I missed the ‘vet’ part. Between that and your hospital connections, I cannot believe you don’t have access to a medical social worker. This sort of thing is all they do. Call them and tell them- in detail- the situation.
You’re in a college town, and you’re also in a very, very religious area. Hit up the local churches and community-service-based college groups (the Chi Sigma Iota people in the CEP Department have to do a community service project every year- call them and see what they can do for you; the year I was inducted they had a family they took care of at Christmas with presents, food, heating costs, etc). Doesn’t matter if you don’t go to the church/know the people. Seriously. I talked to a coworker who made one phone call for me, and some folks from a church we’d never even heard of are going to be coming out to our house to take care of our lawn situation (and it is not a small situation). People aren’t necessarily able to give money, but they given services and goods like they’re going out of style.
Angel Food Ministries has four locations in your town alone, and many more in the surrounding area.
If you just lost your job in March, you’re just becoming eligible for SSDI. Really, stay away from the lawyers for now. That’s another thing the churches will be good for- guarantee there’s someone in there who knows the ins and outs of the system, if voc rehab or the MSW can’t help you.
Requirements for food stamps are:
you are a citizen of the United States or have a certain legal alien status
you provide all of the required documents as proof of the household’s situation
resources such as checking accounts, savings accounts, and savings bonds are limited to a combined value of no more than $2,000.00. A household with at least one person who is disabled or age 60 or older has a resource limit of $3,000.00
you and/or other household members comply with work requirements
the household’s gross monthly income does not exceed the income limits based on the number of people who live in the household
the rent or mortgage payment, utility bills, and in some cases medical, child care and child support expenses are considered in the eligibility determination process if proof of these expenses are provided.
I can’t find the exact numbers, but I believe the income criteria is around $22,000 for a family of three. I know it’s $1800 per month for a family of three for the emergency food program (tefap).
Camping at people’s offices helps a lot. But really, you’ve got a major hospital system right there- make them actually earn some of their money. Start with the MSW and go from there.
Quasi, I follow your blog and can’t put into words how much admiration it’s given me for you. Cash is tight today, but payday comes in a few days, and I’m shipping some Paypal your way. It can’t be much, out of necessity but it comes with my heart.
Not only for your kind contributions, but for the thoughts, prayers and the wealth of information I seem to be lacking.
I am already at work to get a Congressional Inquiry going, will re-visit the food stamps issue and check with a medical social worker.
Some of you have indicated you wish to remain anonymous, and I will of course, respect those wishes, but I am also compling a list of everyone who has contributed either with funds, prayers and information, so if there’s something or someone I shouldn’t mention, please let me know in a pm.
Quasi, we don’t generally make public lists of the names of people who participate in supporting Dopers when they need support. Go ahead and keep the list, but I think it would be better if you thank people individually, in PMs or emails, rather than publishing a list.
Sure wish I could contribute Quasi… But I am going thru some really tough times financially myself. I will send a big ol’ (((hug))) your way, cyber style…And I am keeping you in my prayers, for what it’s worth.
Here’s hoping that things get turned around for you real quick!
PapSett, prayers are always welcome, and one can never have too many hugs, or give one without getting one back.
I just wish I could thank everyone and hug/shake their hand in person.
Also I hope we all remain together so that I can repay everyone’s kindness and help again myself.
This whole thing has been overwhelming (in a GOOD) way, and, as I told my bud Johnny L.A., I can’t even talk to my wife about it without choking up and getting misty-eyes.
I haven’ had the best relationship with God (“Og”:)) in my life, but if He’ll have it, I will say a prayer of thanks for/to y’all when in church (if that’s okay with everyone?)
We are just totally grateful for/to all of you!
PapSett, here’s hoping all the best for you and anyone else going through this crisis.
Whenever I am able, I will again be there for anyone who needs help. You can count on that!
Sweetie, If I had it to give, I would and if I aquire it to give, I will. I may be able to give you some info re: insurance, and can email you with the details.I hope you realize how very special you are to all of us. As for myself, well, I think you know how I feel, but in case you don’t: I count you among my dearest friends. My very best wishes and my prayers go with you, dear.
I love you
Bethie
PS How are things with you re: the weather? I know things are soggy your way.
Dearest friends who have yet to meet, and I love you too, Hon.
We have one bad thunderstorm already and we’re expecting another band of rain coming from the west, but hopefully not packing the wallop that caused our flood earlier this week.
My best friend (now and from high school) Gary’s house already had damage due to shoddy contruction, now has to dismantle the entire rear of his home and rebuild.
Here (we live in the country) we’ve been lucky so far, but last time I heard we’re still advised to boil our water before drinking it.
Thanks, Bethie, for your thoughts and prayers! We are so very fortunate to have friends like you.
Quasi, I’m sorry that all I can sent right now are good thoughts and wishes. Like many families, we are struggling and can’t afford anything, outside the basics. Hubby is on light duty for another month or so, with a significant salary cut.
I wish I could do something for you, but we’re already 2 months behind on our mortage.
Sorry to hear things are so tough, Quasi. Being an impoverished student, I can only send my best wishes your way and hope that things improve for you and your family very soon!
I just made another gift, on behalf of all you guys who wish you could help but can’t right now because of your own financial circumstances. So, on top of your prayers and good wishes, you done more good!
picunurse and Martini Enfield, please, please, PLEASE know that I value your good wishes, prayers and thoughts just as much, okay?
God, I am soooo sorry that so many of us are hurting, and I am now wondering if I have taken advantage and should I return this money and just keep the thoughts and prayers which also mean so much to both me and my wife?
Those of you who know me, know that I take these things to heart and tend to wear my feelings “on my sleeve”, as it were, so please forgive me for this:
I do not know if it’s PRIDE or SHAME, but I am suddenly at odds with my decision to ask you for help.
Quasi don’t be silly. Everyone who can and wants to help by giving money is helping by giving money. Everyone also knows that if they can’t give money they can leave you good vibes in the form of a post and we all know - especially with you - that money and good vibes carry equal weight here.
You can’t keep posting all over the place and sharing your story with us and make everyone love you and not let us help you! It wouldn’t be right!!
To put it another way…YOU ARE NOT TAKING ADVANTAGE OF ANYONE. We’re all adults who are free to do what we want with our money, and if we want you to have it then you best be havin’ it!
Quasi - while I, too, have money troubles I am in a MUCH better position to help myself - that is why I am not asking the Dope for financial help and you should. I wish you were as able as you were a few years ago, but you are not, and reality must be faced.
[Don Corleone]Some day, and that day may never come, I will call upon you to do a service for me. But until that day, consider this justice a gift for the Cause.[/DC]
