I've made up my mind......I'm giving my money away.

[Th1onein]

I chanced upon a second job. This is a job I've done for the past fourteen years, in my spare time. I've had some people contact me who are actually going to pay me for this work.

I will pay off a few small bills and one big one. I should have a few thousand left, at least--five to ten. I have decided to go to a homeless shelter and find a family. Or a couple of single people. It doesn't matter. As long as they're not on drugs, or have mental problems. I've thought about renting an apartment for them and buying them a car.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can do this better?

[no_hypocrisy]

1. Bartering only takes you so far (assuming this is the method of exchange you've chosen).

What do you do for purchasing merchandise and services for those who won't barter?

[vadawg]

2. what about putting the money into a fixer upper and gifting that to a homeless family

im not sure what you could get with ten grand but there will be some houses available at that even if they need a lot of work.

[Heidi]

3. The mentally ill and addicted need places to live and transportation, too.

Perhaps you have sound reasons for excludng them from your generosity, though. :shrug:

[gblady]

5. I had a strong reaction....

to that statement also...
who among us has not had mental problems at times...
and especially in times of stress?

[Th1onein]

I understand, but I do have reasons.

I don't want this to be a stop-gap measure. The addicted and the mentally ill will not usually be able to maintain the momentum that this "hand up" will give to them.

[Name removed]

45. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Wiley50]

79. I'm on SSI and haven't smoked pot since 2003

But now I have to try to go through Interferon therapy again or my liver doctor says I will die in 8-9 years. This will be the third time I've tried. The last time I made it 10 days once the vomiting started. It's bad. I didn't eat or sleep for 10 days. I didn't sleep because I was afraid I would vomit in my sleep, aspirate and die.

Both my liver doctor and my primary care doctors say there is nothing they can prescribe me to stop the vomiting. They say there is nothing that will stop it except marijuana. This is not a medical pot state, but they say to smoke it if I can get it.But ,therefore it is very expensive here and on SSI, I can't afford it.

In this case would you deny me the medicine I need to save my life?

[vadawg]

7. i figure its his cash, his conditions, i have similare rules for any property of mine

i dont want drugs or crime there, and if theres mental issues that will effect my relationship with the neighbours or authories i dont want it either.

[Heidi]

9. As I understood the OP, she isn't offering her own property.

ETA: She's offering to purchase a vehicle or pay rent for a homeless family. This wouldn't bother her neighbors nor would it jeopardize her relationship with the authorities.

In any case, there is nothing on earth wrong about giving a mentally ill and/or addicted person a chance to have an apartment and/or vehicle of his/her own. There are consequences if we abuse the privilege of vehicle ownership.

Are you saying, given the chance, that you wouldn't rent to a person with mental illness or a history of drug use?

As long as they're not on drugs, or have mental problems. I've thought about renting an apartment for them and buying them a car.

[vadawg]

11. youve misread what i said, i stated if their was going to be problems

then yes i wouldnt let them use my property, last thing a property owner wants is their place being trashed, neighbours complaining or the authourities all over it. I would prefer not to have to deal with issues, luckily touch wood i have been very lucky.

[Th1onein]

12. The people that you talk about would be better served by therapy.

Not a stop-gap measure to get them off of the streets for a short amount of time. I'm not renting out my own property, but renting from someone else, FOR them.

[Heidi]

13. I'm not disrespecting you at all. What you want to do is admirable

and whoever receives this hand-up will be fortunate. My only point is that people with mental illness and/or addiction need help, too. These aren't character flaws. They're illnesses, and I don't think they necessarily destine anyone to yo-yo existence of on-the-street, off-the-street.

Thank you, though, for being willing to help the homeless.

[Th1onein]

17. I've been that route before.

You have to have a LOT of resources in order to handle addicts and the mentally ill. I don't have those. I am simply trying to provide a roof over the head for homeless people so that they can get on their feet.

I simply don't have the wherewithal to handle the mentally ill and the addicted. You have to choose your battles carefully. I understand that they need help, too, but in this case, it would only be a stop-gap measure, and I would like to make a difference that would be more permanent.

[babylonsister]

4. That's very charitable and generous of you. Props! nt

[panader0]

6. Kudos for your generosity

How about a donation to a health clinic for the poor? If I ever hit the lottery, half will go to Doctors Wihout Borders.

[Just-plain-Kathy]

8. I got an idea. Spend the money on giving people an education.

Help people learn a skill.

[Th1onein]

10. That's an idea, but I really want to provide a home for the homeless.

I have a house that I don't live in. It needs a LOT of work on it. I'm not sure if I can fix it up with this amount of money or not. Might take more than this. It's got three bedrooms. I've often thought about fixing it up as a kind of free boarding house for the homeless. Maybe buy a van to take everyone to work in the morning, or on job interviews and give free living quarters to a live-in person who can handle that?

I don't know.

[vadawg]

14. years ago i bought a house with workshop space below, the people who live in the house part

renovated it and fixed it up in lieu of rent for me, and run a business from the workshop part that i have a share in, letting someone live in the fixer upper as they do repairs etc can be a win win situation for both parties.

[Fumesucker]

15. Give someone a place to stay in exchage for working on the property..

You provide materials, they provide the sweat equity.

Shop wisely and you could do quite a bit for not a great deal of money, there are a lot of building materials on Craigslist where I live.e

Build it into several rooms with common kitchen and baths and you could house quite a few people, codes permitting.

[robinlynne]

32. You are wonderful!

[NNN0LHI]

16. Plan on giving the recipients a Rorschach inkblot test to check for mental stability?

[Th1onein]

18. Very funny.

Of course not. But I'm not going to choose someone who is walking around mumbling to themselves about the aliens invading their minds, either.

[cdsilv]

20. Hm. Well, I'm currently living in a shelter, taking the bus/bike to/fm work....

...and need a car. Interested?

[Th1onein]

24. Absolutely. Please send me a PM.

Thanks!

[zipplewrath]

19. Work with the homeless shelter

Just approach the shelter about what you want to do, and what you can do. They'll be able to get you involved in some way. And it will give you and the family a much larger support system.

[Th1onein]

27. That's a good idea.

I will talk with them.

[grantcart]

21. if you have enough for a down payment on a "fixer upper" buy a house

that needs a lot of work.


Contact the social workers in your area to find a family that is homeless.


Offer free housing in exchange for their help in fixing the house up.


(Most home repair consists of basic stuff, like dry wall repair and paintig, that can be learned from an instruction manual - obviously hire an electrician or plummer for the technical stuff).


After 6-9 months hopefully they have found a job and can now start paying rent.


This will give them shelter and help rebuild their self respect, it will also add value to your investment and in time generate money for you, which you can use to reduplicate your kindenss.

[Th1onein]

30. I already own a fixer-upper.

It just seems selfish to use this money for that. I know that it would probably be a smart thing to do, but.....I was thinking about a place for former prisoners to stay. Lots of them don't have a support system.

[grantcart]

85. my point was to allow somebody to exchange shelter for their labor

giving them both shelter and pride of labor.


I have been involved in such a barter and it worked out well for everyone.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

22. I Am 100% Firmly Convinced That You Should Spend It ALL On Kiva Loans.

Have you heard of this site? It is a HUGE help to 3rd world individuals. It is a site where you loan money to real people in need for their business etc, and a small amount goes a long way. What's even better, is after you spend your money you will get most of it back via loan payments, and then you can lend it out all over again!

I know you might have an ideal of being able to actually meet/see the person you're helping, but I'm telling you right now that the impact your money could have through Kiva loans would help more people and be FAR more impactful than any other option. I implore you to investigate this option and will paste the link below. Review some of the loan requests and you'll see how far your money could go and how many good people/families it could help. And like I said, you will ultimately get all of it back and be able to re-lend it to others over and over again!

I hope you'll consider it. The link is below:

http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=home

[Th1onein]

26. I've seen this before. It's a good idea.

I want to help Americans, though. Is that possible?

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

39. Of Course! Under That Rule, I Have A Wild And Grandiose Proposal For You If You're Interested.

I've spoken with you before and read many of your posts. I know how generous, loving and incredible of a person you are. So due to that, I can't help wondering if you'd actually be up for this grandiose concept that most people might overlook or not be interested in.

First, let me be blunt in that I find some flaw in your good intentions. I applaud your desire, but you might find it difficult to enact. The reason I say that is because your true intent is to PERMANENTLY help someone. The problem is that no matter who you choose as being worthy, you might find it impossible to be accurate. Furthermore, no matter who you choose, your money might ultimately be nothing more than a temporary relief. The person(s) you choose might seem incredibly grateful and promise to get on their feet, but in the end of it all there can be a huge risk that the money you invested in them will ultimately run out prior to that happening. Then they'll just be back on the streets as before. The problem with that is that they would've come to rely on you. Though grateful at first, when it comes time that the money runs out and they need to fend for themselves but can't, instead of being grateful they will have come to depend on your support. They will try and rely on you for more money even though you don't have it, and you'll be ridden with guilt when you have to tell them no and will in essence be the one who will be putting them back on the streets. There is definitely a risk of that, and I'm not sure you've considered that.

So having that said, you ready for my grandiose idea? Think you could handle it? I think you just might.

Here it goes:

Use your money to renovate or add some rooms in your home. Make a private entrance, add a bathroom, etc. You can find a family and have them live there, but without the need of a landlord or a need for payments that ultimately will run out. It will be a permanent addition to your home that whoever you choose could stay indefinitely. Once they are able to get on their feet and move out, you can use it for others in need the same way etc.

Now I know you and people reading this are thinking "sounds interesting, but how can 5 or 10 grand go that far?". Well there's more.

If you chose to do this it would be quite noteworthy of a charitable effort. So don't rely on solely your own funds. What to do? Start a paypal collection account. Tell your town of your intentions and ask for their help in contractors who'd be interested in donating their time. Put an ad in the paper with your intentions and get some publicity. Ask for donations to the cause and also ask for donations of resources and contractors willing to donate their skills. Put a thread on DU asking for donations to the cause. You have my promise that I will donate to it, and I can guarantee many others here would to.

In the end of it all with the right publicity and effort, I bet you could turn your 5 to 10 grand into 100 grand worth of money, supplies, labor and output. I would bet anything that if done right you could achieve that.

You'd have a private addition to your home that would be permanent and extremely beneficial to who you want to help, and there would be NO firm timeframe on when they'd hit a brick wall and have to be back on the streets. And I know you. They'd also have your love, caring and support to guide them as well. I think you'd get so much out of doing that and directly helping them and interacting with them, and I think it would give so much joy to both sides.

Grandiose right? I know. If I could do it I would. But I think you're just the right person for such a grandiose effort and figured I'd throw it out there. If not, it's all good :)

Love ya, and I wish you the best of luck with whatever you choose to do.

Jeremy

[vadawg]

41. not a plan i would go with, dont think id want anyone else living in such close proximity

interesting idea though,

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

43. I Already Addressed That.

I know you and most people wouldn't. But the OP is in a whole different class of 'special' when it comes to helping people. She has a heart of gold and I envy her for how good of a person she can be. If anyone would consider such a proposal, she would. But it's not surprising that you or many others wouldn't. Course, that's what makes it grandiose as opposed to cliche.

[vadawg]

51. gotcha :)

[Th1onein]

67. That's a great idea and I have thought very seriously about it.

I wish I could implement it, but I'm not sure I could. I have a house that I could renovate, with three bedrooms. I don't live in it, though. And therein lies the problem. I travel constantly, because of the nature of my work. I have been home less than 48 hours in the past two years. I don't have anyone there to oversee the work, and I know NOTHING about that kind of work, so someone could really take me to the cleaners on it and I will have wasted the money.

Thank you for your kind words, OMC.

[Buns_of_Fire]

66. Kiva now fundraises for American entrepreneurs, too.

There aren't a whole lot of them on the site yet (the American part was just launched, and they're looking for more partners), but the nuts and bolts seem to be in place, and there were 14 out there last time I looked...

Whatever you decide, more power to you. I think you're doing a great thing.:thumbsup:

[Th1onein]

70. I didn't know that. Thank you.

I've always wanted to donate to this cause, but I believe that charity begins at home. And, right now, Americans are having a really rough time.

I've found a guy here who needs a car, and I can do that pretty easily, but this Kiva thing for Americans seems like just the ticket, too.

[sunnystarr]

31. What's wrong with helping people here??

Our taxes are used to provide aid for many third countries. Yes there are people everywhere who can use help. We can't fix all the world's problems or poverty. Charity begins at home as the saying goes.

We have people hurting here with families who suddenly find themselves homeless. I find it admirable and outstanding that someone here would actually step up to the plate to help one of these families with a home and provide a safehaven temporarily while they find employment and get back on their feet.

I applaud the original intent. There are many single parents on the streets with their children. Helping one of these will be incredibly rewarding. I wish I could do the same!

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

33. No One Said There Was Anything Wrong With It Did They?

I donate all the time. When I consider donations, I consider people as being people. I don't care where they live or what country they are in. In the end of it all, we are all equal regardless of our geographic location. So therefore, I consider what I DO care about. I want my money to help as much as it can and as many PEOPLE as I can. People are people. Generally, donating to 3rd world efforts make your money go much farther and it PERMANENTLY helps far more people in far more important ways. That's why I made the suggestion.

Did I infer at any point that it would be wrong for someone to hold a different opinion on how to donate or that it was wrong to limit the donation effort to americans? No, I did not.

So please, spare me your false preaching and strawmen.

[vadawg]

37. lots of good points, ive never seen the kiva loans thing myself

hopefully the repayments are low interest, ill have to take a look, might be a nice investment idea.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

40. You Will Make No Interest On Your Loan. It's A Straight Donation.

I just found the site myself from another DU'er the other day. There is actually a DU group on there that you could join. I think the site's awesome, and I'm gonna start loaning there myself soon.

[vadawg]

42. mmm not so sure, i prefer to get something back in order to reinvest

probuably will look to donate some to kiva, but not as much as i might of if it would grow.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

44. Depends On Your Outlook. For Most, Donations Are Meant To Help People, Not To Earn Money Off Them.

Look at the loan as a donation, not a loan. But the cool part is that you get your donation back, and can donate over and over again. Your donations could provide monumental help to people.

But the mindset should be that of donation, not investment. We all have separations of discretionary income and how we want to use it. We know we have this much available to donate, this much available to invest, this much to use for vacation, etc. I totally agree that the discretionary income of yours available for investment would be far better used elsewhere. But to me Kiva is not for the slice of your pie that you allocate for investment, but instead the slice of your pie that you allocate for DONATIONS. Under that pretense, interest isn't a factor. Instead, it's simply a donation. But what's cool about Kiva is that your donation not only helps in HUGE ways, but it also comes back to you to use again. How cool is that?

So yes, the money you want to invest should be invested elsewhere. But the money you can afford and be willing to donate would be able to be put to incredible use through Kiva, and I hope you'd consider it.

Do you understand the difference of financial mindsets I'm making here? I probably babbled but I hope what I'm trying to say makes sense.

Either way though, in the end of it all I don't care exactly how someone chooses to donate. I only encourage people to donate when and however they can, to whatever cause they choose. It's up to them how much and through what avenue they choose to donate. :)

[vadawg]

48. no i totally get what you are saying, i will look into putting money into it

just not as much as i might of if their was a return to reinvest in it, i prefer to invest in schemes that allow me to increase what i am doing, i guess not having any return is against my blood lol plus giving money away with no return (financially) would send my old man into palpatations. But i will definetely look into it.

[create.peace]

50. you get a return, it just isn't monetary....nt

[vadawg]

52. yup but the monetary return is kinda crucial if you want the amount to grow

to be able to increase your investment, i will look to put some money towards the kiva, but for the moment my investments will go a different direction.

[lumberjack_jeff]

46. There are Kiva loans in the US

http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&countries[]=us&status=Fundraising

http://www.kiva.org/about/aboutPartner?id=131

[rucky]

68. +1

[old mark]

84. Thanks for this link. I may be able to loan some money to this program

in the next few years.


mark

[HERVEPA]

23. Wow. You've caught a lot of flak for wanting to do good!

[Th1onein]

28. It's okay,, though.

I need the suggestions. I won't have this opportunity again. I want to do the best I can.

[robinlynne]

35. exactly. I help homeless dogs, and I choose not to have dogs that bite or bark a lot.

That is not discrimination; it's living within my own boundaries.. People who take on things they can't handle with dogs for example, end up giving the dogs back to a shelter where they will be killed. So what is worng with doing good in the way you are best able to do good?

[lumberjack_jeff]

47. Ouch. Where's my popcorn? n/t

[robinlynne]

49. what?

[lumberjack_jeff]

54. The analogy is awkward. n/t

[HERVEPA]

59. Not really

Nobody thinks she? was trying to compare biting dogs to mentally ill people unless they're looking for something that's obviously not there.

[robinlynne]

60. to you perhaps. To many of us they are equal to children. different species, same love.

edited to add: and in my view our duty as a society to provide shelter and protection to animals and to people are identical.

[greenbriar]

25. how about teachers for their classrooms :)

just wondering

[Th1onein]

29. I want to get someone off of the streets.

It is a wonderful feeling to be able to provide a nice, warm and safe bed for someone who has lived on the streets. I feel that I can do the most good, doing that.

[robinlynne]

36. Youmight try meeting with a homeless advocate or group, who would know of someone who

will fit with you.

[Sebass1271]

55. That is very nice of you. I once helped a homeless

man. Asked him if he wanted to take a shower. He looked at me dumbfounded that i would offer to take him to my house for him to shower. When I got home with him my husband got a little upset but I told him i felt bad for the old man. While the homeless man was taking a shower I made supper for him. When he got out of the shower he couldn't believe it!. He said he felt like he was walking on clouds. He ate what i had prepared form him and gave him a fruit basket for him to take. I would never forget the man's expression in his eyes and the gratitude for what i have done. He cried and told me "god bless you".

So, helping a homeless person is life changing. I commend you for what you want to do.

[Sebass1271]

56. There are so many american families who have lost their

homes and jobs who are now living on the streets that need help. Contact your local homeless shelter group and find one family with children that need immediate help.

[Gregorian]

34. I gave a little to the Troy Davis defense fund.

That seems like something highly worthy of paying money for. I think what you have in your heart is superior. I am far more selfish and protective. I guess that translates to fear. Your concept is freeing.

[create.peace]

38. aren't you the one with the daughter with a few needs now?

just thought i remembered from a few days back. maybe you could put your money in a trust for your grandchild....

[lumberjack_jeff]

53. self delete

wrong place... sorry.

[Th1onein]

69. NO, I'M THE ONE WITH A DAUGHTER WHO HAS FIVE OF MY CREDIT CARDS!

Yes, she has needs, as does anyone who is pregnant and not working. But I've rented her an apartment, pay the payments on her car, her cell phone and her internet wireless, and she's still got FIVE of my credit cards that she charges up to the limit every month, no matter how much I pay on them. AND a boyfriend who lives with her and makes over $1500 a week! I've done everything that I can do for my daughter, including fly her back to Texas, just to go to a baby shower, ship her baby shower gifts back to Colorado for her, PAY for the baby shower, buy all of her furniture, AND the baby furniture.

Now, do you REALLY want to get into this with me and tell me I'm not doing enough for my daughter? There's only so much a person can do. And, by the way, I'm cancelling those credit cards. All except one, for the baby, and that's a STORE card.

As if it's any of YOUR fucking business, by the way. And, yeah, charity begins at home, and I've made some good headway there, if you ask me.

[Breeze54]

57. FIND A SINGLE PARENT FAMILY !!!

:yourock:

[Th1onein]

64. I am already doing that.

I "adopted" a few years ago, a single mother and her two children. I send them money all during the year. Not much; only about every other month, a hundred here and there, but it helps. When I was a single parent, I would have loved it if someone had thought to do that for me, and I am honored to be able to do it for her. This has been going on for over three years now, but she is always surprised when she gets the money.

To me, most of the time, to go out and spend a hundred means nothing, but I like to think of what it means to them--so much more. And it makes me so happy to think of doing that for someone. Somehow, it is good for the soul. It's hard to explain.

[Schema Thing]

58. silently?

[NoSheep]

61. Now that's a thought.

[Breeze54]

63. Yes because we ALL know that being silent won the US Revolution.

:crazy:

idiot.

[Breeze54]

62. Get off your high horse !!!

If it doesn't get said OUT LOUD?

Then it doesn't get done!!!

Perhaps you can also donate to the cause?

Contribute $$ instead of BS? For a change?


Get off your high horse and HELP OUT!!!!!!!!!!!

:evilfrown:

[uppityperson]

76. Breeze, you went to far earlier. RIP and I hope you get the

support you need elsewhere

[superduperfarleft]

81. Haha, oh wow. That tombstone is ironic. n/t

[OhioChick]

65. What you are doing is quite generous...

But I wouldn't write off those with "mental problems." I know of several that are suffering from mental issues brought on by stress due to losing their jobs/homes/everything.

Kudos to you. :)

[Th1onein]

71. Well, let's hope that this is not the last time I have the opportunity to do something

for my fellow human beings. To my mind, we are all connected together, though, so helping one is helping everyone, in a way. And, yes, I wish that I could do more, but you do what you can. That's what's important.

[stewert]

72. Hey....................

Send some to me, haha, i'm broke and i need it to keep my website online.

Steve

[onethatcares]

73. take your time is the best advice I could offer.

do a lot of wandering around with sunglasses on. Talk to as many people as you can but don't let anyone know, that your talking to, what you have in mind.

Maybe take a stop at an abused spouse center, or a place where meals are given along with chores.

5 to 10 thousand doesn't really go far these days but it will help some people maintain a home, or keep someone that's down on their life in one.

I'd look for parent with kids.

Whatever you do, you'll be followed with karma/darma/and the great goods the rest of your life. You have my appreciation for thinking like that.

I shake your hand and pat you on the back across the ethernet.

[drchoice22]

74. Hey I need money bad

I have a baby on the way and a crummy job.

[uppityperson]

75. This is a kind thing, but how r u going to judge whether someone in a shelter has "mental problems"?

Many shelters, including women's shelters, have lots of people who need help. Helping by providing rent for a couple months would be good, but it will be difficult to have to narrow down, on your own, who could best use the help.

And don't forget that even someone "not on drugs, or have mental problems", they still might end up just wasting the generosity.

My advice is to contact local shelters and give them the money to use as is needed because money is always needed. Once the money leaves your hands, you will have no control over how it is spent or on whom, so make sure you are ready to give up control.

[Th1onein]

77. Obviously, I can only do my best.

I plan on checking the person out, of course. As best I can.

[mdmc]

78. The poor people with mental problems always left out

:cry:

[vadawg]

80. well what would you suggest he do, hes tryint to give someone a new start

if he tries to help someone who needs professional mental health help rather than his largesse that money will just be wasted, i think hes got a great idea and fully support him in his endevour.

[mdmc]

86. sure

me too

[superduperfarleft]

82. Perhaps you can open an orphanage....

Since you believe abortion should be illegal and that women who get them are killers. This orphanage can help house the kids whose mothers weren't able to raise them but were forced to give birth anyway under penalty of law, as well as the kids who were orphaned by their mothers dying from a botched back-alley abortion.

[queenofcups]

83. It's funny because I read your title wrong

At first I thought you were giving your money away and were going to live communally with others that you assisted. Now I get it and I think it's a terrific idea! I have thought about 'what if...' I were to ever get a nice chunk of change. It feels good to donate directly instead of it going to a charity whose expense may be questionable. What I thought of doing was to go to a homeless shelter for families and talk to the director who knows the "guests" and find out who might be able to make the most out of the money.

For all the critics of your comments, I agree with you completely. Giving the money to a drug addict or alcoholic would be a disaster for that person! Not only would the money likely go to buying more intoxicants, but it could actually kill the person if they binge on it! And the money would not have been put to best use.

[w8liftinglady]

87. I think it's admirable.Sometimes a few thousand is the difference

between make and break .When I was a single mother and nursing student,a friend of my mom's quietly(she and I were the only ones who knew) paid my rent and paid off my car until I graduated.Through her kindness,I was able to become an RN,and have affected thousands of lives.I might suggest doing the same thing-find a student family,and help them out(through the counselor's office at college,maybe)

[Blue Belle]

88. College scholarships for non-traditional students...

Mainly women over 35 without children. There are very few schoalrships women who are returning to school and don't have kids. These people are just as qualified as those who don't have kids - most are returning to school to be able to find a better job and afford kids. There are a TON of schoalrships for single moms... but the rest of us have to compete for $$ with 18 and 19 year olds.

[Joanne98]

89. Take your time deciding.

[Trocadero]

90. Look here >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

This person needs help:


http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/6/21/745078/-Updated!-I-have-a-heavy-heart-tonight.

My parents (with whom I have rocky relationships, at best, even when I'm not struggling) have been funding my basic living expenses for quite awhile now. I don't remember the last time I rented a movie, or bought anything for myself or my daughter besides food, or done anything fun without someone else footing the bill. Sometimes, I buy little gifts for my daughter, but that's rare.

I have been living this way for almost 3 years. It has sucked up almost all of my emotional and mental energy, made me question every aspect of my life, and has brought me to my knees. I'm sure it's no surprise or shock to you to find out that I required a brief psychiatric stay last fall, and I will never be off of medication again, if I can help it. My local mental health agency lost their funding and they're going out of business in August. It'll be a struggle to find medication after that.

And now I'm getting evicted. My parents can no longer afford to send me money.

I have little incentive or will to try to find a job now, to try to climb out of this immense hole, and attempt to better my situation. I feel that The System has so beaten me down that I honestly may never recover. I realize that this sounds entirely too dramatic for words, but realistically, I think it's a distinct possibility.



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UPDATE: Holy crap, Kossacks! The outpouring of well wishes and beautiful thoughts has made me cry, as has definitely humbled me. Thank you so much, all of you, for being so wonderful!

Also, I am not at all asking for money here (this diary was for emotional support, which I got in spades and now feel all happy and warm), but if you'd like to send me some, I am certainly in no shape to refuse it. Please DON'T send PayPal, though, since I don't have a bank account. Unless I can figure out a way to transfer the $ to my landlord directly (which I can't - at least not yet), I don't think it will work.

I can be reached at [email protected]. (The address is tongue-in-cheek for this Obamabot. :P)