My name is Melissa. After being employed for 30 years, I unexpectedly lost my job in October 2024. Despite applying for hundreds of positions, I still haven't been able to obtain a new job. I'm not being particular about any type of role, and am applying for jobs paying even much lower than what I was previously earning, but the job market is extremely challenging and I keep receiving one rejection email after another without even being given a chance to interview.

I've been taking small project-based jobs to earn a few dollars here and there, and I've been selling off items to try to keep a roof over my head and the lights on, but the pay is minimal. All my savings is gone. I'm hopeless and completely out of options. Bankruptcy isn't even something I can pursue, as it costs $2000 that I just don't have.

Although I've been able to stay current on my mortgage while everything else goes unpaid, I'm now to the point where I can no longer meet my monthly mortgage obligation either. The bank is likely to take foreclosure action soon. My biggest concern is my birds! I don't care so much about the house, but if I have to move in with someone else, I will have to give up my birds, which will be devastating to both me and them. One has special needs, and putting him into a different home would cause such severe anxiety that he may not survive that transition.

In addition to trying desperately to keep a roof over my head and not lose my birds, I also have health conditions that require me to remain on medication to avoid serious medical complications. Without being able to pay for the medication, I'm afraid that I could end up in a medical emergency situation.

If you feel it in your heart to help, I'd be grateful for any little bit you're able to contribute. I desperately WANT to work. I've worked all my life, and have never had trouble finding employment prior to now. I have no steady money coming in at all, and even though I hate asking for help, I'm in a terrible situation and out of other options until I find a job.