Hi, I’m Stef Hellen. I’m reaching out because I’ve been struggling to get approved for disability, and it’s been an incredibly difficult journey. My case is now heading to trial, and aside from a few kind advocates at the ADRC, I’ve largely had to navigate this alone.

Because I’m not older, the process has been especially uphill—and for much of this time, I’ve also been homeless. The places I’ve managed to stay have often been unsafe, with stairs that aren’t accessible for me and environments where I’ve been taken advantage of and had my belongings stolen.

More than anything, I want to be near my kids again. But right now, I would be grateful just to have a safe, ground-floor place to live.

I do receive food stamps and I’m doing everything I can to stay afloat, but my truck—my current home—is barely holding on. I can’t afford basic necessities like soap, gas, oil changes, or even tires. My phone is also about to be shut off, which makes it even harder to stay connected to any support.

It’s already painful to be dismissed as a disabled person who hasn’t yet been recognized by the system. Adding homelessness on top of that has made things feel overwhelming. I’m trying to hold on to hope that things will get better, but right now, it’s hard to see a way forward.

I’m not even sure what to ask for, but I do need help. If anyone can assist in finding a disability lawyer, a doctor who is willing to advocate for me, or even help with small essentials like keeping my phone on or maintaining my truck, it would mean so much.

I’m doing my best to advocate for myself, even when it feels like no one is listening.