Trying to make rent

This is probably THE most embarrassing thing I’ve ever had to lower myself to doing but at this point I am running out of options…

As most of you do not know, I lost my job on May 1st. They claimed I was tardy too many times THOUGH their claims that put everything to a “final” status as of 2/13/23 was due to them claiming I was not punching in and out for my shifts and they were having to do time edits. But- why would I not want to get paid for the shifts I am showing up for?! These are ADP time locks that are at soooo many employers. We tapped our badge and it would chime and light up green saying success. If it was an mis-tap, it would chime differently and light up red saying failed. Even if you only glance at these things, you know if it worked or not! It got to a point where they only brought this to my attention after “SEVERAL” occurrences (a whole page worth) to where I started taking photos of the time clock each time I started or ended a shift because they didn’t believe me.

on April 24th, I was taking the dogs potty before leaving for work- my daughter Juniper’s book bag, my purse and coffee- all of our stuff was on the porch ready to go once they came back inside. Well, next thing I know, 1 of 2 dogs was mis-clipped and got off the leash which led to a 1h 45m chase around the neighborhood with my daughter trailing behind me.

I called my employer at 7:01am before my shift started to let them know of the situation while literally chasing my dog down the street. I called back a few minutes later to get my direct supervisors number so I could make them aware as well. I asked if I should just use my PTO for the day instead of coming in late and that affecting my job security (something we had previously discussed) and he said NO, please come in, XYZ needs you today… SO against my better judgement, I went to work once I got settled. I said I didn’t want to lose my job over something that happened unexpectedly and I couldn’t just leave our dog running the streets to get hit or stolen or something else bad happen. They said “I don’t think you’ll get FIRED but a write up likely.” They were out of the office on that Friday but I showed up for my shift and again on Monday. Once my supervisor had heard back from our HR partner, I was pulled into a conference room by my supervisor (no witnesses) and was verbally told this information. I never signed anything, was shown any documentation- nothing. Just that I’d have to hand my badge back in once I leave. And was asked (at 9:30am!!) if I wanted to stay for the rest of my shift (4pm) even though they just fired me!!!!!

In this time, I applied for jobs as soon as I got home that same day. I tried setting up unemployment the day or two after, I went to DSS on several occasions for emergency help (on both Westfall and St Paul) and filled out all the necessary paperwork. I had a phone interview and brought back all necessary documentation and was only just recently told on 6/7/23 that they cannot help with emergency rental assistance unless I have an eviction letter, and they they will not help me with my rent because it is “unattainable.” I have tried Catholic Family Services, 211, and like two other churches as well and all of them told me they had no funds available. My therapist got me set up with a case manager to help with this as well and have yet to go over everything with them. I got a letter from unemployment today 6/10/23 stating that I am getting DENIED because of my “insubordination” and that my “story” wasn’t “compelling enough” and that lI should have known that it would jeopardize my job.”

I have applied to more jobs than I can even count anymore. I’ve had 3 interviews and another one coming up on Monday 6/12 and have had the hardest time reaching them to even know if I got the job because they do not return emails and voicemails.

I have tried calling my previous employers HR to discuss how they are falsely telling unemployment that I had a meeting on 5/5 and refused to sign documentation WHEN NO SUCH MEETING EXISTED since they let me go on 5/1 and reiterated that I received nothing to sign at the time of my termination and there were also no other witnesses.

I have been trying to do everything I can possibly think of to try to stay ahead and I just keep getting slapped in the face essentially. It’s so belittling and defeating to be trying SO HARD and to be told that NO ONE can help me with anything. I can’t take out a loan without any income. I tried donating plasma but that had to stop because they blew my vein out and I got deferred for a while. I have tried selling my photography prints and doing shoots. I don’t even have the funds to get juniper back and forth to school!!! (Which isn’t on a bus route)

My June rent is now past due and I got the denial letter for unemployment today along with a shut off letter from RG&E (P.S there is no more emergency HEAP!!) and Verizon and Spectrum are up my ass to pay them as well.

I set the donation amount to that I could pay June rent and July ($1150/mo) and get these other critical bills paid until I finally get a job and back on my feet.

This last month had been nothing short of absolute misery and my birthday is 6/15. Normally I’d get up fundraising for something else I stand for but this year I need to stand up for me, and be able to provide for my daughter. Anything helps, even sharing this link!

I will forever be indebted to you.