# A Plea for One Final Push: Help Me Secure Stable Housing

Dear Friends and Community,

The past 7 months have been a whirlwind—from thriving in a new life abroad to living homeless in a van here in America. Many of you know the full story, but here’s the essence: For 26 years, I was a stable person living on Social Security Disability, managing life’s daily demands despite a broken back and chronic illness. Then, through unforeseen circumstances, everything collapsed.

In February 2024, after five months of careful planning, I moved abroad to Thailand as I needed an affordable place to live. I confirmed with Social Security that my benefits—my 26-year lifeline—would continue. A representative assured me, “Yes, just call once you have a permanent address.” My checks were deposited as usual. A few months in, I checked in from temporary housing; the call was friendly and reassuring—no issues at all.

On New Year’s Day 2025, I settled into my new home. Shortly after moving in, I called Social Security to update my address. That’s when the nightmare began. A new representative informed me I could only leave the U.S. for 30 days max. Despite my protests and reliance on prior advice, she revoked my benefits mid-call and abruptly ended the conversation.

Devastated, I returned to the States to fight for reinstatement. You—my incredible community—raised funds to purchase a used disability-accessible van for me, providing me with mobility and a place to sleep. Along with funds to get by during this time.

For six months, at 57 and in a wheelchair, I’ve endured homeless van life: no showers in five months, constant cop knocks, aggressive encounters with unstable people, paying rent at cafés by buying too many coffees and pastries just to use the space to work, charge my devices, and access restrooms, plus endless stares in parking lots where I would sit many countless hours waiting for call backs. It’s been brutal on my body and mind, but I’ve survived—thanks to you my community.

After relentless appeals, Social Security finally reinstated my benefits. But they’re clawing back $15,000 in “overpayments” (despite their own bad information), leaving me with just **$1,080/month**—$200 less than before.

At this income:

- **Housing?** “Affordable” options exceed my budget; disability-accessible units have 1+ year waitlists. I can’t survive another year in the van—possibly more.

- **Daily costs?** Gas for the van eats a huge chunk; food is the rest. I can’t save a nickel.

- **Health?** I’m slowly deteriorating. Zero proper sleep in six months, and when chronic inflammation flares, I have nowhere to rest away from the world. My mind feels like it's going.

However, now, with benefits restored and a new wheelchair incoming from Medi-Cal, I’m ready for the next chapter: **securing a stable, affordable home** where I can access the holistic care my body needs. A proper bed, shower, desk—and heck, just to watch dumb TV at the end of the day. What a dream.

I never wanted to ask for help to begin with, let alone ask for more—you’ve already kept me alive. But I need **one last community push** to escape the homeless van life and secure a stable home.

If you can contribute, I thank you from the depths of my soul. If not, your prayers and friendship mean the world.

You’ve carried me this far. With your help, I’ll make it home.

Gratefully,

**Erik**

*(Donation link/details here if applicable)*