I have just recieved a 3 day notice to pay rent or move out. I am a single mother of two ages 3 & 5. My 3 year old has been diagnosed with autism and I recieve SSI for him here in California. I am still in the process of my divorce and just last month started recieving child support ( if you call what I get support). I am on welfare because holding down a full time job is impossible with Max's school (special Ed) and his in home care therapy everyday for 2 hours. I am ALWAYS broke and I pay 0.00 for a 1 bedroom apartment( bedroom measures approx. 7' X 15' ) that the boy's share and I use the studio part as the living room/my bedroom. I can't afford this place and there isn't anything cheaper in Sonoma ( where I live). I have told the landlord that there are so many problems with the place ( no screens on windows, no heater, leaks in both kitchen and bathroom, mold etc.) he wont fix anything until I get my rent caught up. My question: Does anyone know of any place who helps disabled families with rent money, or housing, etc? I apologise for the lenght. Thank you for any information. These ladies might be able to help, especially if you might happen to be a single mom for reasons of domestic violence. They might be able to refer you to local services in your area. You're in my prayers. =( I was so very nearly in your position not long ago. The admin. phone # is 707-546-9922 I am sorry to hear that moving would be impossible for you. Many families DO move to cheaper areas so that suggestion is a valid one, even if it doesn't help in your particular situation. I also live in a very expensive area -- Long Island -- and 0 would barely rent a studio apt. here. There are no 1-bedroom apts. for less than ,000 around here, even in bad areas. Because of the high cost of housing many people HAVE moved off Long Island, most to places like NC, where taxes and the cost of living are cheap, though rising. If you are receiving welfare, you must have a caseworker, no? They should be able to tell you about the laws governing evictions. Landlords need rent to pay their mortgages, so they cannot be made to keep non-paying tenants, even if the non-payment is for very good reasons. However, they can be made to obey whatever laws exist to cover the situation. If the landlord IS going by the letter of the law, what remains for tenants to do is throw themselves on the landlord's mercy. That's about it. One other option is to call around to various churches and synagogues in your area. Many have charity money to help with rent or utilities. Even more have food banks to provide free food so cash can be used toward rent. There ARE laws that govern evictions and 3 days seems too short to be legal. Hopefully, the caseworker will be able to advise you about this. Every state has different protections for tenants. Perhaps a search on the Internet for your local laws will help. ALso, know that the school district your son is in right now is STILL responsible for his education should you become homeless. That means that no matter where you move, if it's temporary (with a relative, into a shelter, into a motel, etc.), the school district is required to bus your son to his CURRENT school while you are officially homeless. Even if your temporary residence is out of district. This obligation only ends when you find a new permanent residence, if that residence is not in your current district. My heart goes out to you. I pray that you will be able to keep your current apt., but it's important for you to have this information just in case. The only advice I have is to open up your local yellow pages and start calling Red Cross, Salvation Army, Goodwill, social services, local churches, women's groups, any listing that looks like they can help you or refer you to someone that can help.. California is very expensive...maybe try to relocate? I know that is easier said than done but your quality of life would greatly improve if the rent and cost of living weren't so darn high!
p.s. Our house cost what you are paying a month and it is 2,000 sq. feet:) I appreciate all who sent there wishes and advice...I will look into what has been suggested, thank you. Even though my problem hasn't been solved as of yet, I can't tell you the feeling I have sense I posted, as if a huge weight was finally taken off my back, as if I could finally take a much needed deep breath that I haven't done in a couple years. Its from the warm welcome I have already recieved. Thank you all very much. I must admit something though, as lovely as relocating would be, it would never be possible. How nice of you to have such a large home for what I pay in rent, what a great accomplishment for you. I am aware of the economic differences for each state, I could have done with out the reminder though. Never the less, I do appreciate your thoughts and advice. You are in my prayers. I'm so sorry this is happening to you. As a single parent myself, I can just imagine how you must be feeling. I'm in NY so I have no ideas for you, but hopefully someone here can give you someone to call.
I am a very determined person, with children there is no room for quitting, so I will tred on...I still feel like a complete failure, a looser so to speak, but I assume that only is because of my pride.
You are in my thoughts and I wish you all the good fortune you deserve.
I just came across your post, and hopefully you have found a solution, but if not this is what I suggest. HUD (Housing and Urban Development) is a federal program and has offices and services for all counties/states. Typically, there are long waiting lists, however in the case of a chld with special needs and impending eviction which could lead to homelessness, they will usually put you at the top of the list. I would call your local HUD office right away, explain your situation and see what they can do to help you. Even if they cant help you right away, be placed on their waiting list and keep your contact info updated. I was placed on my local HUD list when my son was little. I became pregnant in 2001, and was again facing being a single parent. When my daughter was 4 months old, I received a call from a local apartment complex who had an apt. for us. This was based on when I had first applied for just me and my son 8 years earlier, but it saved us when we needed it most. The second thing I would do if HUD cannot help you right away, is to call the apartment complexes in your community. Alot of them have low income units, and even though they may have long waiting lists as well, given your circumstances you will probably find some of them trying to get things moving quicker for you. Finally, look into any city programs or county programs in addition to what I just mentioned. In my town there is a non profit organization that buys and refurbishes apartment complexes, and are strictly rented to low income families. I live in one of the most expensive parts of California (Ventura County, So. California), where you cant touch a one bedroom for 0, so if we have these programs, there has to be something where you are at. Just stay determined and keep looking, persistance in this area pays off! Good luck and stay strong!
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