I was pretty relieved to have that fire temporarily extinguished and thought it would be a great time to step outside, get some fresh winter's air, and buy some cat food for Ms. Teschmacher.
Then I saw this taped to my door...
I had to get a loan from a friend and a family member to pay October and November's rent, but I was never able to pay rent for December. I am now a month behind with next month's due in a matter of days.
Rent is $520
Presumably, $520 would buy me a few more weeks and $1,040 would get me through the first half of February. I say presumably, because there is a possibility that he just wants me to leave regardless of my ability to pay.
So unless I get a lot of PayPal donations or a good paying gig real fast, my next Poor Blog post may be from the car I'll be living in. The notice says that if I'm not out by the 2nd(keep in mind that many businesses will close early tomorrow and remain closed for New Year's Day), then he will start formal eviction proceedings. I may have no other choice than to let the court order me homeless.
By no means am I judging you but there are people who have it far worse than you, yet your internet was that important?
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately yes. Most jobs are applied for online. Even if I used a library internet, it's still important to have instant access to things like email, so I can quickly respond to requests to set up a phone or in person interview. Internet access has moved beyond luxury these days and into the realm of a utility. Many workplaces don't even give paper checks or check stubbs anymore. They send you to their website to log in and view your pay information. This is one reason why getting internet access into rural areas is so important.
ReplyDeleteThis, I cannot stress enough. Getting internet in very rural areas as a poor person is almost impossible, where I grew up, they only have the options of satellite internet or a a mobile hotspot from a cell phone company, and both those options usually bear significant expense for very poor service.
DeleteHave you contacted the Salvation Army? They have shelters in many cities and might have employment services too. http://www.use.salvationarmy.org/use/www_use_cincinnati.nsf/
ReplyDeleteFind out if your county/state has the emergency solutions grant. This is a program geared toward people in your exact situation to assist with avoidance of homelessness. Its a federal grant that will make rent and sometimes utility payments (sorry not internet) for 6 months to a year while you get back on your feet. Look into it see if you can get some additional help.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I will look into that.
DeleteHamilton county community action agency may have funds for help with rent
DeleteStinky computer, sorry if you get this twice. Check this site out, there are lots of food pantries/soup kitchens in your area, rent assistance, and help with medical and dental care, and even hair cuts. There are also addresses for emergency shelters. I would suggest checking them out now, while you're still housed, as there are at times waiting lists. Also, check with Ohio State, as they may have some help for alumni. Use that internet for searching!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.cincinnatilibrary.org/resources/local.asp?category=24
Some thoughts and suggestions.
ReplyDelete1) Maybe too late for your current living situation, but you should consider getting a roommate and halving your costs. Or renting a room from someone else. You can't afford your own apartment.
2) Free internet service: freedompop.com. You'd need about $100 upfront to buy their hotspot router, tho. Catch-22.
3) Fight the eviction, buy yourself time.
4) When you're in a temp job with no rights and no job security, swallowing your pride would seem to be a key to survival. That said, if you felt it absolutely necessary to raise your voice, then maybe rephrasing your "shaming" feedback to your former employer into something that sounds more helpful and constructive might have saved your job. E.g.: "While I appreciate the opportunity to work holidays, I suspect some of my co-workers might prefer to spend time with family. Given that call volumes will likely be light, I hope Kroger will make efforts to ensure that staffing levels on the upcoming holiday are sized appropriately."
5) "Only the most fiscally responsible people can make an unemployment budget work and I'm bad with money... I was and still am very inefficient with money. It just gets away from me, I guess." I appreciate the honesty, but when you're destitute this is really an unacceptable mindset. Fiscal discipline is going to be key to digging yourself out of the hole you're in.
6) You do know your blog was mentioned today on MSNBC's All In with Chris Hayes, right?
There are always sales jobs available. Always. Have you considered this?
ReplyDelete