Trying to get out of homelessness

My story - How I'm trying to help myself out of homeless hell.

I did not choose, and I do not want to be homeless.

I'm not quite a senior citizen but I've only got a couple of years to go. I went from happy and self-sufficient to homeless due to a skoolie accident. I was driving through a country highway and pulled over to a small area to let cars behind me go past me. I put the RV in park and got up to get a water bottle when I realized the bus started rolling. Turned around and tried to run to the driver's seat but I only got one (?) step forward when the RV started rolling downhill hit a tree and I went through the windshield. Long story short, the brakes were not installed correctly and gave out because I parked on a hill and it was just enough gravity for the RV to roll. The insurance company used a loophole not to pay out because I was not hit by a car and I did not hit a car. I couldn't sue the original seller because it was sold As Is. I went back to my home state believing I could get out of homelessness without any real problems and I was so incredibly wrong. I didn't realize how bad homelessness had become. I have spent the last 9 months trying to help myself by calling Homeless agencies, transitional shelters, homeless advocates, and medical facilities begging for specialists to help to get my mobility back, and contacting politicians asking for help. Over 160 calls and emails (& still trying to find new resources) and nothing to show for it.

I was originally saving money up to buy a van or an RV, but that search wasn't been successful. Not enough time and too many other people are looking for the same.

Unfortunately, I've learned government departments and homeless agencies are rarely going to help homeless people with physical disabilities get out of homelessness. I spent 9 months in California calling over 160 homeless shelters and transitional housing programs for help. Only 5 let me fill out an application with a wait that was 6 months to a year+ wait (still haven't heard back 5 months later.) In addition, my doctor's office said they would fill out the paperwork for even temporary disability, but they didn't fill out the reports required by SSDI. San Diego County Human and Health Services (general relief) immediately ended my benefits when SSDI denied disability. They were supposed to wait 3 months. Instead, they backdated it.

A New State - Starting Over

I was given an opportunity to go to a different state where I could stay in a tiny home for free (I have to pay for electricity). Because of what happened in California, I decided this was the best course for me to try to help myself get out of homeless hell. San Diego Project said they were going to help me with a gas card to get to the new state. They told me what they required of me - I did the repairs on my car and got insurance. Then they added a new requirement I couldn't do. They wanted an original copy of the car registration. Because I owe back money on the car I couldn't get it to them... And they said they wouldn't help me. So I spent the only money from GoFundMe on insurance and repairs with no way to get to the new state.

Called three different traveler aid programs in three cities as well as a couple of religion-based homeless services with travelers programs and all said they couldn't help me. So yet again it was only the generosity of others that got me out of dystopia California.

The New State / Area

A tiny home / shed in the progress of being converted, in a mountain area.

Update

In the new state, I received more help in less than a month then I've received in all 9 months in California.

In a nutshell

• Local Food bank & homeless agencies are a little better or some just run a little more efficiently

• Jobs: I've had one job interview so far & should hear back around September 15th

• Future Consideration: Researching and inquiring about online technology career classes available to low income, for possibilities that have less typing to lessen the strain on being a mostly one- handed typist

• DHHS: Friendly & efficient but runs at the same pace as other areas. Rehabilitation Job Services, not very inspiring I've been through alone, I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.

The reason I'm keeping my GoFundMe active is because even once I get a job is going to take one month before I get my first paycheck. I'd like to use the money to keep my phone on, in case I'm not approved for the one-time help in paying it. I'd also like to spend any donations on a gas to put in my car while I still have it until it's repossessed, so I can go to the food bank, doctor appointments once I get medical insurance, ... and in this area and for my setup I have to drive trash into town. Also, the temperatures are already starting to drop and I'd really like to buy an electric throw to stay warm, and paying electricity is my financial responsibility.

The longer version of the update is below

What I've been through alone, I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.