What Happens When You Lose Your Home in Amesbury, Massachutes?

She is 72 years old; honest and hard-working too.

Losing Your Home for Most People Is Devastating

Judith is a 72 year-old digital artist who lost her home due to high rent increases that she couldn’t afford. She even worked at Market Basket grocery to supplement her social security check, but it just wasn’t enough.

I know the emotional toll of eviction and homelessness can be significant on anyone, but especially older people. At 72, it’s common for women to have incontinence and it’s vital to have bathroom privileges. But Judith had the stress of finding a bathroom while being homeless when she had the urge and I suppose it must have been hard on her at times.

So many businesses, these days refuse to let you use their bathroom facilities. But I think McDonald’s and Walmart don’t mind since both businesses are so popular.

Even though Judith had a voucher to cover part of her rent, she could not find housing within her budget for one year. In the meantime, she had to sleep in her car. She chose the local graveyard in her community and joined forces with other homeless people.

I wonder why homeless are attracted to the graveyard to stay for the night. I suppose it must be quiet, peaceful and safe there.

Support and Resources are not Always the Answer

America has changed in the last decade when it comes to helping out the needs of citizens. Even though the government provides a variety of services, one cannot fully rely on the system to supply their needs.

There’s always a waiting list, so in the meantime people like Judith have to fend for themselves. Luckily, Judith had a dependable car and it had room for her to sleep comfortably.

After one year, Judith finally was able to find affordable housing with the help of a non-profit organization.

Judith Finally Finds an Apartment Not Far From Where She was Evicted

A case worker after one year of looking, finally found Judith an affordable apartment that accepted her Section 8 Housing Voucher. I hope she gets to stay put and work on her art and live a happy and healthy life.

I’m happy for Judith that she found a safe and comfortable apartment where she can work on her digital art and take care of her cat. Hopefully, her income will be enough to support her apartment and her essential needs.

Americans Need to be Aware of Homelessness in All of Our Communities

Homelessness in Massachusetts

It gets very cold in the wintertime in Massachusetts. The cold would reck havoc on any older person who has arthritis or other diseases. It would be hard on a younger person too, but much harder on the elderly.

Shelters are overcrowded and sometimes not available for more bodies. This is not true everywhere, but is true in some of the larger cities.

What Can I Do About Homelessness?

As a writer, I can spread the awareness online so if you feel like you are going to be evicted from your residence, there are some preparedness that you can do for yourself ahead of time.

Most rental personnel give you an advanced warning when the rent is going to increase, so keeping control over your finances, you should know if you can pay the rent increase or not. If you are like Judith and have a car to live in, you will need to have a plan.

If this happened to me, I would rent a storage building like Judith and put all my belongings where I could locate items easily.

I’m suggesting everyone carry a solar generator for charging cell phones, computers, etc. and have a few good solar lights. It’s also important to have a handbook with all your contact information at hand.

Be aware of your surroundings and practice safety at all times.

Believe in yourself and eventually you will find housing.

I hope you enjoyed this week’s post. I would like to hear your perspective toward homelessness in your community and how do you contribute to help out.

Thanks for reading,

Kindly,

Carol

t