Urgent Relief Needed: Aid for a Resilient Soul

Incredibly nervous but out of options

Hi all, I left my abusive ex almost two years ago in the middle of the night with my pets in my truck, and it has been rough going since. I was raised not to ask for handouts, etc., and am of the ole bootstraps mentality, but it doesn’t seem to matter how hard I try, I just can’t get back ahead. I have a few debilitating medical conditions related to a near-fatal accident I had when I was 22 that did essentially kill me twice (I was revived, don’t worry, this isn’t coming through from the great beyond) that left me with chronic back and neck pain along with a TBI (traumatic brain injury) that causes debilitating migraines. I’ve been in constant, near-excruciating pain for the last 10 years, and I wish that was an exaggeration, as well as having a headache every day for 10 years (also not an exaggeration; when I don’t have a migraine, I still have a headache; it is constant).

Because of my medical condition and some mental health issues that came with it, plus an autism diagnosis, I’ve been struggling to find/keep work. I have a degree, I have experience, but my disabilities always put an end to these opportunities (medical accommodations or not). The state in which I live is a right-to-work state, so basically, they can and they will fire you because they don’t like your face and genuinely spit in the face of the ADA every day.

This is a long-winded way of saying I’m at the end of my rope and I need help. I don’t ask for help, but I’ve had to swallow my pride this year and do it. I need groceries, I’m withdrawing like a fiend because I can’t afford my medications, my pets need some medical care, food, litter, etc., and all of my bills are overdue and I don’t know how I’m going to pay February rent. I’ve been unemployed since September and picking up odd bartending gigs and doing odd jobs that are terrible on my body just to scrape by, but now it’s the end of the busy season for the service industry, so those bar gigs are running dry. Unfortunately, when I’m job hunting, I have to rule out some fields that are usually always hiring, like retail or the service industry, because my body just cannot do it anymore and because I no longer have a vehicle so it has to be close enough for me to get there by scooter or on foot. I’ve worked both of these industries on and off for 15 years, and my body is spent. Literally, any help is welcome and so much appreciated; I’m also willing to work for any help offered. I am a writer by trade and can do freelance work and copy editing or English tutoring for your kids. If anyone is local, I’m also very handy and can do home improvement/maintenance work (but in moderation because of all the pain). I’ve worked hard my whole life; it took me 11 years to finish my degrees because of my accident and injuries, but I did it. I did many things the doctors told me I’d never do again, and I’m here on the Internet pleading for help because I didn’t give up then and I’m not going to give up now. Thank you for making it this far, and I hope the universe sends all of you the best vibes.