Friends Helping Friends

Howdy, I’m Wallace Hodges and I’m facing eviction from my apartment. Back in June, I filed for short term disability (SDI) through EDD here in California following the advice of my doctors as they determined I was not able to function in a job due to depression and major anxiety. Throughout Covid, I was suffering from major depression and having suicidal thoughts. My psychiatrist determined after trying many drugs over a long period of time (months), that I was suffering from treatment resistant depression. It has taken several months to actually get an appointment with a specialist for Jan 18th to see if I’m eligible for special treatment. This treatment has great success rate and with it, I can hopefully return to the work force. I was approved for the special treatment and now awaiting insurance approval.

I’ve had no money coming in over a year, I exhausted my savings back in June. I have medical through state of CA and get food from food stamps (CalFresh). Disability denied my case last month and it has been sent to appeals. Through mistakes at EDD, my claim basically sat in limbo for 6 months. And as of Jan 13th, I lost my eviction case and Jewish Family Services has advised me that basically I can’t be housed because I now have an eviction on my record, no income, and a dog. I’m not sure what to do and within a few days the sheriff will serve me with a 5 day notice to be out. I’ve accumulated much debt during this time and am hoping for a miracle which will keep me in my present housing. These funds will be used that purpose, to find new housing if I cannot stay, and to keep me housed during the several months of treatment.

I’m embarrassed by my situation and not good with asking for help but my situation is dire. I have no money, and feel hopeless at this point. I’ve contacted the governor’s office and other agencies about my disability but nothing has happened yet and it’s been over 7 months.

It kills me to sit here and write this, but I need major help or I will be on the streets. I’m now 63 years old and never thought I’d be facing something like this. Thanks so much for listening.