Boost Valerie's Journey to a Safe Haven

Hi, my name is Valerie.

A short preface; I am struggling with shame for reaching out like this. I was born “legally blind” but have never identified as a “disabled” person. Really, if anything, it’s made me ‘stupid proud’ meaning I never ask for help.

I qualified for social security when I hit 18 but never dreamed of taking advantage of that until a few years ago in my fifties and only because sweet friends twisted my arm.

I’ve also never been a person who has chased a career and money, choosing rather to travel the world while I still had the vision to feel safe, and having small cottage industries to support myself.

But now, for the first time in my life I feel helpless and need help.

Here’s my current story.

My mom moved in with me about four years ago because she had lived in Talent Oregon and the Alameda fire devastated her community and left her with PTSD and some pretty major health issues.

I’ve been her caretaker for the past four years and now she’s doing well and tucked away safe and sound in a great community.

I’m left with this big house that I can’t care for so it needs to be sold and I need to move into a tiny cottage nearby that has been my rental income.

Because of the legally blind thing I’ve never been able to drive so though the cottage is only 20 miles away I can’t help myself to get this job done, and my income will be sub-zero once I’m in the cottage until this house sells because I’ll still need to pay the mortgage etc., so dipping into my very modest savings would be pretty un-wise.

The proceeds from the sale of this house will go to my ex husband because he is giving me the cottage.

My ex is my best friend and was going to come out here for two weeks to help me but he has been out of work for two weeks due to Nora virus so can’t take the time off to come help now..

I’m left with worlds of work both here at the house we need to sell as well as work on the cottage before I can move in, and for the first time in my life I feel helpless.

I need the money to pay someone for two weeks worth of help, and to hire movers.

Due to my ‘blindness’ and age, for the first time in my life I’m scared that finding a job will be pretty difficult, so I’m asking for help, just to get this move done without going through my savings.

My life has been about feeling gratitude and feeling rich in every way except money-wise. I don’t need much really, and I know I’ll get back to a place of calm and feeling safe, and hopefully with your help I can get there again. In advance thanks ever so much. Take good care, Valerie.