. The judge apologized for the system putting me and my family through everything. At the time a hearing was supposed to last about forty minutes. Mine took fifteen with most of the time going to look up codes. I hope you get a sane judge.

Disability doesn't make you rick. We still just barely get by. My husband became disabled three years ago. There are still times we don't eat like we should but we have a roof over our heads. and I can get the medication I need.

We try to give when we can. No one should ever be homeless.

[Ghost in the Machine]

95. Thank you, Irishonly

I know I'll never get rich from disability, but it will at least allow me to provide the basics for my kids. I'm happy to have a roof over our heads and that we can eat, though...

I'm confident that I'll get approved when I go before the judge.. it's just the waiting in between that's killing me...

Best of luck to you and yours...


Peace,

Ghost

[lonestarnot]

46. arg!

Find a milk cow and drink milk, it strengthens nails! I've been looking for one for a few months now. :hug:

[Ghost in the Machine]

97. lonestarnot!!

:hug: We're still dug in here... hope things get better for you, too... it's always good to see you... :smile:


Peace,

Ghost

[Seldona]

49. If it wasn't for my wife we would have lost everything.

Then we find out this week her company is cutting it's workforce 25% across the board, with best case remaining employees taking a 5% cut in pay and losing their 401k match. We find out in January. Welcome to the republican legacy.

For now we have a roof over our heads, power, and internet. That's it. And she works 12 hour days to get it. There is no safety net. It does take literal years to make a SS claim, usually resulting in multiple denials. Nevermind what the team of doctors says.

Right now I am in the middle of having 10 injections a week for 4 or 5 weeks to alliviate some of the pain without narcotics. Doesn't matter to them. So far I have never even met with anyone from their office, and I already been rejected. What a joke.

I'm used to being poor now, but I can't stand to watch it happen to my kids. I worked to damn hard before I got sick for this to happen to them. They deserve more than their basic needs met, yet they keep a stiff upper lip about it.

I wish I hadn't stuck my savings into a small business right before the shit hit the fan. At least we would have some savings. Right now we are a month a way from having to stay with family for the first time since I was 16.

Isn't that irony that what I thought was building a solid future and something to pass on, turned into the reason we are where we are?

Ahh well, here is to hoping next year is better. Starting something up is hard with no money being borrowed.

[Ghost in the Machine]

100. Best wishes to you and yours, Seldona...

It really is an unreal experience, isn't it? I hope your wife gets to keep her job when all is said and done next month. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts.

It's really hard facing what we're facing, after being so independent for so long. It's like getting kicked in the gut and stomped in the face at the same time.

I'm fortunate that my kids are old enough to understand what's happening, and I've also raised them in a way that they don't value material things too much. They *know* they don't need $200 sneakers and $80 jeans, nor do they need the newest/latest phone, ipod, game system or what have you. My son, who is 15, recently built himself a bicycle from parts off of 4 old bike frames. He also made a playstation 2 work by using parts from 3 broken ones.

I know where you're coming from about investing savings, too. I did the same thing with my workers comp settlement. Before I got hurt, I used to work 6 & 7 days per week, daylight til dark. I invested in a business... and got wiped out financially in a little over a year. Hindsight is always 20/20, and I now know that opening that business, a restaurant, was the biggest mistake of my life. I also know I can't go back in time and change it, so it's something I live with every day. I wouldn't be in this situation if I hadn't opened that business...

Things will get better for us all, we just have to ride the storm out. I don't know how much worse it can get, but I have a strong feeling it *will* get worse before it gets better.

Peace & Best Wishes to you and yours... and keep on hanging in there

Ghost

[Oldtimeralso]

137. All I can tell those waiting for SS disability

Is hang in there I just got mine. Started Dec 1st now to pay back those loans and credit cards that I have lived on for the past couple of years. And Yes I will help with a small donation, I am just able to keep a roof over my head. Hang In There

[Seldona]

143. Thank you.

So rarely do we discuss things from a fathers perspective. I can't speak for anyone but be, but it rips your guts out as a father. We are supposed to be the provider and all that bs... Still it is what it is.

I wish the best for you and yours for the holidays and beyond.

[sarcasmo]

144. I am in the same boat, the wife has a check coming in and lost my job in April.

It's ugly in the job market, applying against five hundred other people for one job here in Michigan.

[Seldona]

149. I know.

I am freaking out about what I will be able to do. I can do things in small spurts, but it doesn't take long for the joints to start singing. Not conducive to getting hired. Oh well, I've always had the entrepreneurial spirit anyway.

Hang in there. Hope Michigan catches a break from Washington. It's about time someone got something other than rich, Wall Street, assholes. No way that same amount of money turned over to Wall Street creates that kind of jobs.

Wishing you and yours Happy Holidays and a better new year.

[Joanne98]

53. I'll try to drive more people to your site. I love your site. BTW!

[Ghost in the Machine]

102. Thank you, Joanne!

Best of wishes to you and yours...

Here's a little something I think you might enjoy: http://www.republicansexoffenders.com/UFO.zip .... it's an ebook in executable format.. very informative, very interesting...


Peace,

Ghost

[artfan]

59. I understand your situation

My husband is 100% disabled he has been fighting cancer for 10 years and has been unable to work for almost 8 years. We have 4 kids and it kills us to not be able to provide them with the education etc. we wish they could have. Even though we do have SSI and good insurance it is a struggle to pay all the co pays and other expenses. We count our blessings though and keep plodding on. SSI will help and it will happen eventually keep on trying.

[Ghost in the Machine]

103. It's a tough spot to be in, isn't it?

I'm sorry your husband has been so sick. I hope there's something that can be done for him to help him get better. I know the feeling of wishing you could do more for your kids. Kids are good at adapting though.. mine are living proof of that.

You have the right attitude about the situation though... count each day as a blessing and keep plodding on... I know that no matter how bad things are for me right now, there are others who are having it worse than I am.

Peace & Best Wishes to you and yours,

Ghost

[CitizenPatriot]

67. Love your site

I've been there before but had no idea it was yours.

I've sent the link out to my email addy book and suggested donations to the site to be my christmas gift...nothing would please me more than to see your site stay up so every time they google republican sex this comes up.

I'm sorry for the circumstances you are in right now. ((( Hugs )))

[Fireweed247]

74. That is so cool!!!

:applause:
What a great way to help!

[Ghost in the Machine]

104. Thank you so much, CitizenPatriot

I appreciate your support and efforts very much... people here on DU really help to renew my faith in the human spirit... :hug:


Peace,

Ghost

[CitizenPatriot]

70. can you PM me please?

I have a friend who wants to donate but she won't use paypal (she just got ripped off for tons of money through some Russian scam). She would like your address, if you don't mind giving it to me. I promise to respect it and keep it private.

[Greyhound]

9. K&R

[hankthecrank]

10. k & r n/t

[FloridaJudy]

12. Great idea!

I've kicked in a few bucks every now and then to help another DU'er when I could spare it. In this lousy economy, there'll be even more who need it.

Don't know how we could vet the recipients. I'm a sucker for a hard luck story, and these days they're more often true than not, but one abuser could ruin it for the rest.

[4 t 4]

13. k & r

[tblue37]

35. I wish I remembered the names of the DU angels who set up the

donations for other DUers in the past, but we did have a sort of giving tree going here in past Christmases to help out DUers in financial difficulty.

Maybe I still have them in my emil box.

[tblue37]

36. I do have them still in my inbox.

LibraLiz1973 and TAPat worked very hard during Christmas season of 2006 to arrange donations for DUers who were hurting. I remember them arrange with Skinner to allow them to set up doanations for a few DUers in financial difficulty, and a lot of us pitched in. Many of us can't afford to give much, but since there are many of us, a little bit from each who can afford to share can make a difference.

[Fireweed247]

41. Are they still around?

We need some help here. I'm fairly new, I don't know the rules and I'm probably going to get myself in trouble
:spank:

[tblue37]

117. I have seen LiberalLiz posting recently. I don't know about TAPat. nt

[Waiting For Everyman]

16. K&R A very good idea.

I don't have much but I could help a little - with others doing the same, it could make a difference.

[Fireweed247]

19. yes

and sometimes just a little bit makes a huge difference.

[Fireweed247]

21. kicking for more ideas?

anyone? anyone?

[John Q. Citizen]

24. Shelter, food, clothing, health care are all human rights. Our government we the people need to

demand that human needs are met. All humans.

If we leave it up to charity we are failing.

Don't get me wrong. I believe in individual helping individual. One is better than none.

But the issue needs to be addressed structurally and year round.

Johnson's "Great Society" on top of the GI bill of the 50's really worked to bring millions out of poverty and into the middle class. That's why, personally I'd rather donate money to change the structure than to put band aides on. But I do donate to the band aides also, and I totally understand the impulse and the urgency.

So to your idea;

My suggestion is launch a church of the liberal Jesus, the lefty communal activist Jesus, and then collect and distribute money to and from better off lefties to other lefties in need. And the best way to distribute resources is through jobs, when ever possible. That way people feel like they own it and they earned it.

Or something like that.

[Fireweed247]

28. Oh I hear ya!

"We are called to play the Good Samaritan on life's roadside... but one day we must come to see that the whole Jericho road must be transformed so that men and women will not be constantly beaten and robbed."
Martin Luther King Jr., "A Time to break the silence"

Church of the Liberal Jesus....has a nice ring to it....

[Pale Blue Dot]

27. I think we need to do this in ALL of our communities.

The government is not going to be able to save us. We have to save ourselves.

[Fireweed247]

29. That's what I was thinking

just like Katrina, they might show up eventually to 'help' but it will be way too little way too late.

[20score]

31. What a great idea!! K&R

[BrklynLiberal]

32. Kind of the DU verison of KIVA? Not just money, all things.

[CrispyQ]

61. I heard of KIVA years ago & had completely forgotten about it,

until your post. Thank you! I just visited & donated.

To the OP, I would love to contribute to a fund to help DUers in need.

Jaren Bernstein, author & Joe Biden's economic advisor, states that in a just society, there is no limit to how high one can go, but there is a limit to how far one can fall. Our government & many of our fellow citizens have forgotten that.

[OneGrassRoot]

68. There's also such a sense of isolation....

the internet can connect in wonderful, amazing ways, but we often don't know we have a neighbor, right next door, in dire need. Let alone his/her name.

This is my focus now. There are so many people like myself -- single mom, self-employed (isolated...lol), don't belong to church or other type of support organization.

For the last six months a dear friend and I have been trying to get a site ready to launch, with rather technical search features (like craigslist), but all with the intention of connecting people to help one another, be it for critical needs and/or lifelong dreams.

We say we are the givers and receivers, and it's where we can all be the missing piece.

I'm thinking of making the forum available ASAP since there are such needs. It could coalesce there and I could even set up a DU group.

Anyway, you can visit wwww.wishadoo.blogspot.com to get a feel for what we're doing.

I invite anyone to PM me with email for me to send invitation to forum. Or, if I get a lot of requests, I'll go ahead and make it public to view, no invitation.

The incredible need just hit like an avalanche this weekend and it may be best to simply release the forum and make public, and we can all work on this thing together.

The list aspect of the site, the main site, will take another week or two.

Grassroots. Person to person. We can all do this. One step at a time.

(But, darn, this human thing is so hard at times, isn't it? The suffering is overwhelming and threatens to paralyze.)

[Fireweed247]

75. "release the forum and make public, and we can all work on this thing together"

yes!
:applause:

[OneGrassRoot]

77. LOL!!! Thanks, MartyL!!!

Okie dokie. Gotta run my daughter somewhere but I will have this forum available tonight, and I'll create a group for DU!!!

We are our own community, but it will network with the communities at large, too.

All with the same intent. Wishadoo is a gateway, so I want to include as many avenues of help as possible, like fundable.

Awesomeness! :)

Thanks for the support and nudge.

[Fireweed247]

92. The first story is so inspiring!

The Good Samaritan In A Station Wagon
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/09/12/assignment_america/main4446290.shtml

[CrispyQ]

138. ...

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Fireweed247]

33. I just read the symbolman thread again

It is unbelievable the amount of people who will be losing their homes in the near future.
Maybe we could stop some of these forclosures if we all work together!

[tblue37]

34. In past years we have helped out DUers in need. Certain

people on the board made arrangemnts for DUers who asked for help, and we sent donations through them. Skinner allowed it.

[maryf]

38. K,R, and request for help for fellow DU'er

One of our members depends on her local library to post here, very active, especially in poverty. Her library is closing for renovations soon! She is always dependent on the library hours to post, and is limited in her time, unless no one else comes in. She'll be lost without internet access, I was wondering if anyone knows where to get a laptop free, or donated, or to have a fund set up for this? Her car is falling apart too, but thats another story! Thanks!!

[Fireweed247]

39. Anyone have an extra laptop out there?

Thanks for looking out for our fellow DUers.

[Fireweed247]

85. you could set up a fund for her, then purchase the laptop

https://www.fundable.com/startcollection

I know you want to keep it anonymous, but if everyone knew who you were helping, she would have the funds in no time.

[maryf]

89. Thank you MartyL

thats an idea I'll start to work on...have to figure some things out! Anymore regarding how this works would be greatly appreciated!!

[DollyM]

42. Google adsense is a good idea at no cost . . .

I believe you have to set up a web page and submit it to Google adsense and then they put on links related to the topic of your page which people can then click on and that ads up and they send you a check every so often. I set up one on my web site a long time ago but kind of forgot about it and then I couldn't remember the password I had set up. Google sent me notice they wanted to pay me but wouldn't send the check until I could log in with my password which I couldn't remember. So I gave up and took the links off my site. Still it is a good idea, just hang onto your password!
My husband lost his job two years ago and has only worked sporadically since then. He is diabetic and his episodes of ending up in the hospital keep running closer together. The last job he had, he let them know he was in the hospital and the company fired him anyway. Lovely world isn't it! I have a small business that I have had since I decided to stay home and home school our son five years ago. I have tried to find work again but this is a terrible time to try and find a job. But I did put two dolls (I make dolls for a living) on ebay and one sold for $500.00 and the other for nearly $300.00 so I have covered most of our bills for January now. We just kind of live day to day. Ebay is tricky but if you have unwanted stuff, it is a good way to pick up some extra money.
The other thing we are doing is children's parties and events with ready to stuff animals, kind of like Build a Bear, but we go on location. The cost is minimal as people pre-order the animals for their event so you get paid up front and then we go and do some songs and games and the unstuffed animals and we get a nice little return on an hours work. We did a workshop for the local recreation department with reindeer animals and made about $120.00 for the hour. And free cookies! :) We just try a little bit of everything to cobble together enough income to get by and so far it is working. I would just suggest people be careful with the "easy money" schemes which are rampant, especially now with so many people desparate for work. I did a lot of research before deciding on the unstuffed animal parties as it was very low cost to start and was instant profit. If anyone would like more information, please pm me and I would be happy to give more information.

[tblue37]

118. I make about $100/month with AdSense. I expect to make more once

I begin actively promoting my sites.

[davidthegnome]

43. Wish I could help

There's no work in my area at all right now, my parents are doing okay - and I'm okay because I'm living with them. Not a dollar to my name though. Some day I'll pay my parents back for supporting me all these years.

Good luck with this. It's a grand idea and I hope some people can get the help they need.

[SammyWinstonJack]

45. K&R!

[OneGrassRoot]

47. As I type this, we are getting ready to launch a site.....

that brings people together, to give and receive -- not only critical, urgetn needs, but lifelong dreams.

We are having a list feature similar to craigslist which is technically holding up the site launch, but the forum can go ahead and be made public today. It's what we had decided as we await the main list feature to be ready.

The forum is where people will share anyway and will be a home to gather.

You can check out the blog site which explains it more. www.wishadoo.blogspot.com

I can even set up a special group for DU members at the forum if that would be helpful, and I'd be delighted to do so. :) It's not a site for donations, though we're open for suggestions as to how we can help in that regard. Rather, it's a site to connect directly, person to person, rather than through organizations and nonprofits.

It's so hard being human....such challenging times.

[Lorien]

50. That's a great idea

I hope that it really takes off!

[Fireweed247]

73. I love the idea of your site!!

Excellent work, and a perfect time to get it going with the help of DUers.

[Lorien]

48. At this point do those in need outnumber those with solid footing?

I'm starting to wonder. I've been unemployed for nearly half of this past year. I sell things on eBay when I have something to sell, but other than that I've just been using up my home equity to stay afloat. Most of my friends who are self employed (like myself) are also just barely scraping by, and so many couples I know are down to one small income or none-the layoffs have been nonstop. Sometime it's dizzying watching things go downhill so quickly.

[OneGrassRoot]

51. I believe so. The needs are tremendous. But it's why I....

am also focused on creating local communities, these Wishadoo Communities I speak of, where people can help in ways beyond $$. Physically take others to doctor's appointments when there isn't transportation, provide a roof over someone's head, go to the food pantry for them, etc., etc.

So many of us don't have $$, but we can help in surprising ways...ways we may not have considered before.

There are organizations which thankfully do a lot of this, and there are people who belong to churches and such where they can get help, but there are soooooooo many people who don't qualify for organizations and/or don't belong to a church or other community.

That's where there is a void. Reaching people to help who aren't used to receiving or, not needing it, and also showing how they can, even in their darkest moments, perhaps help another as well. The possibilities are endless once we start making connections and putting out the most intense fires at this grassroots level.

:)

Thanks, Lorien!

[bobbolink]

96. I know we all think of churches as "place to go to get help", but that is sooo last century.

For the most part, and I'm sure there are exceptions, churches DON"T accept anyone coming asking for help. They sent them elsewhere.

And those elsewheres are usually agencies, and a lot of them don't treat people very well, don't have many resources, and .... well, are often just a wild goose chase.

I appreciate your efforts, and there is definitely a need for people to help each other.

However, please remember that unless and until we start working for JUSTICE, there are many needs that won't get met.

[OneGrassRoot]

106. Hi, bobbo....

I'm personally not a fan of religious organizations, it was an example of where some have indeed gained some semblance of support for trying times, though for long-term needs it's doubtful.

And, I've always agreed the underlying causes of suffering must be dealt with. In the meantime, and in conjunction with those ongoing efforts.....we do what we can minute by minute.

I thought fairly recently you had been fairly pleasantly surprised with faith-based organizations? Maybe not...maybe I'm thinking of another.

Take care. :)

[Joanne98]

52. We could have an auction. Make crafts or donate items. A DU ebay!

[Fireweed247]

88. That is an interesting idea...

I wonder how we could make that work...

[Corgigal]

54. I was thinking about asking my fellow DU'ers for help

but I know so many people and their families are hurting that I'm almost embarrassed. I'm just trying to raise some funds for my dog to have surgery. I have applied to 7 different organizations that claim they assist with vets bill but no one has any funds right now. It's not housing or food but she's my bestest friend and I'm worried about her. Here's the link if anyone is curious, all info is provided.

https://www.fundable.com/groupactions/groupaction.2008-12-05.7585270548

Again I apologize if I offend anyone, because I know this isn't on the same footing as food and shelter. I just love my girl so.

[DollyM]

55. Won't the vet work with you on this?

At least set up a payment plan.

[Corgigal]

62. I will do that but I need at least half up front

because they only allow 3 months of bills. Those would be payments I can afford.
They aren't bad people but even our Vets office has fallen on hard times, 35 percent drop off in the past few months. Rings true to me. Thanks for your interest.

[Lisa0825]

57. I wish I could help....

but I am out of a job...

Have you tried the organizations listed on this page?

http://www.felinediabetes.com/vetbills.htm

The list includes grants and also Care Credit, which gives credit lines for vet bills.

Have you contacted any no-kill shelters? They may have a particular vet in mind that they know will work with you on cost and payments. Since non-profits are usually strapped for cash, they often have some good resources to call on.

I'm so sorry. My cats are my family, so I know how you feel. :pals:

[Corgigal]

60. already applied to care credit and so did my daughter

but were both turned down. No idea why. I will check that site though , I've tried Corgi funds, I tried Cancer awareness site, vet bill sites..trust me, I have been emailing, faxing and calling everyone. Will still look and thanks again. I just think no one has any money for anything.

[Lisa0825]

81. I'll be on unemployment pay next month if a job doesn't come through, but

I kicked in $20. I wish I could do more. :hug:

[Doremus]

65. Just donated to your dear Sugar Bear. Please let us know how she's doing, k? n/t

[Fireweed247]

82. Her fund is up to $100 now

good work Duers!

[Doremus]

109. Kicking for Sugar Bear. If anyone has anything to spare please consider this. Thank you! n/t

[Fireweed247]

142. kicking for sugarbear

now she's up to $170

[Fireweed247]

150. now she's up to $220

:kick:

[Fireweed247]

152. Go Sugar Bear!!! $740.00 secured

Thanks DUers! Can she get her surgery now?

[Fireweed247]

153. She is getting her surgery early January

:applause:

[OneGrassRoot]

66. Oh goodness, this is all ripping my heart out....

I just want to tell you not to feel badly about sharing your story and your need. While all the needs are in different categories, they all have VALUE. I am a huge animal lover, as are most of us here and, quite frankly, that often tugs the hardest. They are such innocents.

Thank you for the link to fundable. I had never heard of it before.

I'm working furiously to get the Wishadoo site up where we can all come together (not just DU, but others), to share these things, and not just donation requests but other ways to help one another, directly....person to person.

The need is growing exponentially, hour by hour.

Finding help -- and where we can provide it -- from the bottom up is the example Obama has set. Grassroots.

I hope you get a miracle with your baby...I can only imagine how difficult this is. I wish I could wave a magic wand and eliminate suffering.....

I haven't made the site live just yet, but if anyone wants to PM me with email to send an invitation to join the Wishadoo forum and start posting needs and wishes there, please do.

It doesn't have to be perfect for everyone to start helping one another. We can figure things out as we go...together.

You can also read a bit about the project at the blog link below.

Take good care and best wishes to everyone.

[Fireweed247]

71. Your little doggie is so cute!

Can you post a picture? I couldn't get it to work.


I hope Duers will help you out, there are a lot of animal lovers here...and that site is perfect for everyone to post their own info/story/needs. Thank you!

[Fireweed247]

139. She is so cute!

[lligrd]

78. You Should Post This In The Pets Group Too

The lounge is also notorious for animal lovers.

[Lisa0825]

83. I hope she doesn't mind... I posted the link in Pets for her....

Maybe someone else might consider cross posting to the Lounge?

[Honeycombe8]

99. Could I recommend a re-wording of your Sugarbear story?

I get the gist of your dog's health problems, but the way it's worded, it's not really apparent that the operation is absolutely necessary. I'm wondering if that's partly why you haven't gotten contributions yet? You don't say what will happen if she doesn't get the operation...if she will get sick and ultimately die soon, or what. You simply say you're worried about her health.

Many dogs gets benign lumps (tumors). My late dog had several. They are generally not life threatening; the vet watches them to see if they get too large or something. You don't distinguish your dog's lumps from benign lumps.

I'm just thinking...the way your story is worded may not impress upon people the dire emergency of the operation.

I just contributed locally to an elderly couple for a $500 deposit for their 11 year old German Shepherd. They were foreclosed on and lost their house, but they didn't have the pet deposit for the apartment complex they were moving to. (We paid the fee directly to the organization, who paid the pet deposit directly to the apartment complex.) I also just contributed a small amount to a $1,000 fund needed to fix a broken leg for a chihuahua that was thrown off a second floor balcony. Pics of the poor little thing were circulated, broken leg and all. I contributed to a small, local animal group....who will pay the vet directly.

So when deciding which emergency to pay for an animal, most people judge which ones are the most dire emergencies. I think your doggie's case is a dire emergency, but the beginning part of your story doesn't get that across, I think. Just a suggestion.

I hope you get the money. Funds are tight this year, with the bad economy and all.

[Corgigal]

111. actually that is a good idea

She actually has 4 tumors, and blood is being expressed through her nipples. I already spent 200 bucks to make sure it's not in her lungs. I haven't done a biospy because we will get that all done once everything is removed. Maybe that is a stupid way to go but I'm trying to save funds and her glands must come out, regardless. With even benign lumps, 50 percent can become cancerous.

I will rewrite it and it seems like you understand this condition. If you really curious I can take a picture of that area and let you see what I'm talking about. However, that may be too much information..Ha.

I understand its a really bad economy which is why it bothers me to write about my personal problem and my doggies health. So many people, family and pets hurting right now and on top of the holidays arriving soon.

Again everyone thanks for the kind words and will rewrite the ad about SugarBear.

[JackDragna]

58. I'm in.

If someone organizes something here, let me know. I'd like to be a part of it.

[CitizenPatriot]

69. this is so sad

I just heard from my mom that the job she had is going away...I'm worried sick about her. She works so hard and always has. Single parent. You know the struggles.

I don't mind being scammed -- here's the way I look at it: when we were robbed earlier this year, I wasn't angry. My first thought was they must have needed our stuff more than we did. Fine. We don't have a lot of stuff - we've never been accumulators and we just bought our first TV ever. but hey, they wanted our stuff, they took it. We weren't hurt and there wasn't any major damage done.

We were in Texas right after the second hurricane (post Katrina) -- just weeks after I think. OMG, talk about horror story. We had people begging us for money everywhere...and so, we just gave it up. Clearly their circumstances were worse than ours. If we were scammed by one person, I don't really care (so long as they weren't Republican -- just kidding).

I've had family members who always seem to need help, and after I'd give it, I'd find out they blew the money on pot or some new electronic thing that I would never have bought, which was perhaps why I had money to give. But the thing is, it wasn't up to me to judge. So I set a limit on what I wanted to give and let it go. If she wants to buy pot with the money I gave her for her electricity bill, fine. I'm not going to shame her by insisting the money goes to the electric company. Who knows, the pot may be a bigger need.

You just give because you can. This is a great idea...Hope it floats!

[Fireweed247]

72. This site is perfect for our purposes!

https://www.fundable.com/startcollection
(Thank you Corgigal)

People who need help, or need help for a friend can put up their story and payment info and DUers can donate to whomever they want to.

[emilyg]

80. k/r

[enki23]

84. unfortunately, this is likely a big advertisment for scam artists

.

[Lisa0825]

87. We've done it before.

The stories were checked out and verified. It is possible to give responsibly.

For instance, ModestNeeds.org thoroughly checks out all applications and the funds are paid to the vendor (landlord, car mechanic, or wherever the need was).

[Baby Snooks]

128. Unfortunately you're right...

I've been a stalking victim twice as well as a volunteer advocate for other stalking victims and have always been self-employed both in real estate and non-profit consulting and have been bankrupted twice as a result of the effect of post traumatic stress syndrome that really is the result of dealing with our horrible justice system more than the stalking but somehow always manage to make ends meet with the help of friends and family and occasionally a community organization and things are getting very scary for everyone and more and more of my friends are ending up as scared as I am at times. And things are going to get worse.

When I can I help others financially although not a lot and primarily my help consists of knowing who to call and how to help someone "work the system" so to speak but of late I have come to realize that many are indeed looking to "work the system" in that they are not as in need as they have claimed to be which angers me because of course what I gave them was a week of cat food or something for myself or whatever an agency gave them might have gone to someone truly in need.

I recently contracted with someone on a reduced fee basis for something and then found out they lied to me. They have around $5,000 a month income. They told me they only had $1,000 a month income from Social Security.

A giving heart is a wonderful thing. But a wise heart is careful. I've had to learn finally that often what you are giving is actually being taken by someone.

I wish Congress would wake up. Wall Street and the banks are their priority. The people should be. And the people are not.

I keep remembering that comment by Nancy Pelosi about the Pink Ladies and how if they had been homeless she could have had them arrested.

The problem is not just the Republicans. It's some of the Democrats as well. They really don't care about us. Any of us.

[PatrynXX]

90. Not going to be cozy Thursday

Grandpa died yesterday. And being a WWII vet it'll be interesting I guess. and rather cold funeral... Now I've lost two grandpa's in the month of December. one in 1996 and now 2008.

[Fireweed247]

91. I'm so sorry

:cry:

[Raksha]

98. Too late to recommend, but kicking anyway.

We have such wonderful compassionate people here.

[Liberal_in_LA]

101. double kick

[cbayer]

110. Please be aware that any fundraising done on the site must have administrative approval.

We have made the administrators aware of this thread.

cbayer
On behalf of the DU Moderators

[JanMichael]

113. wtf?

on behalf of the DU moderators?

My wife has been here since day one or two of this website, and I have been here for years. Neither of us have seen a post like this.

The mods need stool pidgeons now or what?

I think the mods probably are reading the thread. I bet Skinner knows about it. I can almost promise you that any DUer that has been here for a couple of weeks knows that they need permission to get a fund raiser going.

On edit: I see you are a mod-- OK, so this thread has been going for over a day....oh, nevermind.

[Fireweed247]

115. How did they get permission for so many threads asking for money for symbolman?

People have been all over the site asking for money for one person, and we were coming up with ideas to help other DUers in need...

I didn't see anyone scolded on the many posts on the greatest page asking for money for symbolman??

[cbayer]

122. My post was meant to be informational.

I meant only to remind members of the rules concerning fundraising and to make you aware that we had notified Skinner about your thread so that he could evaluate the ideas being shared here. There was no scolding intended.

:hi:

[McCamy Taylor]

114. We need a thread for people who need jobs. So they can get hooked up with people who need helpers.

A job will last longer than cash.

[Fireweed247]

116. That's a great idea!

Heck, if someone had a job opportunity they should just start a thread about it right now...

[DollyM]

119. I agree on the job issue . . .

We are scrapping together from day to day what we can to pay the bills but what we need are jobs. I recently interviewed for a case aide position with Senior Services. The person interviewing said they received 72 applications and picked 6 to interview. I was one of the last ones that day and the supervisor was called away (it was supposed to be a two person interview team)so the other person just talked non stopped about the program, thanked me and sent me a away. She admitted I was qualified but I think she was so tired of interviewing and since the other person wasn't in the interview, she just wrote off the last candidates interviewing. It was a total waste of time but I am finding that more and more, if we can even get an interview. Mind you that both my husband and I have Master's degrees and can't find jobs! But I stayed home for a few years with our son and my husband is just,apparently, too old to get a job at 55. I have thought of dummying down on resumes, listing less education and experience, especially for my husband, as our only thought is that places are afraid to hire people like us because they think we will either want to much money or will jump ship as soon as we find something more in line with our qualifications. But right now, we just need jobs!

[Baby Snooks]

131. The dwindling job market....

I do a lot of "freelance" and get things occasionally off of Craigslist and of late, the past month in particular, I've noticed the number of ads have begun to decrease. What is even scarier is that there are more and more "professional" ads by companies that obviously no longer can afford to pay an agency and I bet also cannot afford to pay "prevailing wage" and are taking a chance that someone on Craigslist is desperate.

Things are not good. And things are going to get worse. Most of the friends I have who have had "security" have watched it vanish in the past year. And they are terrified. I think a growing number of people are.

It was very hard for me to ask for help from a community agency. It was very hard for me to go to a food pantry. I used to be in gossip columns and was "social" and on more than one occasion I think a director of an agency who I knew from years of non-profit work, usually having donated my time when I knew they couldn't really afford to pay me, was more embarrassed than I was.

If you have need for someone advertise on Craigslist. More and more people are looking for the $50 here and the $100 there. That does more for someone than giving them the $50 or the $100. I know. I have not only "been there, done that," but "am here, doing it."

[BrklynLiberal]

135. There is a Career Help and Advice Group

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=362

[ingac70]

120. ATTENTION: anyone who is close to losing their home...

http://portal.hud.gov/portal/page?_pageid=73,7601299&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL

[grannylib]

123. Thanks for posting this...gonna check it out asap...losing job at

the end of the month and terrified of losing my home...
:scared:

[bridgit]

121. wurd!

[trickyguy]

124. K&R This is my New Year resolution. To help the poor and homeless

even though I'm not pulling down big bucks myself.

But last year I donated more money to the Obama campaign than I have ever given

to any political candidate.

It's time to spread it around as Obama says. I'll help out if I can directly know

who I am helping. Not just sending money with a credit card. No thanks to that.:bounce:

[maryf]

145. Great way to support the homeless

Check out this thread about the Homeless Memorial Day Vigils!!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=4656685&mesg_id=4656958

[bobbolink]

147. Wonderful, trickyguy! Also, a good New Year's Resolution would be to decide to spend 15 minutes a

week calling or writing about legislation, etc., that would help to house people!

Here's one to start with:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x4656815

:yourock:

[Zhade]

125. YES.

NT!

[AZBlue]

126. Kick

[liberaltrucker]

127. I suggest a fund, overseen by Skinner, Elad, or EarlG

Contributed to by DUers with the means, including me, however that may be meager. And distributed to those among us in need.
If our beloved website dares call itself "Democratic", now's the time to step up to the plate and earn that title.

[Lisa0825]

130. It would be a lot of work, but I would love to see something like that happen...

... and I am not sure if it would cut in to the DU donations much... and that is a valid concern because they can't exactly fund other fund drives if DU isn't making enough money to flourish.

I'd like to see it handled in a way that is similar to how the mods are done... people apply to be a mod and then their applications are reviewed, and they are chosen to be a mod for a period of time. I think there could be a DU Charitable Board comprised of members chosen in a similar way. They could share the duties of reviewing and authenticating the applications, and then voting on which apps to fund. I'd suggest that (like Modest Needs does), funds be given directly to the vendors (the landlord, mortgage holder, utility company, doctor, vet, etc), rather than the applicants.

[DollyM]

136. that is a good idea!

Kind of a "scholarship" program for help. I know we would qualify income wise for the low income energy assistance program for winter heat but they ran out of money for the program months ago. So we literally do not turn on the heat. We have a fireplace and got a load of wood from a friend and have electric blankets. I hate it though because our teenage son is going to friends houses and staying later and later because it is so cold at our house. Still, I am just trying to hang onto our house and cutting the heat is one way to cut costs. I just keep hoping things will turn around but I don't think they will soon enough for those of us on the edge to be able to hang on.

[maryf]

146. Good luck Dolly

The need for many is so great, we have to figure out a way to get to the source!

[BrklynLiberal]

133. Kick for those who may have missed it.

[Fireweed247]

140. Thanks everyone for keeping this post kicked!

I wrote to Skinner asking permission so let's see what happens.

Maybe if there are folks out there who need help, you can think about setting up something here...
https://www.fundable.com/startcollection

[Fireweed247]

151. What do we do if Skinner doesn't respond?

?

[Fireweed247]

148. one more

:kick: