Greetings, I am a 56-year-old female that lives alone with my cocker spaniel, Murphy. I recently had a stroke at 55 years that damaged my vision permanently. Stroke was this past November 2024. I am asking to be considered for rent assistance. I helped hundreds if not thousands of low-income families obtain state rent assistance. I never thought I would be one of them. Here is my story. Thank you.

Since 2019 I have been in and out of hospital with a chronic digestive condition. I continued to work remotely while sick every day. Sometimes it was painful, but I was working. I recently had to go back to work in an office setting in 2024. I did not fit into the workplace anymore, even though 2 of the 3 companies I started with that year I had worked for extensively in prior year. Fast forward to September 2024... I was employed with a company within walking distance and able to handle the easy Customer Service role. I was bored, but had enough to live on and could work with a standing desk and limited solid foods. We were doing okay, then... the stroke.

The day after election day, November 2024, I came down with a stomach virus. I was vomiting every 30 minutes, which is a cycle for me with the chronic condition. No fever. This lasted for three days. During this time I had a headache and went to the ER for fluids. While there I was having issues with my eyesight. I could not see properly. The ER doctor did some simple stroke activities and thought nothing more of it. Fluids and home later that day.

That evening, I had more trouble seeing and trying to use PC/Phone. I figured dehydrated and went to bed. Awoke and the symptoms were worse! Back to the hospital and now I was told I was having a stroke... for 3 days! No fault anywhere, but gee whiz, I was just at the ER complaining of these symptoms and they sent me home. The stroke damaged 2.05 cm of the left Occipital Lobe. Now, my vision is compromised where I can no longer work or conduct daily activity with normalcy. My brain does not process what i see correctly anymore. The vision is altered and skewed. I am getting used to it, but there is little that can be done. It goes without saying that I have cognitive issues related to the vision loss. No driving. State took my driver's license. I could not dream of driving anyways.

I am a simple lady that needs a little help. I no longer can drive or leave the house alone. I do not see things properly, like the car that nearly hit Murphy and I a day or so back. We need to be careful. I am waiting on state funded housing for when my SSDI is approve, but that may take a few years. It is up the street and across from the park. I can have a small garden. so, when the time comes, my application is in, however, my old farm house apartment is affordable too. I cannot lose it. There will be no one bedroom places in this area for under $1200. My SSDI is only going to be $1500. Please consider helping Murphy and I stay in a safe home.

I am waiting the SSDI review/approval. We have 2 more SSA appointments in September. I do not know the time frame for the approval after the appointments. There have been many. My concern is rent. I have been able to maintain rent payments since November with the Family leave and family help. I am on state welfare/SNAP $441/$292 monthly, that is it. My son paid the rent for June/July. I will be able to apply for a rent assistance program that will or hopefully will pay August, September and maybe October, but then I need help.

I am asking for assistance with rent, $750.00/month. I have been able to keep up with the utilities and heat is included in the rent. I live in Berkshire County, western Massachusetts and at this residence for 10 years. Please if you can find it in your heart to help me keep my apartment, I would be grateful. I have three gardens in the adjacent property that I harvest and give away to neighbors/family. I cannot eat the produce anymore, but can still get my hands dirty. People love to see them as they walk on by...

Thank you kindly,

Virginia and Murphy