Please Help Margaret Get Safe Housing Near Family

“You have not because you ask not …”

 

This phrase has reminded me that I must seek help for my living situation.

 

I’m a 67-year-old disabled, widowed female currently living near Pittsburgh, PA, where I have been all my life. I had worked as a registered nurse for 35 years until becoming disabled at age 55 with severe arthritis. My husband was a millworker/auto mechanic until he passed away at age 63. Unfortunately, we had no life insurance.

 

Two recent events have impacted my life, and I must relocate to South Carolina to be near my oldest son and his family:

 

1. Unexpectedly, my son’s wife died this past February. Our liveshave been upended by this tragedy. My son, an Iraq War veteran, lost his soulmate and is now a single parent to his 2 young sons, ages 12 and 14.

 

2. My rental home of 8 years has recently suffered extreme water damage and black mold (from upstairs leaks). The roof needs replaced, and, as per Code Enforcement, the home is currently unhealthy and unsafe.  Unfortunately, my landlord is elderly, ill, and unable to complete the required repairs.

 

It is imperative that I take steps ASAP to move to a handicap-accessible place near my son and grandsons, who live in Ridgeway, SC. I will be able to help my grandsons with their homeschooling and hopefully, be an encouragement to my family as we grieve the loss of my daughter-in-law.

 

Sometimes it seems that “when it rains, it pours!”. The stress has worsened my pain and mobility problems, but I’m determined to rise to the occasion because relocation is clearly the best solution for our family.

 

However, an embarrassing and frustrating fact is that my income is limited and fixed (Social Security and a small pension); I have no savings and nothing of value to sell. Therefore, I’m reaching out for assistance with my moving and travel expenses, apartment attainment, and replacement of some possessions which I have lost due to my closet’s mold and water damage—clothing, bedding, medical supplies, fans, and lamps.

 

Hopefully, the above explanation of my current situation may help you understand my needs. I’ve come to the realization that, possibly, “I have not because I ask not.” Therefore, I humbly ask that you search your hearts and donate to my moving/relocation fund.

 

I thank you in advance and plan to keep you posted as per GoFundMe guidelines.

 

Sincerely,

 

Margaret Lewis