My name is Alan Poole. I am 61, and my fiancée, Michelle Parker, 55, have been living in our van for about a year. She is on disability, and I haven't been able to work due to my deteriorating health issues. Our only income has been her disability, and that is not enough for rent and utilities.

Our van is pretty old; it doesn't have AC or heat, but somehow we get by. Our dog, Shadow, and our cat, Beans, stay with us, and they are very well taken care of.

Recently, I have fallen a number of times and now use a walker. Weakness in my hands is making it difficult to eat or write. My fiancée took me to the hospital last week. I was in the hospital for several days, and after many tests, I was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). It is a terminal illness, and there is no cure.

I have applied for disability, and my benefits should begin in a few months. I automatically qualify for Medicaid, so the medical bills are not an issue. We just need to get out of our van and have a temporary place to stay until my disability benefits start. The hospital started my Medicaid and disability paperwork, but disability will take 30 to 90 days to start. Temporary housing is available, but it is very expensive because it will be a month-to-month or week-to-week payment. Anything helps; we really appreciate you taking the time to read and hopefully share our story. God bless. Sincerely, Alan and Michelle.