So stressed - can't pay rent *Update* A Little Good News About Health Issues*

[Anikaca77]

My husband's mom is no longer living and his dad and him broke ties off a long time ago so there is no one on his side to contact, my parents are very poor, they live paycheck to paycheck and my mom isn't work so she only gets a little bit of $$ and I can't take her $$.

The reason why I said April 15th was because that's when we will both get paid again and hopefully his check will be higher but I'll only have $100 out of my check due to my car payment.

I do have a brother and 1 sister but my brother just recently got a job and right now he's broke until he starts getting in a paycheck and my sister can't really afford to give me an extra cash because she is having surgery next month and she has to pay $500 for the operation and then she will have to cover her expenses for being off work for 2 weeks.

I have jewerly that I can sell as well.

Melissa


I'm checking into some assistance places

Do either of you have parents/relatives, that could help you out? You mentioned April 15th - are you getting a tax refund?? Perhaps you could borrow some bucks and then pay back if you're getting a refund. Maybe get some temporary assistance thru a church in your area??

My LAST option would be to sell things. You get next to nothing for the items, and then you just can never get them back.

Hoping things turn around soon for you. I've been in your shoes - it's no fun. Pardon this old saying, but "it's darkest before the dawn".

[Karen]

Sell unnecessary things, and look into a food pantry for food for you humans in the meantime. Food expenses matter, and this is what the pantries are there for, times like this. If you have any free time, maybe you can make some extra money doing chores - spring cleaning or yard work for others - it might not be a lot of money, but ask around ... some is better than nothin'!

[Pawsitive Thinking]

What is your landlord like? can you sort out something arrangement with them? Sometimes if you call the people you owe money to and explain the situation they will take less for the short term until you can get the payments back up.

[Catty1]

Definitely look into assistance things. A friend of mine has a full time job in a national grocery chain, has $950 in rent - and has to use the food bank every 3 weeks, plus do some cleaning on weekends. She has to pay $100 child support (down from over $500).

Rents are expensive and the economy is tough. There are lots of 'working poor' - I have been one of them for a lot of my working life. Apply for all the assistance you can!

You might - MIGHT - think about which of your cats you might rehome...and ask your vet to keep an eye out for a good home. Heartbreaking - but they cost, too!

[MoonandBean]

You might - MIGHT - think about which of your cats you might rehome...and ask your vet to keep an eye out for a good home. Heartbreaking - but they cost, too!

I doubt if this is an option for you. Your cats are better off with you than anywhere else (in my opinion). You will get by!

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm so sorry to hear this. I don't have any other suggestions but I'll keep you both in my thoughts and prayers. Things will get better.

[Randi]

I don't know how it is over there, but I saw a programme on TV about young students who had formed a little group and went to several huge supermarkets after closing time, to see what they had thrown out in the back. It was amazing what they found... unopened groceries and greens and fruit that was just past last selling date. A lot of it looked fine. They even showed some dishes that was made from it. I know some find it gross, but just an idea. Hey, you'd have to be able to climb a fence probably.

One other thing... I buy Fister's food from my vet because it's quality, and he offers that people can come back with a bag of dry food if the cat doesn't like it and get their money back. so he has lots of various food out in the back, he gives to unemployed people. I have got quite a few of those for free. Ask your vet if he does the same.

[emily_the_spoiled]

I know this will not help right now, but now that the Health Insurance Bill was signed into law your husband will be able to get insurance now and they will be able to treat his medical problem. Because of the subsidies that are available you will likely be able to get very low premiums.

Once he is better, then he will not have to take FMLA time...

[Daisy and Delilah]

I don't know how it is over there, but I saw a programme on TV about young students who had formed a little group and went to several huge supermarkets after closing time, to see what they had thrown out in the back. It was amazing what they found... unopened groceries and greens and fruit that was just past last selling date. A lot of it looked fine. They even showed some dishes that was made from it. I know some find it gross, but just an idea. Hey, you'd have to be able to climb a fence probably.

One other thing... I buy Fister's food from my vet because it's quality, and he offers that people can come back with a bag of dry food if the cat doesn't like it and get their money back. so he has lots of various food out in the back, he gives to unemployed people. I have got quite a few of those for free. Ask your vet if he does the same.

I think this is the program I saw on Dumpster Diving. It's done in large areas by people that are not necessarily in dire straits. Some of the people were fairly well off. It's supposedly a big thing in big cities. Some restaurants will throw out a dozen eggs if one of them is cracked due to health regulations. Some of the people were getting all they needed by doing this. The food they get is perfectly fine and no one reported getting sick at all. Not for everybody but it's a thought.