**UPDATED: May 21, 2007** to Anyone Experienced with Govt Help.......

Hi E., Please ignore to what Amy's response was to you earlier. Not all of us can be as lucky as her.And that this web site is for ALL Mom's in need of some type of help for some reason or another even for help to where to start. I feel for what your going thru I've also beeen in that same situation but like the other posts said everyone has a rough patch in there lives and that's why we pay taxes so that when some mother is in need she can be helped out. At least your trying to get somewhere in your life and for your kids, that;s better than some mother's would do in the same boat as you. I'm not sure how old your children are but also try WIC. They may not be able to help you money wise but you can help with the basic food items that you need. And they also have emergency funds as well. In a lot cases they can also help you for foodstamps as well. And now a days they don't come in paper they now come in a debit card so it will be less embarassing for the whole family.
As far a being a single mom, we've all been there at some point but this will pass and only make you stronger and much wiser. There have been wonderful advice posted here for you just follow up with it and you'll be able to get help soon. I know it's easy to say please don't worry yourself to death but that's mom's thing to do =) It's in our blood.... right now just take one day at a time, that's all you can do cause if not and you get sick who's gonna be there for your babies? Take a deep breath and exhale and it will all work out. Tha's why this site is for to reac out to other mothere for support regards of what the Amy's in the worls think of you. I'm glad my tax dollars will work for you, that's why we pay taxes....My prayers are with you and your kids. D.

I believe people like Amy have never had to experience the stress & trauma have dealing with homelessness & children to take care of by yourself, without a family support system. I have many years ago. And I believe that unless you have walked in anothers shoes, you should keep to things you know about Amy. Besides do you actually pay taxes or do you stay at home while Hubby takes care of that. It will take a while to get any kind of rent assistance from the govt. But you may look into TANF program for immediate needs. All government assistance takes time, but they do have emergency food stamps & TANF also has emergency funds. Don't let woman like this amy get your goat, they are not from the "real" world, that some of us single moms have to deal with. Good luck & God bless. V.

First of all...{{HUGS}}!!!

I have struggled with issues like this both as a single mom and being married. Financial difficulties can hit anyone at ANY time, so people like Amy should count their blessings instead of coming down so hard on someone who is struggling and looking for help!!! My husband works hard almost every single day, but is a mechanic on commission...we faced eviction almost every single month throughout the winter. Luckily for us, we had family that could help us until we recently paid them back...but not everyone has that!!!!

First of all, it takes time...but you need to file an application with section 8 housing (I think that is what it is still called). I was on this years ago back home (in a much smaller county) and I had to wait 8 mos to get to the top of the list. I honestly don't remember all of the qualifications for it, but I was a waitress at the time at a nightclub....

Secondly, file for food stamps and TANF at your local DHS office. They do have emergency funds if you qualify and you can get medicaid for the kids if you qualify also!!!!

Third, file with your local texas workforce commission for unemployment if you qualify. Even if you don't, file an application with them. They can help you with finding a job, job skills, daycare, and tons of other programs that will help you until you get on your feet!!!!

Fourth, you can look to churches and other non profit organizations for assistance with rent, electric bills, etc...even food boxes if you need that!!!

Last, I think it was at one time called CCMS, but they helped me with my daycare when I was working and daycare was costing me more than I made!!! The other agencies should be able to help point you in the right direction for this one also....

I don't know you entire issue, but I definately can feel your pain coming through in your post. I am here if you need to talk!!!

And to everyone who looks down on those struggling...dont!! Bad things do happen to good people. Yes, I have used most of the programs I have mentioned in the past...but I have also donated back to them when I could!! People struggle, the world is a cruel cruel place!!! If you find a post you vehemently disagree with as Amy did, take a step back and count your blessings you aren't in that persons shoes and move on if you can't find anything nice and supportive to say!!!! Kicking someone while they are already down is just bad any way you look at it....

May the Spirit be with you to give you strength E....my family and I are literally living proof you can and WILL survive this....I am here and willing to help any way I can...all you need do is ask...

hugs and the brightest of blessings
H.

E.:

You and your kids will be in my prayers. I don't get how people can be so cruel, rude...anyways, everybody goes throught hard situations and you don't have to be ashamed of that; I know this is a stressfull situation.

All I was about to tell you, was mentioned for all the moms that send you an answer today (of course, except Amy). This is a blessed country, where we support each other in hard situations.

If you have to leave right away from your place, you may look for a temporary shelter; I volunteer in one, a couple years ago, and they are good and decent places for moms and kiddos.

Feel free to use this site anytime, where we, your fellas moms, are here to hear you and give you a piece of advice.

In Jesus,

E.

Absolutely! I have been in your shoes and please please...anything you need. Post it and we will help. I had to find things like this on my own and it wastes precious time. Don't take you're time...the hard work is getting to these agencies now and filling out all the paper work. All that Holly, Denise, and Valerie have said. If your children are very young - WIC is wonderful. TANF can help you with child support if you are not receiving it. Food Stamps and medical coverage you can receive for your kids at your county Health and Human Services Dept. CCMS ( call Texas Workforce in your county) will help with child care (if available) and you must have a job first which makes it a little difficult. You can do it. Food pantries...most definately are an immediate help that these agencies might not be until paperwork is processed. And yes.. you can find govt housing for you and your children. When I went through this it was no charge for no income (must be looking) and will later base your rent on your income and family size after you obtain a job. It is necessary sometimes and you can work your way out of this too!! That is what these programs are there for. If you find yourself with no where to go at the end of the month...go to a women and children's shelter. It sounds scary, but they are very nice. You will have your own room/bathroom and meals provided and transportation if needed and child care and new clothes if you or your kids need it. They supply counselors for you specifically to help you get back on your feet and will sometimes help supply and apt, and furniture all together. Please ask if you have questions or need anything. Some of us have been where you are and we want to give back to you for all those people who gave to us in our time of need :O) It will all work out. You will make it! Let us know how things turn out.

amy your just plain mean today. i hope you have a better afternoon

I'm so sorry you received such a rude response...it makes me ashamed to share the name A.. I'm pretty much in your situation though and believe me, the government takes their time. My son's medicaid runs out the end of this month and I've already applied again. His daddy makes less than $1000/month and I don't work and we still were denied. I've applied again and this time I fudged the truth a little bit. Pretty much, what I'm saying is, LIE! Haha, don't lie, but definitely make your situation seem as bad as possible. Everyone I know who has public housing, welfare, medicaid, TANF, food stamps, etc said they lied on their apps, because even though they met the requirements they were still denied, so they had to seem even more poverty-stricken than they really were. Anyway, good luck with the job and home hunt! Don't let people like that other A. get you down. Most people realize that job hunting can be a long and strenuous hunt and having kids makes it just that much harder!

Oh and to apply for this stuff, go to your local medicaid office...thats how you get the TANF, food stamps, medicaid form (it's a 3-in-1 form).

Amy must see what everybody is saying about her bitter, sarcastic comment...I wanted to writte her back, but suddenly her comment dissapear from here.

Mamasource is a place where we all moms have the freedom to ask, share, look for advice, without the worry to be judged; to my, is a friendly, kindly and polite place.

E.: don't let anybody put you down; this a stage in your life and won't last forever. Contact your local food bank and Salvation Army office; they also have child care programs for free or almost free. YMCA also helps with childcare.

I'm so glad to belong to a community where we can help and support each other in time of need.

Mary

E.:

Try to contact the Salvation Army in your city; they have great programs to help in time of crisis.

Ignore what Amy said and I will try as well...

God bless