Keep Shari, Molly, and Cats Safe, Secure, and Housed

Hi there, my name is Shari and I never thought I would be in this place. I’m 60 years old and disabled, and last year, I was scammed out of my entire life savings by my rental tenant. I ended up losing my home and I was homeless for eight weeks. Thankfully, I was finally able to get into an apartment because of the generosity of the owner of the building. Unfortunately, I’ve been having a lot of trouble making my rent. I’ve lost my car insurance, my medical insurance, and a variety of other things. I have no family left, very few friends, and no one to lean on. I’m absolutely terrified.

I have one dog, Molly, who belonged to my mother, and I have two cats that were foster failures. When I was able-bodied, I worked very hard my whole life. Never in a million years did I think I would have to reach out for help. But I don’t know what else to do. I’ve been looking for work for months and whatever little money I had put aside is gone. I’m diabetic and I don’t even have the money for medication.

Three weeks ago, I was feeling so alone and terrified that I called 311. Since then, I’ve been getting some help from the mental health department, but it is very slow going and in the meantime, I still need money for dog food, cat litter, and medication. Not to mention a portion of my rent. Even simple things like needing quarters to do laundry seem beyond my reach. I’m honest and ethical and I’ve always tried to do the right thing. I cared for both my mother and sister when they were dying or ill. My sister died of cancer at the age of 40 but suffered a long battle with Crohn’s disease and I had her come live with me when she was recovering from almost losing her life from a bowel resection. My mother had been diagnosed with a brain tumor and for the last 10 years of her life I cared for her as well. I always wanted to live my life from the perspective of not having any regrets and from the perspective of due onto to others as you would want them to do unto you. So I have always been there for other people. Throughout my life, I have fostered animals, volunteered, and donated money to a variety of causes. I’m genuinely a good human being with a big heart.

I heard from my landlord today and if I don’t come up with the balance of my rent by the 11th, she told me they will start legal proceedings to get me out. If you could find it in your heart to help me, it will not go unnoticed or unappreciated. No amount is too small. This is very humiliating and humbling at the same time. I just don’t know what else to do.