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
Excuse me while I run out the to shed and search for the tiny violin.
I have more respect for street walkers, at least they aren't complaining.
This particular Christian (and my FReeping Christian husband) sold our second car last year in order to cover medical expenses. Can we get by without that car? Yes, but it has been very difficult. Never once did we go trolling for handouts. Am I glad that this woman chose to have her baby, instead of having an abortion? Absolutely. I'd rather help support one hundred illegitimate children than one single abortion.
Most of all, I wish that women would keep their damn legs locked at the knees.
Good post, LSU, despite whatever confusion you may have inadvertently caused. You and I see eye to eye on this one, methinks.
Yes we do, I agree with you, and thank you. I'm learning fast how to post and appreciate everyone's help.
Throw yourself on the mercy of the nearest church.
Don't mind me, I'm a little sore from shovelling!
I will follow your advice and thanks. The majority here have been very cordial and I'm learning not to pay attention to the rest. LOL.
I think that she left out a lot of relevant details, if you want to know the truth.
Her pregnancy (assuming it is an illegitimate pregnancy) seems to be the cause of her financial problems. I would consider pregnancy a self- inflicted limitation and she should have known there would be adverse financial repercussions.
While I commend her for not seeking abortion, I cannot muster a feeling of sympathy for her problems. I further cannot see her justification that somehow it is now our obligation to help her out financially. The status of victimization just does not compute for self inflicted adversity.
This disease particularly afflicts people who happen to live in the New York/metropolitan area.
For some strange reason, they feel that they are entitled to live "rent free" at the expense of landlords.
Whether it be illegal squatters or people who are sponging off of property owners in the form of rent stabilized or rent-controlled apartments, this is a sickness that seems to infect large segments of my city.
When-if ever-will someone find an antidote to this ailment?
That's what I'm wondering.
-good times, G.J.P.(Jr.)
Agreed.
If someone is in need of cash, ask your friends and family to borrow you the money. They know how trust worthy you are. They know if you will pay them back. Don't depend on strangers. You can sell items to generate funds. If you have a newer car, you can sell that one and buy a lower priced auto. Some employers will give you a cash advance if you worked there for awhile and have a good record. Some friends will loan you money if you have jewerly or something of value as collateral.
You know, I was in a similiar situation when I was young. However...I moved back to my hometown, where I could afford to work at a job I could get as a pregnant lady (yeah, someone HIRED me when I was ALREADY pregnant). I also had the support of my son's father, and my family. Not just because I was family and pregnant, but because I took responsibility for what happened and was helping myself first before asking someone else!!! People are more than willing to help folks that are at least trying to help themselves, not sitting around whining for a handout.
This girl really needs to get a clue and grow up in a hurry.
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