Hi, I'm Lori. I'm 61 and single for many years. I have 3 grown, independent daughters and 2 grandsons. These 5 humans are what I cherish most in my life. I have been independent since graduating college. I've always worked and supported myself from age 22 until about a year ago when a series of events combined to tear a huge hole in my sense of security and punch my usual optimism right in the face. I was "let go" from a job I had worked for 16 years, without warning or reason made aware to me. Even at 61, my positive outlook told me I would get a new job within a couple of months. I reasoned that my savings would carry me through. I've networked, revamped my resume, talked to former co-workers and supervisors, and have sent applications to about 100 potential employers with job openings posted on LinkedIn, CareerBuilder, and countless recruiters and agencies. Since January, I've landed only 4 actual interviews and received many "thanks but no thanks" emails, and no job offers.

From November through February, I experienced 5 separate dislocations of my left hip, each requiring an ER admission, anesthesia, and a "closed reduction" procedure, which means the ER staff must manually manipulate the leg to "pop" the leg bone back into the porcelain implant I've had for about 13 years. I am uninsured and the medical bills started rolling in and kept on coming from 3 different hospitals, anesthesiologists, pathologists, radiologists, and medical equipment providers for which I had no ability to pay. I was also worried about it happening again, dreading more bills I couldn't pay. Paying rent and all my bills, just my car note and insurance cost me $1,000 a month, $1,200 for rent plus credit accounts. My savings were quickly depleted. To add a bit more to my predicament, the neuropathy affecting my hands and arms became debilitating, with constant numbness, electric "shock" sensations, tingling, and pain. I became depressed and felt hopeless, thinking about trying to work as a paralegal with the increasing discomfort I was feeling. After years of procrastination, I finally filed for disability with the SSA, submitting 20+ years of medical records, doctor reports, diagnostic records, and provided every piece of info requested. Eight months later, my application was denied.

In the meantime, I had to move out of my apartment, put my belongings in storage, and move in with friends temporarily, then eventually moved to Beaumont to be closer to my daughters. I am still applying for jobs and getting rejected, and trying to earn money to keep my car note and insurance current by donating plasma twice a week and driving DoorDash. Even those efforts haven't been consistently successful due to low iron in my blood that has prevented me from donating even though I am focused on eating food high in iron and taking a supplement daily. Last month, my insurance was canceled because there was no money for the $425 premium payment. I haven't made a car payment since May because I haven't been able to pull together the $575 monthly payment. I now live with fear and anxiety that my car will be repossessed at any moment or I'll get in trouble for lack of insurance. I have received some help from the few family members I have, but my family isn't wealthy and I cannot ask for more help from them. I am in a predicament I never expected to be in at this stage in my life, and my options are severely limited. First and foremost, I must pay $1,500 on my car note or I will lose the one asset that is necessary for me to make a little money driving DoorDash. I must also replace the canceled insurance coverage as soon as humanly possible.

I have never been comfortable asking for help. But right now, I know I have to reach out for the help I need, and I know there are good people who can and will extend a helping hand if they can. I am terrified of becoming homeless in a society that views the homeless with contempt and scorn. If that happens, I will lose the hope and sense of optimism that have gotten me this far and have kept me moving forward in difficult times.

I am grateful for a donation of any amount from anyone who reads my story and has the desire to help me climb out of this predicament.

Thank you for taking the time to read my testimony, given honestly, with humility and a hopeful heart.