| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| LaLa |
Posted - Jun 13 2014 : 09:29:45 AM
I need prayers again this week.
You may remember that a few months back, our power was shut off. We had to pay over $300 to turn it back on. That amount was more than half DH's pay at the time. DH has more hours and more pay now (thank goodness!) but the power issue created a vicious cycle, and it's come to a head.
Vicious cycle: Pay $300 to power; rest of money to food. Wait 2 weeks for next check. Pay full rent using entire paycheck. Find friends willing to help with food. Wait 2 weeks for next check. Tell landlords we need a break so we can replenish our food, pay back friends, and try to take care of bills with anything left...
Eventually the vicious cycle comes to a screeching halt when all bills are too high to handle.
Question: Why not go to Salvation Army / other charities?
Answer: I agree. But these charities will not allow me to handle any of this stuff. They will only work with DH, who must be at work each afternoon by 4p, or no money. He gets home any time between 1030 and midnight, we eat supper at 1230ish, and we wake up at 9 so he has plenty of sleep. DH went to the Salvation Army yesterday, filled out the application, and then had to leave for work before he was ever called up to the window to speak with a worker. He's back there today, hopefully they kept his application so he's not stuck in line TOO long.
Tuesday, we got a letter from the realty. If they're not paid by Monday, they file eviction papers. Now, I know how this works in other states (Virginia). If North Carolina is similar, we should have a court date in those eviction papers. We can go before court and defend ourselves and explain just why the rent was not paid yet. We've never been to court over this, so it's pretty nerve-wracking.
We are determined NOT to be evicted. We're doing everything in our power to fix this. I've even talked DH into giving me $20 a month to put straight into savings, whether we have the money for it or not... it's the only way a savings is going to happen.
Please be in prayer with me about this situation. Salvation Army has not been the greatest help to us in the past. I understand our country is running out of money and there isn't much assistance for anyone anymore. It's not Salvation Army's fault... But we believe that with a little elbow grease and a lot of determination and smiling, maybe we can pull a few strings and get this taken care of. Then we can get back to focusing on finding the right lawyer to assist in a bankruptcy case.
Despite the stress, and a bit of fear / worry, I can honestly say that I'm happy. I am working hard to remain confident and un-affected by this. It's only the 3rd home I might lose. The last 2 times I ended up closer than ever to my husband and things worked out in the end. The difference this time is that we have more experienced adult friends around us who are encouraging us. These more experienced adults have adult children our age who are forced to live with them, so this is very personal to them, but they also understand that this isn't something where two children got married and decided to bum off the bills for awhile. That is a huge blessing...
Please pray with me through this. I am praying that God deliver us once again. It's becoming so difficult to see the miracles of God through prayers He chooses to answer differently than desired. Maybe it's selfish. But this time, I'm praying that He comes through in a way that would make us feel more secure in Him. A way that really shows us His miracles, and restores our faith. Maybe that means doing it differently than I want... if so, so be it... I just don't want to lose yet another home in a derogatory, life-altering manner not related to Mother Nature.
http://lalauland.tumblr.com
http://lalauland.etsy.com
Follow me on Twitter: @lalauland
DH and I share a blog: http://wesubtleties.tumblr.com
Follow on Twitter: @wesubtleties |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| LaLa |
Posted - Jun 16 2014 : 6:50:13 PM
Thank you all!
http://lalauland.tumblr.com
http://lalauland.etsy.com
Follow me on Twitter: @lalauland
DH and I share a blog: http://wesubtleties.tumblr.com
Follow on Twitter: @wesubtleties |
| darlenelovesart |
Posted - Jun 16 2014 : 6:24:41 PM
Your doing well Laura, keep it up.
My prayers continue for you both.
blessings
darlene
I have learned that to have a good friend is the purest of all God's gifts, for it is a love that has no exchange of payment.
by Frances Farmer
Just follow God unquestioningly.
Because you love Him so, for if you trust His judgment there is nothing you need to know.
I trust in you Jesus... |
| churunga |
Posted - Jun 16 2014 : 1:30:23 PM
 Good for you. Remember to keep advocating for yourself.
Marie, Sister #5142
Farmgirl of the Month May 2014
Try everything once and the fun things twice. |
| Killarney |
Posted - Jun 16 2014 : 1:13:36 PM
Laura, adding you to my prayer journal! I'm sorry your having a difficult time and Happy that things are getting somewhat better!
Connie
Imagine....#3392 |
| LaLa |
Posted - Jun 16 2014 : 1:06:50 PM
Okay, I have fresh updates:
DH went to pay our rent today. He gave the money to the woman we work with the most (we'll call her J). Our landlords gave the management of the property over to a local realty, so we're working with a realty which then relays back to the landlords.
J says that it was the system that sent the notice (if we don't pay in a specific number of days, system sends out notice automatically). J says that she will also speak with our ABCCM caseworker (mentioned in previous posts, ABCCM is a non-profit organization which helped us to find this place) and as long as the owners (our actual landlords) don't "kick up a fuss", J can work with us; and if so, she will send us an email and let us know when the court date is, so that we can know in a little more advance, which really helps.
To me, this is great news, because it lets me know how willing J is to help us, and that feels better than nothing at all.
That said, though, here is what I am hoping for:
We just received our actual EBT card today (YAY!! Food!). With the help of food stamps, we will only need to use about $100 per check. This $100 would be going to pet food, laundromat, and savings. All other money can go into rent and bills. What I HOPE will happen, is that J be able to get the landlords to work with us long enough that we can actually pay off our rent. If DH continues getting the same hours, we can put $300-400 down every 2 weeks. Before he made the payment today, we owed $730ish on rent. He probably paid $200-250 today, depending on what was left (had to use some for groceries until the EBT got here). If they will work with us, we can knock out most of what was owed on rent next Tuesday, and the rest, plus another full month's rent would go on the next check.
If this goes as I hope, our only problem / concern will be keeping the power on in the meantime. DH is going to CCM tomorrow to see about help with that, and I'm writing a letter to be sent out to Duke Energy regarding the bills not lowering.
That's updates for now, please keep praying.
http://lalauland.tumblr.com
http://lalauland.etsy.com
Follow me on Twitter: @lalauland
DH and I share a blog: http://wesubtleties.tumblr.com
Follow on Twitter: @wesubtleties |
| LaLa |
Posted - Jun 15 2014 : 10:16:22 PM
Brenda - Yes, it is indeed furniture heaven! I'm a little scared to look at furniture anywhere, though... Our sofa is pretty ratty. The last sofa we purchased ourselves was around $2000. Then we were evicted, and lost the sofa to a friend's dog... Very long story involving mistakes never to be made again.
I'm glad you stopped by the blog :). We just started We Subtleties in May, but then I got sick because pollen is apparently an actual disease here in NC (haha). So there aren't many posts up yet, but we will be fixing that soon. I have mentioned a little about all of this on LaLau Land, but I really try to keep it upbeat, positive... I had L3 (my nickname for LaLau Land) when all of this started, and in the wake of it all... Let's just say that I was taught that most, if not all, of what has happened to us is something to be very much embarrassed about and ashamed of. We've really struggled with whether to tell or not, and if so, who do we tell, and how. I just know we'll be much happier telling the world right there on Tumblr. I think it will provide an amazing opportunity for us to not only share, but also to connect with others and possibly help them through similar experiences.
Thank you for the book suggestions. I'm looking for more to read! I really want to get my hands on a copy of Art of Conversation at some point.
Darlene - I find I really don't know much about Section 8. The term brings up jarring visions of abandoned buildings turned "housing" (I saw this in Newport News, Virginia). It appears different states handle it differently, and here I thought it was a nationwide thing (handled the same everywhere in the US). I'll have to research that some more.
http://lalauland.tumblr.com
http://lalauland.etsy.com
Follow me on Twitter: @lalauland
DH and I share a blog: http://wesubtleties.tumblr.com
Follow on Twitter: @wesubtleties |
| darlenelovesart |
Posted - Jun 15 2014 : 9:38:32 PM
Laura
I sent you some information I found on line for help with housing in your area and also a website with help for paying bills.
I hope this helps a little.
hugs
darlene
I have learned that to have a good friend is the purest of all God's gifts, for it is a love that has no exchange of payment.
by Frances Farmer
Just follow God unquestioningly.
Because you love Him so, for if you trust His judgment there is nothing you need to know.
I trust in you Jesus... |
| darlenelovesart |
Posted - Jun 15 2014 : 9:30:29 PM
It took me 5 years to get called to Section 8, I was on it once before years ago and when I started working I got off because I was making more and it took me years to get back on. I won't make that mistake again.
darlene
I have learned that to have a good friend is the purest of all God's gifts, for it is a love that has no exchange of payment.
by Frances Farmer
Just follow God unquestioningly.
Because you love Him so, for if you trust His judgment there is nothing you need to know.
I trust in you Jesus... |
| darlenelovesart |
Posted - Jun 15 2014 : 9:28:05 PM
I hope you get help soon.
Prayers continue.
darlene
I have learned that to have a good friend is the purest of all God's gifts, for it is a love that has no exchange of payment.
by Frances Farmer
Just follow God unquestioningly.
Because you love Him so, for if you trust His judgment there is nothing you need to know.
I trust in you Jesus... |
| brightmeadow |
Posted - Jun 15 2014 : 9:20:56 PM
Laura, your story has drawn me in. I went to your blog and read it. You should read "Small is Beautiful" by E.F. Schumacher. IT is an epic story but it gets down to the personal. When is enough "enough". Get it from the library, do not pay for it. You may benefit from his ideas. But do not let them limit you.
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands - You shall be happy and it shall be well with you. -Psalm 128.2
http://brightmeadowfarms.blogspot.com http://brightmeadowknits.blogspot.com
http://www.ravelry.com/people/Brightmeadow |
| brightmeadow |
Posted - Jun 15 2014 : 9:08:18 PM
You are there in Furniture Heaven. My husband buys all his furniture from Cedar Rock Home Furnishings. He says they have the lowest prices, and he is a good shopper. I feel bad when we go look at furniture at the local store and then go home and order it from Cedar Rock. The local stores are keeping inventory for us to "touch and feel" I would rather go through them. Surely now that the recession is over the furniture business is picking up???
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands - You shall be happy and it shall be well with you. -Psalm 128.2
http://brightmeadowfarms.blogspot.com http://brightmeadowknits.blogspot.com
http://www.ravelry.com/people/Brightmeadow |
| LaLa |
Posted - Jun 15 2014 : 10:13:38 AM
Sweet! Minus the jitters the introvert in me gets when speaking to total strangers, that sounds easy enough!
http://lalauland.tumblr.com
http://lalauland.etsy.com
Follow me on Twitter: @lalauland
DH and I share a blog: http://wesubtleties.tumblr.com
Follow on Twitter: @wesubtleties |
| churunga |
Posted - Jun 15 2014 : 10:07:33 AM
Just go in and ask. Say "I want to speak to the editor."
Marie, Sister #5142
Farmgirl of the Month May 2014
Try everything once and the fun things twice. |
| LaLa |
Posted - Jun 15 2014 : 09:55:58 AM
Marie,
Writing is my greatest passion. I usually have so many different writing ideas in my head at once, that I want to tackle them all immediately and that makes it hard to know what to write first, haha. DH and I actually want to write a book on all of this, and hope to use our blog (We Subtleties, link below) to draw attention to our situation and knowledge we are gaining from it.
I would love to do an article / piece for a newspaper, but I wouldn't know where to begin -- I wouldn't know how to "go after" the opportunity. Obviously, I would start at the newspaper office, but who do I speak to and what would I ask? Or is there a way to go about possibly just submitting an article in the hopes it's published...??
http://lalauland.tumblr.com
http://lalauland.etsy.com
Follow me on Twitter: @lalauland
DH and I share a blog: http://wesubtleties.tumblr.com
Follow on Twitter: @wesubtleties |
| churunga |
Posted - Jun 15 2014 : 09:43:15 AM
In Minnesota, they are reducing the number of Section 8 certificates by attrition. I have a friend who has had one for almost 30 years and she does everything she possibly can to hang on to it. If she ever loses it she will never get another. I read on one site that when a voucher becomes available, they will fill requests from people who applied in 2002. This should not happen in the United States.
We all have to realize that, right now, if we do not help each other no one else will. I am pleased to see everyone helping everyone else on this forum.
Laura, your writing is eloquent. Have you considered approaching your hometown newspaper to do an article about local poverty?
Marie, Sister #5142
Farmgirl of the Month May 2014
Try everything once and the fun things twice. |
| LaLa |
Posted - Jun 15 2014 : 09:27:49 AM
I just checked the 2 phone books we have and didn't find a listing for either, but I will Google for it. Thank you for the tip :)
http://lalauland.tumblr.com
http://lalauland.etsy.com
Follow me on Twitter: @lalauland
DH and I share a blog: http://wesubtleties.tumblr.com
Follow on Twitter: @wesubtleties |
| darlenelovesart |
Posted - Jun 15 2014 : 08:16:55 AM
Laura,
You may look under Housing Authority or Hud in your phone book, that is who I have my housing assistance through and it is called Section 8.
You may have to be put on a list but with your income and maybe later it will be so worth it. Landlords are watched as well which is a good thing too. Because they have to keep the housing up to standards.
hugs
darlene
I have learned that to have a good friend is the purest of all God's gifts, for it is a love that has no exchange of payment.
by Frances Farmer
Just follow God unquestioningly.
Because you love Him so, for if you trust His judgment there is nothing you need to know.
I trust in you Jesus... |
| LaLa |
Posted - Jun 14 2014 : 7:13:52 PM
We are receiving food stamps. We just got the confirmation of them in the mail on Thursday and are awaiting the EBT card.
I actually have not heard of the governmental agencies' assistances of which you speak, other than Department of Social Services. I was not aware that Unemployment Offices could potentially assist with rent, but we will certainly look into it. Thank you for the suggestion :).
http://lalauland.tumblr.com
http://lalauland.etsy.com
Follow me on Twitter: @lalauland
DH and I share a blog: http://wesubtleties.tumblr.com
Follow on Twitter: @wesubtleties |
| brightmeadow |
Posted - Jun 14 2014 : 6:42:05 PM
Laura, you are in my prayers. I am wondering if there are other avenues you can approach for assistance? I do not know anything about North Carolina but in my home state the social service agencies with the government unemployment office and other agencies will arrange to help pay for rent assistance in times of need or semi-permanently due to income. It may mean a move since the landlord has to be "approved" but it makes the rent affordable for your income. Have you already looked into this? Are you getting food assistance? Sounds like you might qualify.
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands - You shall be happy and it shall be well with you. -Psalm 128.2
http://brightmeadowfarms.blogspot.com http://brightmeadowknits.blogspot.com
http://www.ravelry.com/people/Brightmeadow |
| LaLa |
Posted - Jun 14 2014 : 6:15:54 PM
There is a group of churches here called CCM (Christian Co-operative Ministries). DH will be getting in contact with them next week to look into some assistance through them. We have received assistance through one church before, and unfortunately the churches, like Salvation Army have been hit pretty hard in recent months.
When we arrived in North Carolina, we learned that we are not the only homeless people who migrated here in search of jobs. It is a regular occurence to be in a parking lot at a store such as Wal*Mart or Petco and be approached by someone needing a little cash for lunch because they haven't eaten in a couple days. They are generally dressed fairly decently -- to look at them you wouldn't think they were homeless or strapped for cash, but it's scrawled into the lines of their faces, and their eyes look like they are on the verge of crying.
Many of them are veterans, like DH... One guy caught a cold, the week after we moved in. He's former Army. He has a job, and the organization that worked with us was helping him find a home, too. Well, anyway, he caught cold, and his job keeps him outdoors. He technically was not supposed to live with anyone (or the organization couldn't assist), but we knew and trusted him, so we let him crash on our couch nights and over Christmas until he got better. In return he got us a couple pizzas for the three of us to share.
The point is, there is a very real financial strain being placed on the organizations meant to help such people in this area. That's why I'm thankful for people like Marie, and others here at MJF who have been so kind to share tips with me that our parents never would have thought to suggest -- like writing the county commissioner, and others, a carbon copy of a letter of complaint sent to Duke Power because they haven't lowered our bill like they promised.
I believe that right now, America is in a reverse transition. See, it wasn't that long ago that if one went to Salvation Army, churches, other charitable organizations, they would get some of the best thrift-shop brands on the market, and there would be little strain, though there were definite limitations to what one might receive. Now Salvation Army has no funds -- and they won't until winter, but by winter, they'll be booked out till Spring. It's almost as though there is an 'income-eligible' wait list depending on the need, and most people have continuous needs -- like even if problem 1 is fixed today, they'll be back regarding problems 2 - 15 tomorrow. They spend HOURS, sometimes days, in line (Salvation Army here works similarly to the DMV, you take a ticket and you sit there, if you have to leave, you lose your place in line). I was concerned DH was going to have to ask for a day off work just to get his turn! To me, the "reverse transition" is taking us back to a day when it really did matter who you knew. I think it's always played a part in our society, of course, but we have seen a day where people pretty much ended up in the system and that is where they've stayed. They don't really see or understand a way out of it unless they are blessed enough to meet someone willing to walk them through it.
I'm speaking from what I am seeing here... it's not necessarily true of every location, or every individual. But I can say that the things I'm learning now do not seem to be common knowledge among my peers. My "peers" includes a range of ages from my parents, who were born in the 1950s to my own generation (1980s).
http://lalauland.tumblr.com
http://lalauland.etsy.com
Follow me on Twitter: @lalauland
DH and I share a blog: http://wesubtleties.tumblr.com
Follow on Twitter: @wesubtleties |
| hudsonsinaf |
Posted - Jun 14 2014 : 5:45:22 PM
Laura - Most definitely continuing to pray! Have you spoken with a local church to see if they can help - sometimes they are able to and are more than willing, even if you are not a member or attendee. I know our church is willing to help, though they do not usually give the asking person the money, but rather pay straight to the bill. Just a thought.
~ Shannon
http://hudson-everydayblessings.blogspot.com/ |
| LaLa |
Posted - Jun 14 2014 : 5:42:59 PM
Thank you, Darlene. That means so very much.
http://lalauland.tumblr.com
http://lalauland.etsy.com
Follow me on Twitter: @lalauland
DH and I share a blog: http://wesubtleties.tumblr.com
Follow on Twitter: @wesubtleties |
| darlenelovesart |
Posted - Jun 14 2014 : 5:33:12 PM
Dear Laura,
I do understand what you are going through and it is not easy on you with everything hitting at once.
I will put you in my prayers that something or someone comes around to help you through some of it any way.
Blessings and may God hold you both in his arms and carry you through this to the end,
hugs and love
darlene
I have learned that to have a good friend is the purest of all God's gifts, for it is a love that has no exchange of payment.
by Frances Farmer
Just follow God unquestioningly.
Because you love Him so, for if you trust His judgment there is nothing you need to know.
I trust in you Jesus... |
| LaLa |
Posted - Jun 14 2014 : 2:52:06 PM
:-D
http://lalauland.tumblr.com
http://lalauland.etsy.com
Follow me on Twitter: @lalauland
DH and I share a blog: http://wesubtleties.tumblr.com
Follow on Twitter: @wesubtleties |
| churunga |
Posted - Jun 14 2014 : 2:07:20 PM
Hang in there Laura.
Marie, Sister #5142
Farmgirl of the Month May 2014
Try everything once and the fun things twice. |
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