Suggestions please....

**cmdarlin** · 01-27-2009, 08:22 AM

Yesterday was not a good day. DH had his social security hearing and was not pleased at all with what the judge is requiring of him right now. I was not allowed into the room so I don't know what was all said. From what his lawyer told me, the judge is requiring him to see another specialist and a forensic psychiatrist. We have to sit and wait for these appointments to be made by the court.

He was so upset. I know a lot of it was because he didn't realize what all was being said. All he heard was your being denied until you see our doctors to prove you are as bad as you say you are. This is all the MS. I know because I've been dealing with this issue for the past six months. It seems to get worse as time goes along. I'm sure that is all the stress helping the situation. It didn't help either when his lawyer said to be there 30 minutes before the hearing and then she walks in right at hearing time. No Hi, no nothing.

Then.... we go to 4Sight, the mortgage counselor lady, and drop off some papers and see what we need to be doing now that the offer has been made. She says, you should have been looking for a place. We both look at each other because it was our understanding after talking to her previously that we had to be homeless up until the sale date. She says, 'oh no, you should have been looking. That is why I sent you the list of possible landlords.'

Ok... we get this information in the mail back in November. I try to call her. She doesn't return my calls. I call the group who is in charge of the grant Wendell is eligible for and told, 'no, you can't find a place ahead of time or you aren't really homeless.' We are getting mixed signals.

Long story, short.... The counselor tells us now that there is a mix up with the grant funding. The money is still there but the group handling it is being accused of 'mishandling' it. 4Sight is trying to apply the paperwork so they can distribute the funds. We just have to be patient and see. (easy for her to say.) She does tell us that 4Sight will help us with the first month/last month rent on a place. We just have to find a place to rent for $400-$450 a month.

Here's where I need a suggestion....

We do have the list of landlords, but DH and I were discussing putting an ad on Craiglist for needing a place to rent. How would we word it, etc? I know there are people that look for people sometimes have homes that sit empty and they would like to have someone there to help with upkeep, etc... How would I write something that may appeal to that person to at least interview us?

ANY help/advice would be welcome.

Thanks,
Debbie

**Michelle** · 01-27-2009, 08:40 AM

First, I'm sorry this has been unbelievably difficult and stressful for you

Next, have you looked in your Craigslist to see if someone has already posted looking to rent out their place? I would try that before posting my own ad.

If you have already done that w/no luck, I would see if there are other ads posted by people lSO a place to rent.

And I would also look into the landlords that you were given vs. jumping right into Craigslist. How were those landlords chosen? Are they ones that work in conjunction with 4sight?

I'm going to look in my area's CL for you to see what is posted there for people looking for a place to rent.

**Michelle** · 01-27-2009, 08:45 AM

There are many on this list to give you an idea of what people put in their ads (and I'm sure you have them on your area's CL as well

)

http://boston.craigslist.org/hsw/

**cmdarlin** · 01-27-2009, 09:06 AM

Originally Posted by Michelle

There are many on this list to give you an idea of what people put in their ads (and I'm sure you have them on your area's CL as well

)

http://boston.craigslist.org/hsw/

Thank you Michelle. I appreciate your looking into it. I haven't called any of the places on the lists yet. That will be a job for today since we can't get out due to the weather. Craigslist was just suggested to me. I'm just grasping at straws since time is short.

Thanks again!
Debbie

**Michelle68** · 01-27-2009, 08:45 PM

What a pain to have to deal with all this! I'm sorry you've been having a difficult time and you're getting all these mixed signals. The only ad I could find on our Craigslist here lists how much the person wants to pay for rent, how many people are in the family, the area they are looking to rent in and the pets they have. It also states that they are quiet and, of course, lists their contact info. Good luck with your search.

**rowdy35** · 01-27-2009, 10:44 PM

OMG, You poor thing !! When it rains it pours !!! Is there a housing advocacy group or any one who can assist you, such as Catholic Charities or some time of group that helps people in such times ??

I mean it is ridiculous what they put people through with regard to disabilities. MS is a real disability, do they think he is making it up> Just do a brain scan and you will see the evidence. That is so infuriating. I feel so bad for you right now.

I'm not really understanding what is going on with the mortgage counselor.Is your house being foreclosed on?? Can your kids help you or any friends or family get this straightened out. Hugs you need them right now. Hang in there, this too shall pass.

**madhen** · 01-27-2009, 11:25 PM

It helps if you state in your ad very specifically what you can afford to pay for rent or what you have to offer in lieu of rent (i.e, keeping lawn mowed or house cleaned, etc), how long you intend to stay, how many of you are staying, and whether you have pets. It also helps if you state clearly that you are a non-smoker (if you are) and that you can provide character references (if you can) as to you being a responsible person who is not going to trash their place. I once posted an ad in CL to have someone house-sit for me for three months while I was away at training, and all of those things were important to me.

**phoeny_moonstar** · 01-28-2009, 01:29 AM

Wish I could help. I'll send good thoughts your way!!

**Momto2Boyz** · 01-28-2009, 07:18 AM

I checked the Chicago Craigslist here and there are alot of housing wanted ads that sound similair to your story.

I would share a bit of your story in your ad, and just explain that with your husband being diagnosed with MS, you've been thrown an unexpected curve ball, and have had to make some pretty hard life changes. Then state how much you can pay, how long you plan to stay, and that you would be able to help a landlord in any way that you can (ie, small repairs, etc.) in exchange for helping you in finding a place!

I hope things go well for you! Keep us updated on how things go! (((hugs)))

**Patty A** · 01-28-2009, 08:53 AM

Look in to local human service places, check out HUD, and maybe even Fannie Mae. Also talk to the local Christian churches, they often have help through them.

I know what you are going through with Social Security, my DH fought for it for years. They really make you jump hoops to try and get something that you have paid for your whole life for when you need it, and they just make it such a crazy time to try and get it. They don't care what happens to you while you battle them, they don't give it a second thought about what it does to someone that is fighting to have a "normal" as possible life while dealing with health issues and trying to find a way to live. I know how stressful this can be, and how it is not to know what tomorrow will bring. I also know how hard this is on YOU, you are battling right along with your DH and trying to make things easier on him without adding extra worry. I also know what this does to you financially......it is one struggle after the other. And you end up in the hole trying to afford meds alone to help them feel better.
Please don't forget to take some time for you, you can't afford to let this get YOU down. You have to stay strong, and keep your fighting spirit, and YOU need some time to just think about you!
Please if there is anything I can do to help, even if you just need an ear or shoulder I will be more than happy to help in any way I can. I so understand what you are going thought with your battle with Social Security and wish I could give some ideas that would help, but I just don't know what it would be. PM me anytime, and know that I will be here to listen.
Wishing you ALL the best, your in my thoughts and prayers that this all works out soon!