hearlady
Homebody
- Location
- N Carolina
Theresa, are you a veteran?
Also, do you have an ex husband?
Also, do you have an ex husband?
Seniors Experiencing homelessness now.
- Thread starter Theresa##
- Start date
VaughanJB
Scrappy VIP
I expect you've already worked out your finances, which are no doubt growing ever smaller. It's probably time you did a full appraisal if savings and income, and figured out what you can afford rent wise. Then you can start looking. I know renting here is very difficult, but of course I'm a world away, it could be different there. The sooner you can get out of the motel, and into a permanent placement, the better.
I can appreciate the mantra of "get a job", but we're coming out of times when people didn't have to work until they were dead just to put a roof over their head. It's not as though employers are looking for 68 year old women to work in their business. It's good to be comfortable where you are, but you don't want to be so comfortable as to settle. Motels aren't cheap, and they're no more understanding of hardship than a landlord.
Sorry if this is all doom and gloom. But go through the money ASAP and see where you stand.
I can appreciate the mantra of "get a job", but we're coming out of times when people didn't have to work until they were dead just to put a roof over their head. It's not as though employers are looking for 68 year old women to work in their business. It's good to be comfortable where you are, but you don't want to be so comfortable as to settle. Motels aren't cheap, and they're no more understanding of hardship than a landlord.
Sorry if this is all doom and gloom. But go through the money ASAP and see where you stand.
No I'm not a veteran but yes I do have an ex-husband haven't been married in years
Daisy99
Member
It’s estimated that at least 1/3 of all homeless in the US are veterans. That’s a whole other thing this country should be ashamed of.
hearlady
Homebody
- Location
- N Carolina
Well, if he passes away you may look into collecting his Social Security. Some states allow this and if HE was a veteran there may be some benefits you could claim. You would talk to the local Veteran's office.
CallMeKate
Well-known Member
- Location
- Mid-Atlantic US
No need for snark here... it was a valid question. You were working up until a couple of months ago, so Jim wondering if it's an option wasn't out of line. You were retired and the same age in late August too, right? Some of this thread is very confusing to me... but that's okay.
I'm a very good budgeter so I do scrimp and save I know how to do that if I hadn't done that, I wouldn't have had any savings, but I understand what you're saying about motels are expensive and there's no guarantees but there's no guarantees with apartments either that you'll keep it that's how life is and thank you for your concern.
Thank you I have done that
Sorry. This wasn't directed towards you I'm just, uh, I don't know how to explain it. I understand the question But I'm not a lazy person either. Never have been. I'm just really concerned with housing right now. That's all. And I'm sorry if I offended anyone. I didn't mean to. And I wasn't working up until a couple of months ago. I. haven't worked since 2014. Not at a physical job. or an employer, I should say, I was taking care of him because he had lost his wife There was no monetary means involved. So yes, it wasn't an employment situation. It was just caregiving for a friend.
jimintoronto
Well-known Member
Nice tap dancing around my question....I am 77, and I still operate my small business from home. I have a number of clients who are large G.M. dealerships with car leasing divisions . I do skip tracing and vehicle recoveries for them. I employ 3 younger men who do the actual leg work, while I work from home on my computer. I have been a small business owner in Ontario for more than 50 years starting in 1968. So, I will ask you again, what is stopping you from working for a living ?
OK I see you have sort of answered my question, saying that you have not worked for a living since 2014. I still will point out that having a paying job would go a long way towards increasing your monthly income, and reduce the amount of your savings that you are spending. Of course you will have to actually expend some energy to go out and find a job. JImB.
Last edited:
Georgiagranny
Well-known Member
@jimintoronto How nice for you. Such a paragon of virtue and good fortune.
You're not in @Theresa##'s shoes; she is. In addition, depending on age and salary, social security will penalize a recipient so there's such a thing as making "too much" money. While I'm at it, getting a job is hard enough; getting a job without a "real" address isn't easy.
The implication that @Theresa## won't "expend some energy to go out and find a job" is altogether uncalled for.
You're not in @Theresa##'s shoes; she is. In addition, depending on age and salary, social security will penalize a recipient so there's such a thing as making "too much" money. While I'm at it, getting a job is hard enough; getting a job without a "real" address isn't easy.
The implication that @Theresa## won't "expend some energy to go out and find a job" is altogether uncalled for.
VaughanJB
Scrappy VIP
Jim, did you really think this lady didn't know she can earn money by working? Also, the sarcasm of "Of course you will have to actually expend some energy to go out and find a job", isn't likely to be well received or helpful. I wonder, since you don't seem to have anything nice to say, why you posted in the topic. Would you give the same advice to an 80 year old? A 90 year old? Knowing nothing about the persons health, work experience, and mental state?
Sitting here, I don't know where this lady is. I don't know her history and how she became homeless. I don't know her budget, her circumstances (married, single, widowed, children or not). With so much missing information, I'm not sure stating the obvious in this way is very useful. And for the record, I don't need to know any of that stuff, and there's no reason she should be compelled to explain. Sometimes a little empathy goes a long way.
I'm not meaning to attack you in any way, and certainly don't want to start a back and forth, but I hope you can appreciate how your advice may be received. The lady has clearly been through some kind of trauma (losing her home), so let's at least be kind.
Last edited:
Hi, I'm happy you're doing so well at your age..
Thank you very much
It is true that there is no need for snark. So I will say without any snark that it is also true that some seniors work to an advanced age. Jim is not the only one. It depends on health, both mental and physical and circumstances. There have been multiple suggestions of government programs and none seem to work for Theresa so I don't see anything wrong with suggesting a job.
I worked through April of this year after taking early retirement from an on-site job years ago. My job was Internet based and there has never been a better time to work from home. Obviously you have Internet access, Theresa, so you meet the first requirement.
Some things like data entry, customer service, etc., may not require previous experience as you are trained by the company. I know someone who works for a national florist selling flowers and she does it from home, answering their calls and helping the customer buy a flower assortment. The job is a supplement for her other income.
Theresa, you seem to have skills in home personal care for people who are ill, elderly or for some reason need help to remain at home. There is a big market now for workers in home care for the elderly. Possibly that would be an option open to you.
Many stores, restaurants, etc. have help wanted signs in their windows in the city where I live.
Maybe you have skills that would let you work temp jobs of some kind. Using whatever skills you have to find even a low paying job may be your best option to supplement the income you have.
I worked through April of this year after taking early retirement from an on-site job years ago. My job was Internet based and there has never been a better time to work from home. Obviously you have Internet access, Theresa, so you meet the first requirement.
Some things like data entry, customer service, etc., may not require previous experience as you are trained by the company. I know someone who works for a national florist selling flowers and she does it from home, answering their calls and helping the customer buy a flower assortment. The job is a supplement for her other income.
Theresa, you seem to have skills in home personal care for people who are ill, elderly or for some reason need help to remain at home. There is a big market now for workers in home care for the elderly. Possibly that would be an option open to you.
Many stores, restaurants, etc. have help wanted signs in their windows in the city where I live.
Maybe you have skills that would let you work temp jobs of some kind. Using whatever skills you have to find even a low paying job may be your best option to supplement the income you have.
Thank you so much
I'm thankful for your concern but I'm sorry for the misunderstanding was just explaining the homeless situation that's all
this has been a very interesting thread and thank you Theresa for giving us a glimpse of what is really out there... sharing your experience.
I have known for a long time many programs and such have such if and and buts attached..... it is often difficult to navigate. and jumping through hoops
If people have not applied or used these programs they may not know the requirements and that is why many people find work around or for example many although hud requirements say only so many people in a home etc there often in not the checkup they speak of etc .... most people find ways to get very creative
The rules of having x amount you are over when the difference is a pittance is frustrating.
jobs you can only make x amount before they start taking benefits away and such.
I have known for a long time many programs and such have such if and and buts attached..... it is often difficult to navigate. and jumping through hoops
If people have not applied or used these programs they may not know the requirements and that is why many people find work around or for example many although hud requirements say only so many people in a home etc there often in not the checkup they speak of etc .... most people find ways to get very creative
The rules of having x amount you are over when the difference is a pittance is frustrating.
jobs you can only make x amount before they start taking benefits away and such.
Georgiagranny
Well-known Member
The more posts I read from people who've apparently never "been there" and are clueless about the ins and outs of government/charity programs, the more frustrated I get.
Can y'all just please believe that @Theresa## is and has been exploring every option? The way I understand it is that she didn't come here looking for sympathy or a handout. I believe that her intent was to raise awareness that all of us are not so fortunate as to have a comfortable home, unlimited resources, help from extended families and immunity from grieving.
Personally, @Theresa##, welcome. Trust me, the few who've posted unkind or uncalled for comments don't represent us all. Most of us are friendly, welcoming and can be your cheering squad for successes and moral support when you're feeling down and frustrated. Ignore the naysayers!
Can y'all just please believe that @Theresa## is and has been exploring every option? The way I understand it is that she didn't come here looking for sympathy or a handout. I believe that her intent was to raise awareness that all of us are not so fortunate as to have a comfortable home, unlimited resources, help from extended families and immunity from grieving.
Personally, @Theresa##, welcome. Trust me, the few who've posted unkind or uncalled for comments don't represent us all. Most of us are friendly, welcoming and can be your cheering squad for successes and moral support when you're feeling down and frustrated. Ignore the naysayers!
Got it. I guess all the talk about government programs gave me the idea you were in need of money. Apologies for unneeded job suggestions.
Have a great day!
CallMeKate
Well-known Member
- Location
- Mid-Atlantic US
Theresa, I hope you're not offended by any of the posts here... I'm thinking maybe some of the others may have been confused as I was about some statements. You've said both that you need to stay at the motel so you don't lose your place in the line for HUD. But then you said you're desperate to find housing, so we don't really know if you're looking or not.
Also you answered someone that you're looking "all over the Internet" for help, but then when asked what you needed, you said you didn't need anything, just wanted to raise awareness. That's why there's confusion... please forgive me for any part I may have had in making you feel uncomfortable... sure didn't mean to do that if that's the case.
Also you answered someone that you're looking "all over the Internet" for help, but then when asked what you needed, you said you didn't need anything, just wanted to raise awareness. That's why there's confusion... please forgive me for any part I may have had in making you feel uncomfortable... sure didn't mean to do that if that's the case.
Thank you for understanding
I'm sorry for the confusion I did state that yes I'm at a motel and I stated my age but I didn't ask for any help as far as monetary means I was just trying to make awareness of the homeless situation for seniors basically
CallMeKate
Well-known Member
- Location
- Mid-Atlantic US
No need to be sorry...
It's clear now and you have definitely upped the awareness of the homeless problems facing seniors.