Posted on 01/05/2005 7:28:24 PM PST by Ellesu
We live in a society where cash comes before being human
Dear Socialist Worker, I am a single woman, currently unemployed, with a home-based business that is barely bringing in any income. I have always supported myself by working in nightclub industries as a promoter and makeup artist, and writing resumes (my business).
In September, when I was about five-and-a-half months pregnant, I could no longer work in the nightclub industry, which was 90 percent of my income and allowed me to afford my rent and pay most of my bills. I tried to look for a job, but a lot of places would not hire me because of my pregnancy.
I fell three months behind on my rent--about $3,300. I have lived in my apartment for seven-and-a-half years and have always paid the rent. My landlord recently gave me an eviction letter asking me to come up with the money or leave in three days. I wrote a letter explaining that I was due to give birth and, as of January 1, would be back to work and caught up.
I explained and apologized for any inconvenience that I may have caused. But he and his lawyer went ahead and started the eviction process.
I am at my lowest low. I cry every night because I have no support. The social service people said they will not provide any rental assistance because my rent is too high. But my rent is standard for a New York City apartment in a decent neighborhood.
I just can’t believe that in this country, there are people made homeless everyday, and that the law will allow a landlord or a judge or a lawyer to evict a pregnant woman and contribute to homelessness.
I could understand if I was working and refusing to pay rent. Then I would think that was the right action to take on his part. But I am showing an effort to pay, and I have a good reason.
It is sad that we live in a society where cash comes before being human. It is sad that we live in society that contributes to homelessness because someone has suffered a financial crisis or major setback.
I have called every charity in my area. Most of them tell me they have no funds or don’t provide funds. I called a lawyer to assist me in court. I explained that I am getting evicted, and all he could say to me is “I could represent you for $600.” I just told this man that I am being evicted--that means I have no money.
I was not able to afford an attorney, and the landlord got the upper hand. I was given the “choice” of coming up with almost $6,000 by February 28--that will include January and February rent and the back rent I owe. I have to start making a payment in the next 20 days of $500. If I am a day late, they will send the marshal to evict me. So, I am basically still in the same position.
I have been to the charities that I was told to go to. A lot of them say there is no money. The Salvation Army said they could only give me $600, but that is only if I could show them proof that I can come up with the rest. I tried to get a one-shot deal, but they said I needed to have a job to qualify to show how I will pay them back. If I had money and a job I would not be going to them! They made no sense.
We have billions to use for war, but no help or funds for individuals in need. It is sad that we call ourselves the richest country in the world. We are the poorest, because of our poor sense of humanity. Anonymous, New York City
To help with a donation or legal advice, contact crisisinnyc@aol.com
Perhaps, someone here might want to email her?
Methinks a good bench mark (in the grand scheme of things), would be that if nobody is shooting at you, it's a pretty good day.
Don't ya think?
5.56mm
>>>Methinks a good bench mark (in the grand scheme of things), would be that if nobody is shooting at you, it's a pretty good day.<<<
It's also a good day if a 15 foot tidal wave isn't suddenly coming at you 500 mph.
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Let me know if I can help...but otherwise...sssshhheeeze.
Would the prodigal have returned without hunger and shame?
Here's an idea. Make good decisions about your life. Come back later and tell us how well it went.
Hey man, good to hear from you...explain...you know I am here...
ANything Ginger was in was GREAT! (and you can just HAVE Fred......ick)
You don't like Fred? I do...but I also like any movie with Ginger in it too. :-)
and now that is a wonderful memory...I am now full of forgiveness and my shame is erased (though I can still see it)...
Not at all. I am very active in my parish and volunteer with my time and money for those that have fallen on bad times. I am more than willing to help and pray for those in need, but I dislike those that take advantage of it, expect others to solve their problems and then continue on with their bad choices and lifestyles.
Maybe I was wrong to judge this person, and if her story is true, I am sorry for her, maybe it's the cynic in me from getting burned so often after helping people.
I see people like her, who have it worse than she does and they pick themselves up by their bootstraps and get out of that hole they are in without expecting the government to do it for them. I see people make better choices for themselves and not rely on welfare and government handouts to pay their way.
I see parents teaching their children about how to live their future with God in control and then I see so many like this woman, so lost and expecting others to get her out of it, and a socialist party egging her own to blame it on the war, etc. and I get angry.
I apologize for my profanity and for even posting the silly article. To me it was just another prime example of the me me me society and I overreacted.
Don't care for him. He was always cast as a love interest for some young dame when he looked like an old fart!
Ellesu did not write this piece. It was a letter to socialistworker.com. Also, Ellesu does not come off as being uncharitable or stingy or ugly. The letter was not believable. But, even so, lots of us are tired of these whiny sob stories about the consequences of actions that were stoopid, immoral, drug-induced, whatever. Show me a truly needy person and I'm there as, I'm sure, Ellesu would be, too.
One of my earlier posts here said that this woman would have to move so she could get charity. I'm willing to help for a few months (even given the fact that she's a sorry loser), but I have no intention of subsidizing the $1100 rental, and DO NOT ever ever ever give me any crapola whatsoever when asking for my help.
Ellesu: True, there's no rule about writing a commentary, but you run the risk of misunderstandings if you don't clarify!!!!!! SHEESH!!
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there is no end to God's love (which is within us when we seek the Spirit)...I am devout...I live for Him...I am also an idiot...I have given up a whole material world...for faith only...
And I still wouldn't change.
>>>Would the prodigal have returned without hunger and shame?<<<
Excellent point!
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Lesson learned and thank you.
She'll use the baby to get on welfare for several years.
This has been a rough month...I liked this post...we are all questioning our role in life and what we might do to help...
Troll.
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