Eviction Prevention

As many of you know, my full-time employer recently sold all of its Community Benefit District contracts. As a Community Ambassador, I was employed with them for 5 years, where I had an instrumental role in helping to keep the Civic Center fairly safe, and relatively clean.

As many of you know, that's a tall order. One facet of this position was helping the homeless with any resources they may need. Over those 5 years, I can count on one hand, the number of folks who really wanted my help, and got help. 

Now, I am in danger of becoming one of those statistics.

After being chased and punched in the face a few times by the people I had sought to help, I decided 5 years was enough. I wanted time to work on my own business, and to find other work, as well. So, when the company sold the contract, I immediately went to the Labor Commission to see what options I had. They told me that I could file for unemployment because, effectively I was being laid off. The company that bought the contract, took on the employees as if they were brand new. All medical and dental benefits were suspended for 90 days; medications in limbo. They could also decide to terminate you for any reason during the 90 day probationary period.

As someone who was already burned out, after 5 years, you can imagine how appealing this was to me, so I opted out.

Under the advice of the Labor Commission, I filed for unemployment. Everything was fine--until a week ago--when I noticed a delay in my Unemployment Insurance payments. And rent is due.

Originally I thought my employer was disputing the UI. Turns out it is the Employment Development Department, itself. I had my phone interview with them yesterday. They are saying that I was offered a position with a new company, and I refused work.

Now, I have to wait "10 days for a decision". I don't have 10 days to wait for a decision. I don't have 10 days to wait for a rejection. I don't have 10 days to resolve an appeal.

Today is August 5. The deadline for rent is today. Tomorrow a $150 late fee will apply. The following day, I will likely get a 3-Day Notice on my door, informing me that I have 3 days, to Pay or Quit. Then, eviction proceedings will begin.

Knowing my resources was my job, so you might think I can handle this. I certainly did.

Here's the catch: I can't access any of those resources (RADCO; St. Anthony's, etc.) without a letter stating that my Unemployment Claim has been rejected. Currently it's under consideration. No decision has been made.

I don't like asking anyone for money, and I wouldn't do it unless I was in a bad situation. This certainly feels like a bad situation, so I'm asking for your help.

Will you help me?

Sincerely,

-Lance