Finally it's happened to me... homelessn... - My MSAA Community

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Finally it's happened to me... homelessness.

Allen5280 profile image
61 Replies

....section 8 is closed in Oklahoma. Ugggghhhh my trailer had sevear water damage from our storms and window seals are bot covered by my insurance. A kind couple is letting me stay with them for the last few weeks. My welcome is wearing thin and it's so hard the house is so big I can't hardly get around so as my strength dwindles I'm facing a wheel chair. I've been using forearm crutches since '16 but I was able to get around in the small space of my travel trailer. No housing options for low income available. I reckon they just expect me to find a hole, crawl in it and cover myself with dirt.

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Allen5280 profile image
Allen5280
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61 Replies
lbenmaor profile image
lbenmaor

How awful! I am praying 🫲

Leslie

Allen5280 profile image
Allen5280 in reply to lbenmaor

Thank you

lbenmaor profile image
lbenmaor in reply to Allen5280

I wish I could do more.

Allen5280 profile image
Allen5280 in reply to lbenmaor

Prayers are welcome

Hi Allen520 🙂

I think 🤔 you should move outta OK & find a state that accepts section 8. Don’t Ever give up!!! I know it’s hard , but what do you got to lose?

🙏🏻❤️Lisa 💕

Allen5280 profile image
Allen5280 in reply to Sweetheartonvdayl

I am unable to afford to move out of state... im in a pickle

Sweetheartonvdayl profile image
Sweetheartonvdayl in reply to Allen5280

Wish I could help 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Allen5280 profile image
Allen5280 in reply to Sweetheartonvdayl

Prayers welcome

falalalala profile image
falalalala

🙏🙏🙏

Allen5280 profile image
Allen5280 in reply to falalalala

Thank you

carolek572 profile image
carolek572CommunityAmbassador

Can you set up a GoFundMe or something of that nature, Allen5280 ? You are in my prayers, always.

Allen5280 profile image
Allen5280 in reply to carolek572

I wouldn't when know where to begin with all that. I can't even navigate the apps and stuff. Besides that it might cause me to loose my extra benifits which I definitely can't afford to be with out. Then I would become dependent upon it and with my anxiety disorders im already stressed beyond my ability to handle all the mess and I can handle the life that's been handed to me. I'm way beyond any kind of mental stability.. I have found an apartment that I can afford for a few weeks and then????? Who knows... who really cares. I know y'all do but society... the normal people don't care that I had paid more in taxes than the average American by the time I was 35. I followed the rules... now I've been tossed aside... Im closer to becoming another statistic than ever before... oh well... I reckon it's inevitable

carolek572 profile image
carolek572CommunityAmbassador in reply to Allen5280

Don’t loose hope, Allen5280 🙏

Allen5280 profile image
Allen5280 in reply to carolek572

I already am

CynthiaS profile image
CynthiaS

Allen5280 got you covered in prayer.

Allen5280 profile image
Allen5280 in reply to CynthiaS

Thank you

greaterexp profile image
greaterexp

Praying constantly for you, Allen. I'm so sorry this has happened to you.

We have an organization here called Mercy's Gate to help keep people from homelessness. Do you know if there are any churches there that could help?

Allen5280 profile image
Allen5280 in reply to greaterexp

No I dont

greaterexp profile image
greaterexp in reply to Allen5280

I called our director here, and she recommended that you call 211 to have them find any possible resources. I hope you can get the help you need quickly.

Allen5280 profile image
Allen5280 in reply to greaterexp

Thank you I will try

greaterexp profile image
greaterexp in reply to Allen5280

I hope you let us know what you learn. Your information will surely help someone else.

Jer29-11 profile image
Jer29-11 in reply to greaterexp

Yes, I second calling 211. They can assist in finding available resources and even will provide transportation. I’m in CA, but that service is used here too.

CatsandCars profile image
CatsandCars

I'm so sorry, Allen. What a catastrophe. And you've already been through so much! I will be praying for a solution for you. 🙏🙏🙏

bxrmom profile image
bxrmom

So very sorry Allen5280 . Prayers that a solution can be found. Please keep us updated when you can.

Humbrd profile image
Humbrd

So sorry to hear this is going on. Does your area have apartments based on income. I don't know how old you are. But a friend of mine who is over 60 found a couple of apartment places that go by your income for your rent and you just have to be over 55. You should have this in Oklahoma. If you are older there is senior housing. Google your local 'department of aging' and they should be able to direct you to phone numbers to call. If all else fails I hate to even mention it but assisted living centers or homes.

Allen5280 profile image
Allen5280 in reply to Humbrd

There are none available for rent assistance and the assisted living is unaffordable to me. They do not cover my medication so it's out of pocket and the 40.00 a month I will get after assisted living take from my disability check will not cover my meds. That's what I would get a month after assisted living costs.

Humbrd profile image
Humbrd in reply to Allen5280

Ask OKDHS - Aging Services Divisionoklahoma.gov/okdhs/library/...

If you haven't already please try giving this agency a call to see if they have any resources or information.

Allen5280 profile image
Allen5280 in reply to Humbrd

I was in their office OHS its called now instead of DHS and they gave me a pamphlet with 3 phone numbers about housing. Section 8 (housing assistance) is closed to applicants. 2nd number is for people who are trying to buy a house. I can't have a house for I can not take care of it or maintain a yard. I'm already over extended on credit mainly because of long time medical costs from years ago. 3 was for hud and "really have to go to a section 8 apartment and apply" 3+ year expected waiting list and most of those in my area have closed down or in the process. There's only a few left in my area there were more but they no longer do the housing assistance. Nothing available, litterally

Humbrd profile image
Humbrd in reply to Allen5280

It really sucks! I pray 🙏 that things will work out for you.

kdali profile image
kdali

Aww, this is miserable and I so sorry 😢 I hope your situation improves soon 🙏🙏🙏

Allen5280 profile image
Allen5280 in reply to kdali

Thank you

Helpmeup profile image
Helpmeup

So very sorry you are dealing with this nightmare. In addition to contacting local churches, since your trailer damage was due to storms, is it possible your local Red Cross might be able to offer assistance? Sending prayers your way. 🙏🙏🙏

Allen5280 profile image
Allen5280 in reply to Helpmeup

No local red cross that im aware of

mrsmike9 profile image
mrsmike9 in reply to Allen5280

Call them! Google them and call. Ask about FEMA trailers when you get them on the phone. They're supposed to help when homes are damaged due to storms.

Helpmeup profile image
Helpmeup in reply to mrsmike9

Yes mrsmike9! That's why I thought of the Red Cross if there was storm damage. I hope Allen5280 can find the help and resources he so desperately needs now.

Xvettech profile image
Xvettech

so sorry! Your in my prayers!

Diva1976 profile image
Diva1976

I will definitely keep you in my prayers.

Jer29-11 profile image
Jer29-11

I’m so sorry to hear, and I will be praying for you 🙏🏻

agate profile image
agate

I'm so sorry, Allen5280! But please don't give up. Small towns tend not to have many services but if you're in a larger community in OK, there should be some services in place. It sounds as if you need a case worker who can steer you into possible options.

Looks as if OK has only voucher programs, not project-based Section 8 housing, and the problem with voucher programs is that they're just not there if the landlords aren't willing to accept Section 8 vouchers. You might want to keep checking from time to time, though, because my impression is that that situation is constantly changing.

Have you contacted any of the MS organizations, like the MS Society's local chapter or the MS Association of America (MSAA--which is responsible for this forum), or the MS Foundation? Each one of those organizations can surprise you by having various types of available help. If one doesn't have anything to offer you, try another organization.

I've found that you really have to be persistent. Wait on hold if you have to. Make all of the calls to the numbers people give you. It's very tiring and discouraging but it seems to be the only way.

Have you tried this?

okcommerce.gov/community-de....

KGrayiskindaok profile image
KGrayiskindaok in reply to agate

The church idea seems like a good one. You never know what kind people out there can do to help if the word gets out. If you have a compelling story it may even be worth it to try to contact radio or tv stations. I’m always amazed how people get help when their heart wrenching stories are shared. Churches aren’t supposed to turn anyone away. I’ll keep wishing for you to find help.

AquaZumbaFan profile image
AquaZumbaFan

Allen5280 my heart is breaking for you, is there any help from FEMA?

stepsforNeeC profile image
stepsforNeeC

My friend, my heart is heavy just reading your post and the ordeal you’re going through. Maybe try researching your local Social Security Office and inquire if they have a Disability Advocate Department who can possibly identify housing options. Also, would your local/state government have an Office of Emergency Services? PA really advocates for anyone facing housing insecurities; especially when health issues are involved. I will be praying 🙏 for you and God’s blessings in resolving this with a positive outcome! NeeC

Humbrd profile image
Humbrd

Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) Implementation - Oklahoma Department of Commerceokcommerce.gov/community-de....

Emergency housing website

RomCom87 profile image
RomCom87

🙏🙏🙏

Allen5280 profile image
Allen5280

On top of ot all, now im in the hospital via ambulance

mrsmike9 profile image
mrsmike9 in reply to Allen5280

Hospitals have social workers. Get one to talk to you!

What about Rozy?

Allen5280 profile image
Allen5280 in reply to mrsmike9

Who is Rozy?

NorasMom profile image
NorasMom in reply to Allen5280

I think she confused you with Kenu. He's the one with Rozy.

Allen5280 profile image
Allen5280 in reply to NorasMom

Ok ty

Scout4x4 profile image
Scout4x4

Sorry to hear about your circumstances. I wish you luck on getting things worked out.

Allen5280 you’ve been through so much and persevered. These are very real obstacles. There is a housing crisis in my state as well. Nursing homes & the like are closing. I wonder daily how people are going to get their needs met.

Not sure how to word this to come across correctly-being in the hospital might be a blessing right now. Having been a medical social worker (in my previous life), the hospital will have to help with being able to have a place for you to go bc they don’t want to keep anyone longer than necessary.

Ask to see a social worker-sometimes they double as a discharge planner. You’ve probably gone through this in the past but your situation is different now. If the person is not a fit for you request someone else. We honestly do not feel offended because we do also wish to see you get your needs met.

I hope things turn around for you. Remember you are your best advocate-ask for what you need. Share what has worked in the past & what hasn’t. It will be a huge help:

hairbrain4 profile image
hairbrain4

How far from the Arkansas state line are you? We have section 8 here.

Allen5280 profile image
Allen5280 in reply to hairbrain4

About 4 hours I think

hairbrain4 profile image
hairbrain4 in reply to Allen5280

That's not too bad & the cost of living is just a little more than OK but a lot less than Texas.

Allen5280 profile image
Allen5280

Appreciate everyone's replies, im really very sick right now. Out of the hospital but even weaker that usual. I can't even use my crutches. Doctor thought I picked up a stomach virus exacerbated by MS symptoms due to the stress of the situation. I was a code blue on arrival and they got my vitals stabilized and gave me some meds and sent me on my way.

hairbrain4 profile image
hairbrain4

Prayers🙏🙏🙏🙏

Neworleanslady profile image
Neworleanslady

praying for you 🙏🙏

swiftpoet profile image
swiftpoet

I don't know the laws in Oklahoma and what is available there but I assume it is difficult and benefits are limited. what special groups do you belong to? do you have any autoimmune diseases for example? the organizations that help specific groups of people can be helpful and can often step in when states don't the other place it might help is your county. stay in touch let me know what you're doing and let me know more about it what you coping with and I will try to give you some ideas

swiftpoet profile image
swiftpoet

Call the msaa I think you'll find the information for contacting them under mymsaa call the national Multiple Sclerosis Society and MSS both groups have people called Navigators who will help you find all sorts of contacts that you need'

Irishgirl76 profile image
Irishgirl76

OMG! I really feel bad and I was reflecting and wondering about Oklahoma and the resources that are nearby. They have grants for financial helping with rent and those one disability in your area. There has to be a resource there that help people with MS and disability to reach out. You’re in my prayers And I also wonder what home has felt like for those with MS and other disabilities in the past. Home is not just physical.

Allen5280 profile image
Allen5280 in reply to Irishgirl76

No, I reckon not.

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