My husband passed away at the age of 57 of lung cancer in 2021. This is around the same time we were dealing with Covid and I had lost my job. The plus side of being unemployed allowed me to be with my husband in his final months. However, like millions of other people losing my income could strain on this financially. My husband‘s income was more than mine and now since his passing, I have struggled financially. And has been nearly impossible to cover the debt accrued during our 12 year marriage and I have never been able to match the income I was earning prior to Covid.

The last several years I have noticed problems with my memory and cognitive abilities. As a result, I have lost two positions back to back. The feedback I received from these employers after being with them less than a year is “you are not catching on as quick as we feel you should“. This was not only devastating but humiliating as well. In my 40 years of working I never had this kind of problem. My doctor referred me to a neurologist and a therapist. The therapist diagnosed me with ADHD and the neurologist order an MRI, which indicated an excess of white matter in my brain which can affect cognitive ability.

Since losing my last position in January 2025, I have been receiving unemployment benefits. Although I’m very thankful to be receiving unemployment it is not enough to cover my living expenses. I applied for SNAP but was denied as I am over the maximum income amount by a few hundred dollars. I was able to keep up with my obligations for a little while, but due to a few unexpected expenses I have struggled to get by. I am now two months behind on my rent, I have been to eviction court, and a judgment was issued against me. They said if I could get my rent caught up and pay July I can stay. But now my rent includes late fees and filing fees, which makes it impossible for me to get caught up and remain in my apartment.

I am 60 years old and have nowhere to go. I am facing homelessness. I do not have family that can help me. I have two senior Yorkies that I can’t imagine giving up. It would break my heart having to do so. I need them as much as they need me. I have not yet located a shelter in my area that would allow me to keep them. I have spent many hours researching and making phone calls trying to find assistance. They’re so many organizations that have been created to help people like me, but now lack the funding to do so. Those with children, our first to receive any help. With limited funds to distribute, providing these funds to families is more important than providing to one individual.

There is a multitude of housing available for low income, families and seniors in my area. However, there are none currently available. All have long waitlists. I have found a few apartment complexes that are willing to work with me despite my eviction as long as I can pay first months rent and a full security deposit. Each place charges an application fee ranging anywhere from $35-$60. I’m not looking for a luxury apartment. I will not make the mistake of getting into an overpriced apartment with amenities that I have no intention of using. I just want a safe place to live with a reasonable rent.

I am still doing much research and making phone calls. I am far from giving up. But a real possibility exists that I could end up homeless. I’m more than terrified.

I would like to end this on a positive note. I have been on medication for several months now for ADHD and have seen a therapist, specializing in memory and cognitive deficits. I have made some progress and I’m very excited to say that I have been accepted to work as a substitute teacher starting in September with the new school year.

Your help can get me through this unfortunate time of my life and assist me in starting this new job with confidence. This very well could be a brand new start for me. One that has been four years in the making.

Your consideration is greatly appreciated.