Hello. My family has been without housing for some time. We've been on a few lists for over a year. The big picture is that I fell ill and was on an extended, unpaid leave of absence, ultimately being unable to return to my job and losing our home of 10 years. Long divorced. Children are over 18, but may never be able to live on their own. All of of us work, but I was the breadwinner. Now working a third shift hospital role that pays barely above minimum wage. In one month, I'm making less than what I previously earned in one paycheck. I'm having zero luck finding anything better in the current job market. I apply to jobs every day. I'm 53 and have never experienced such a lack of interest from my applications. I'm not sure if it's the market or my age or a bit of both. In the meantime, my work insurance is very good in-network - I have a couple autoimmune diseases, so the insurance was 100% the reason I snapped up the job. Third shift is messing with my health, and the work culture makes me cry in the bathroom every day since I'm already carrying a load, but I will keep at it until I find something else. It's on me. I'm mom. I have to fix this. I'm still trying to figure out my new brain and body since I got these autoimmune diseases. I have brain fog, which creates so much anxiety when working a pressure cooker job. I went from law to medical. Both are mental and physical health killers.
I've been living in my car with occasional stays at a friend's house for laundry and showers (my two senior kitties are also there, so I care for them). It isn't a safe place for me, however. I have contacted every agency in my area that I was referred to by 211 (The Haven, Home of the Sparrow, three domestic violence shelters, multiple case management agencies, hospitals, social workers, Catholic Charities, St. Vincent de Paul, Lake County Crisis, and housing departments in two counties). All had nothing for me alone or all three of us. My daughter has been living in a room at her summer job, which ends soon. I know she is safe and well taken care of there. My son has been able to stay with his father but is extremely attached to me with his health condition; I'm his safe person.
We've been on waiting lists a year and a half with no progress. I can't live like this anymore. Does anyone know of any leads on safe, affordable housing in Lake County? Hoping someone might know of someone with a rental or another resource I haven't tried. I need us back under one roof.
We are clean, quiet, substance free, working and attending school. I've been background checked up the wazoo for my job - DMV history and fingerprint. The hiccup is that due to my financial issues these past few years, I drained my savings and cashed out my 401(k). My credit score is very poor. Now, I'm filing for bankruptcy. I want to be forthright that this is in the works. I know I'll never retire, so will need to train for a career with longevity for the old fart worker that won't leave until forced out. :)