• Hey Guest. Check out your NeoGAF Wrapped 2025 results here!

Im about to become homeless

Status
Not open for further replies.

Hollycat

Member
So I could use some advice.

A few months ago I moved to Nebraska to try and make a new start. I have been less than successful. I applied for dozens of jobs, even walking door to door asking if anyone was hiring. The only singular job I found was one I could not do.
I suffer from schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, and cluster headaches, as well as just physical pain, so even if I could find work, there seems to be a pretty big risk of being fired upon becoming Ill.
I've applied for social security and was denied for not having enough medical history to prove I was telling the truth, and since the medical insurance I have only covers my medicines in Nebraska, I can't go see doctors. I tried to sign up for new insurance and was told I didn't make enough money to qualify for government assistance. As dumb as that sounds.
I talked to two banks, called all the local charities I could find that aren't anti lgbt. So far, I've found nothing useful. I have a few days left before rent is due, and Im about to lose my car too.. I'm at the point of giving up.

I guess In short, I could really use some advice.
 
You usually have to appeal after being rejected for disability, to be granted it.

You'll have to be evicted before you're on the street.
 
You usually have to appeal after being rejected for disability.

Yup it can be a long fight too. Years, even. If you're at the stage where you need to appeal and you're not sure how to proceed you need to find a lawyer who can guide you. You should be able to find a lawyer who specializes in these cases who you only have to pay if you win (and even then, they take a chunk of your settlement, not out of pocket).

It's worth fighting but you can't count on it as a source of income anytime in the foreseeable future.
 
Did you move there with a job and lose it or just move there randomly and thought "I'll get a job eventually?"

I came here expecting to start in a customer service job, it turned out to be something else. The job gave me panic attacks, and I had to quit for my own health. That's the one I mentioned in the OP. That's all I can really say about that without getting into someone elses private information.
 
Do you have family? Why don't you drive back home where you came from before your car is repossessed? It doesn't sound like the move to nebraska was well thought out at all.
 
You usually have to appeal after being rejected for disability, to be granted it.

You'll have to be evicted before you're on the street.

.

Pretty sure they won't kick you out for being late on rent immediately. Depending on the tenant laws of that state, I'd imagine you'd have at least another 30 days if your landlord decided to kick you out right now.
 
Do you have family? Why don't you drive back home where you came from before your car is repossessed? It doesn't sound like the move to nebraska was well thought out at all.
My "family" kicked me out years ago, refuses to say my name, and threatened me with physical violence. I will never go to them. As for the move being well thought out, I had three months of rent and everything paid up already when I moved.
I never thought is oukdnt find anything in that amount of time.

The lady person I live with works with a community mental health center in Kansas City. She wants to know if you have contacted http://cmhc.douglascounty-ne.gov/ yet to help with your mental health/medications/treatment.

I'll contact them, thank you. If they can find a therapist or something that alone would be a step up.
 
Yup it can be a long fight too. Years, even. If you're at the stage where you need to appeal and you're not sure how to proceed you need to find a lawyer who can guide you. You should be able to find a lawyer who specializes in these cases who you only have to pay if you win (and even then, they take a chunk of your settlement, not out of pocket).

It's worth fighting but you can't count on it as a source of income anytime in the foreseeable future.
My dad who suffered a stroke basically had to file a suit to get his benefits. And I after being hospitalized for a suicide attempt got rejected for temporary aid.

Anyone who tells you it's easy to abuse these things is full of shit.
 
I would keep trying to pursue your state's SMI (Seriously Mentally Ill) program. I know it may not help much in the short-term, but it would definitely provide a useful safety net going forward. They would provide services like meds, therapy, employment assistance, and housing. My state's SMI program is how I got DBT group therapy, and free meds.

As someone also struggling with mental illness, I wish you well. Hang in there man.
 
Have you tried USPS.com?

They'll basically hire anyone who meets their qualifications (high school diploma + clean background + score of 70 or above on their exam) as a non-career "PSE" employee, especially if it's during a time when the volume of mail picks up.

The least physically demanding job they have is probably "PSE SALES & SVCS/DISTRIBUTION ASSOCIATE", which are the uniformed window clerks you see at the post office. I've also read that their PSE custodians have the easiest jobs, just "sweeping and occasionally cleaning the bathroom", as far as working in a processing plant is concerned.

The only catch is that when they post an opening on the career website, is usually has a short closing window of a few days. So you would have to check religiously every day if you were interested in applying. You can check out the postal section of federalsoup.com for more info.

Hope this helps.
 
Best of luck, OP. As someone who has a paranoid schizophrenic in his life, I can't imagine how one can get through on their own. Stay strong!

I'd say more, but in no way want to upset you further. Hopefully the the other GAF'ers who have posted helpful info will work out for you. You are in control, and there are people, strangers or not, who genuinely care for your well-being and a successful path forward; please believe that, no matter what you tell yourself in your mind. You can get past this hurdle.
 
I've been homeless before, it gets better. Just stay watchful of your mental illness and don't let it consume you and you'll find your way out.

Any family? Anywhere? Maybe try couchsurfing. Could also ask on Reddit for assistance.
 
What's LGBT have to do with anything? It's obviously fine if you don't want to explain it further, but your OP was really just "I had no luck finding some places that weren't cool with LGBT"

I wish you the best of luck, keep in touch here and take everyone's advice. Check out some of the jobs people have mentioned.
 
Have you tried USPS.com?

They'll basically hire anyone who meets their qualifications (high school diploma + clean background + score of 70 or above on their exam) as a non-career "PSE" employee, especially if it's during a time when the volume of mail picks up.

The least physically demanding job they have is probably "PSE SALES & SVCS/DISTRIBUTION ASSOCIATE", which are the uniformed window clerks you see at the post office. I've also read that their PSE custodians have the easiest jobs, just "sweeping and occasionally cleaning the bathroom", as far as working in a processing plant is concerned.

The only catch is that when they post an opening on the career website, is usually has a short closing window of a few days. So you would have to check religiously every day if you were interested in applying. You can check out the postal section of federalsoup.com for more info.

Hope this helps.
I appliedmwith them
What's LGBT have to do with anything? It's obviously fine if you don't want to explain it further, but your OP was really just "I had no luck finding some places that weren't cool with LGBT"

I wish you the best of luck, keep in touch here and take everyone's advice. Check out some of the jobs people have mentioned.
Because I was going to try and ask the salvation army but then I read how they would kick out lgbt people without warning if they found out.

I have a few calls to make tomorrow when everything is open, hopefully I get one day without a cluster headaches to take care of them.

Wish me luck.
 
The Walmarts around here are hiring overnights, but that's extremely physical so might not be doable with pain.


Offhand I could think one of our many Omaha call centers - DialAmerica, Oriental Trading Company, Alicor, Cox Cable, First Data, West, etc. Those are sit down and you wouldn't have to talk to people face to face. I have pretty bad anxiety and when I worked at one of those in the past I was able to handle it due to not having to deal with people in person.

Also my brother applied for disability, had to sue the government, he's had the hearing and even after that you STILL have to wait for the verdict. The process is way too damn long.

I tried to sign up for new insurance and was told I didn't make enough money to qualify for government assistance. As dumb as that sounds.

Thank our stupid governor for that shit.
 
The Walmarts around here are hiring overnights, but that's extremely physical so might not be doable with pain.


Offhand I could think one of our many Omaha call centers - DialAmerica, Oriental Trading Company, Alicor, Cox Cable, First Data, West, etc. Those are sit down and you wouldn't have to talk to people face to face. I have pretty bad anxiety and when I worked at one of those in the past I was able to handle it due to not having to deal with people in person.

Also my brother applied for disability, had to sue the government, he's had the hearing and even after that you STILL have to wait for the verdict. The process is way too damn long.

PayPal has a call center in Omaha as well, they're hiring. PayPal recently canceled plans to expand into NC because of that state's anti-LGBT legislation, so no issues on that front.
 
Oh yeah I forgot about Paypal.

The Douglas County Election Commission is also hiring people to type records in for the upcoming election. That's temp though, about 4 months.

Also, I know you'll hate this, but you might just have to talk to the Salvys. I dislike their anti-LGBT stance but they also have crap tons of infrastructure around here, so might just have to grin and bear it for a bit. It's pretty much them, Catholic Charities, and then various small groups that are still linked into either one of those either directly or indirectly
 
BUMP

Thought about making a thread of my own, but I think I'll bump this instead.

I'm going to be homeless as of tomorrow night and I've been thinking a lot about how I'll keep a healthy diet during that time. Currently I eat a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast every morning, but without a way to heat the water or kitchenware to mix it in, that's out of the question. What are some healthy cereals I can eat raw? Originally I thought Cheerio's might be good, but they seem pretty bad for you when you get down to brass tacks. Like, 576 mg of Sodium per 100 grams of cereal? Get the fuck out.

EDIT: Thanks for all the suggestions below! I should be good with what's been recommended.
 
BUMP

Thought about making a thread of my own, but I think I'll bump this instead.

I'm going to be homeless as of tomorrow night and I've been thinking a lot about how I'll keep a healthy diet during that time. Currently I eat a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast every morning, but without a way to heat the water or kitchenware to mix it in, that's out of the question. What are some healthy cereals I can eat raw? Originally I thought Cheerio's might be good, but they seem pretty bad for you when you get down to brass tacks. Like, 576 mg of Sodium per 100 grams of cereal? Get the fuck out.

Um, id create your own thread judging by the lack of response.

Good luck.
 
BUMP

Thought about making a thread of my own, but I think I'll bump this instead.

I'm going to be homeless as of tomorrow night and I've been thinking a lot about how I'll keep a healthy diet during that time. Currently I eat a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast every morning, but without a way to heat the water or kitchenware to mix it in, that's out of the question. What are some healthy cereals I can eat raw? Originally I thought Cheerio's might be good, but they seem pretty bad for you when you get down to brass tacks. Like, 576 mg of Sodium per 100 grams of cereal? Get the fuck out.

Shredded wheat, grape nuts, bran flakes
 
BUMP

Thought about making a thread of my own, but I think I'll bump this instead.

I'm going to be homeless as of tomorrow night and I've been thinking a lot about how I'll keep a healthy diet during that time. Currently I eat a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast every morning, but without a way to heat the water or kitchenware to mix it in, that's out of the question. What are some healthy cereals I can eat raw? Originally I thought Cheerio's might be good, but they seem pretty bad for you when you get down to brass tacks. Like, 576 mg of Sodium per 100 grams of cereal? Get the fuck out.
Try Puffed Wheat. One of my faves. One of the most affordable cereals too, big bag and cheaper than the small boxes of the sugar-filled shit they try to sell to kids.
 
BUMP

Thought about making a thread of my own, but I think I'll bump this instead.

I'm going to be homeless as of tomorrow night and I've been thinking a lot about how I'll keep a healthy diet during that time. Currently I eat a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast every morning, but without a way to heat the water or kitchenware to mix it in, that's out of the question. What are some healthy cereals I can eat raw? Originally I thought Cheerio's might be good, but they seem pretty bad for you when you get down to brass tacks. Like, 576 mg of Sodium per 100 grams of cereal? Get the fuck out.

I mean, if you are about to be homeless is what kind of cereal to eat really your biggest concern now? Unless you are doing this voluntarily.
 
BUMP

Thought about making a thread of my own, but I think I'll bump this instead.

I'm going to be homeless as of tomorrow night and I've been thinking a lot about how I'll keep a healthy diet during that time. Currently I eat a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast every morning, but without a way to heat the water or kitchenware to mix it in, that's out of the question. What are some healthy cereals I can eat raw? Originally I thought Cheerio's might be good, but they seem pretty bad for you when you get down to brass tacks. Like, 576 mg of Sodium per 100 grams of cereal? Get the fuck out.

Stick with oatmeal. Find cardboard, foil, and a metal coffee can. Survivor man this homeless stint.

http://solarcooking.wikia.com/wiki/Dual-Setting_Panel_Cooker
 
Honestly evidence of taking the meds for schizophrenia should be enough for goverment assistance. You should find a doctor or go stay in a hospital to get evidence you need. The doctor who gave you the prescription should be able to provide you what you need. I've actually been there with homelessness and mental issues.

Can't you apply for normal government welfare to hold you by ?
 
You can also find packs of hot dogs for under a dollar. Can eat them as they are right out of the pack. That will get you some protein and good fats. Yes there is sodium, but unless you have high blood pressure it isn't bad for you at all.
 
BUMP

Thought about making a thread of my own, but I think I'll bump this instead.

I'm going to be homeless as of tomorrow night and I've been thinking a lot about how I'll keep a healthy diet during that time. Currently I eat a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast every morning, but without a way to heat the water or kitchenware to mix it in, that's out of the question. What are some healthy cereals I can eat raw? Originally I thought Cheerio's might be good, but they seem pretty bad for you when you get down to brass tacks. Like, 576 mg of Sodium per 100 grams of cereal? Get the fuck out.

Kind of bizarre to recommend cereal given the situation... But Weetabix (Original) is a good choice. It's low in fat and sugar. It also only contains 280 mg of salt per 100 g (or 100 mg per serving, which corresponds to 2 biscuits).
 
I mean, if you are about to be homeless is what kind of cereal to eat really your biggest concern now? Unless you are doing this voluntarily.

Lol yeah I mean...you should have more concerns about how healthy your breakfast is going to be, which even then is a meal many people skip.
 
Um, id create your own thread judging by the lack of response.

Good luck.

Seems like your post actually got the rolling!

Shredded wheat, grape nuts, bran flakes

Hadn't heard of Grape Nuts before, but I was surprised to see it and Bran Flakes both had a good chunk of Sodium too. It could just be the brand names though. Shredded Wheat I totally forgot about but that's a great recommendation!

Try Puffed Wheat. One of my faves. One of the most affordable cereals too, big bag and cheaper than the small boxes of the sugar-filled shit they try to sell to kids.

Puffed Wheat seems right up my alley! I'll look into it. Thanks!

I mean, if you are about to be homeless is what kind of cereal to eat really your biggest concern now? Unless you are doing this voluntarily.

I'm not too worried about other stuff at the moment. Money wasn't an issue, it just happened that the news was pretty sudden and I wasn't able to find a suitable place to live in that time. I'm hoping to have things stabilized by August, but until then I'll be staying at a homeless shelter. I've got other necessities figured out like hygiene and stuff, but food was one I was stumped on.
 
BUMP

Thought about making a thread of my own, but I think I'll bump this instead.

I'm going to be homeless as of tomorrow night and I've been thinking a lot about how I'll keep a healthy diet during that time. Currently I eat a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast every morning, but without a way to heat the water or kitchenware to mix it in, that's out of the question. What are some healthy cereals I can eat raw? Originally I thought Cheerio's might be good, but they seem pretty bad for you when you get down to brass tacks. Like, 576 mg of Sodium per 100 grams of cereal? Get the fuck out.

A box of corn flakes.

If you're also looking for a cool place to bum out, set up shelter near a Five Guys. They throw out tons of potatoes and fries because they always insist on making fresh ones. You might also be able to get free wifi.
 
I still can't get over the fact that cereals seem to be your main concern. I mean, you could also just eat something else for breakfast for a while
 
BUMP

Thought about making a thread of my own, but I think I'll bump this instead.

I'm going to be homeless as of tomorrow night and I've been thinking a lot about how I'll keep a healthy diet during that time. Currently I eat a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast every morning, but without a way to heat the water or kitchenware to mix it in, that's out of the question. What are some healthy cereals I can eat raw? Originally I thought Cheerio's might be good, but they seem pretty bad for you when you get down to brass tacks. Like, 576 mg of Sodium per 100 grams of cereal? Get the fuck out.
How do you plan on keeping milk cold? You'd have better luck. Making oatmeal than eating cereal. Just go into a gas station that sells coffee and get a mug of hot water from the machine (use your own cup). Then add it to the bowl of instant oatmeal.
 
You usually have to appeal after being rejected for disability, to be granted it.

You'll have to be evicted before you're on the street.

This, my brother is schezophrenic and he was rejected the first time and had to pay a lawyer for appeal, load of bs.

Is the op ok?
 
This, my brother is schezophrenic and he was rejected the first time and had to pay a lawyer for appeal, load of bs.

Is the op ok?
I am, thank you for asking. :)
I did end up actually being "homeless" for about 3 months, and slept on a friends couch.
I started working as a Lyft driver, but became horribly I'll after a huge mold problem in the home I was living in last year, and had to evacuate. The landlord demanded I continue ti pay rent even though the home could not be safely accessed, which led to me ultimately having to couch surf.

I found a job, and then a much better job, and have now recovered a lot healthwise, have a cheap apartment, and have even begun taking care of another person who was in a similar situation. I can honestly say I'm the happiest ive ever been.
I have two beautiful girlfriends, a nice job, a roof over my head, and my health is the best its been in years.

Thank you everyone for your support and concern. :)


Also, Krammy, I hope you get the help you need :)
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top Bottom