
Living in a van and struggling with medical issues
Donation protected
I don't usually speak about my situation because I know others have their own struggles, but I'm now at a roadblock and would appreciate assistance navigating.
I've been advised by my neurologist to not return to my old industrial job until after my brain tumor is removed, which I don't yet have a surgery date for, and my disability case isn't expected to resolve for at least another six months.
I've been living out of a van since I lost access to housing back in August. Though I own the van, my auto insurance and P.O. Box are about to renew in the next few days, and I don't yet have the funds to cover either. My plan was to save money from working the other three jobs I have to cover my expenses, but I have yet to be paid for any of them. I'm a registered Personal Support Worker for a client who hasn't offered me any billable hours, I'm employed with a temp agency that has failed to place me with a client, and I have yet to be assigned any tasks for my remote work job.
I've been scraping to cover fuel costs by offering rides to friends, but I barely break even on fuel, let alone have enough to keep up with van maintenance.
I'm not sure if it works differently here, but years ago in Kentucky I was stopped, arrested, towed, and had my license suspended for driving without insurance, and I'd rather not repeat that experience.
At the very least, insurance is $942 and the P.O. Box is $91. This would keep me legal for another six months. Hopefully, my disability claim resolves by then to cover next time.
I could probably make it work for less if I pay the insurance month-to-month, though that'll cost more in the long run, and anything more will go towards keeping up with van maintenance, oil changes, tires, fuel, and ongoing winterization efforts. Still, anything to hold on another month helps.
Organizer
Ashe Sarethi
Organizer
Portland, OR