I'm really overwhelmed by the support from the community for my last diary. I really appreciate the time and effort that folks went to in order to help me with finding resources.
As it stands, I'm attempting to contact as many people as possible, but circumstances being what they are, things are still tough today. Tomorrow looks a bit better, so let's get to the nitty gritty, and I'll talk about my day after I logged off.
Apologies to everyone who commented on my last diary and I was unable to reply to. I was a little incommunicado. Library just opened, so here we go.
(Updates on the flip.)
After I logged off, I spent 20 dollars getting my kids and myself dinner at "Jack In The Box". I know I should have probably just gone to the grocery store and saved a bit of money, but we were stressed and I really didn't want to put in much effort.
Got to the Motel 6 around 6:30. Had no change of clothes, but kids and I took showers, and tried to sleep. Kids shared a bed, and I could not sleep. Finally got some sleep around 3 Am.
Woke up at 6:45. Took shower. Had breakfast with Kids at Safeway (5.46). Drove to parents house. Was told not to enter house. Was handed a note which (Paraphrasing) stated that I was to take only my clothes and find a place to live. Everything else would be sent to me. Was to box up everything else and place into yard, and cover with tarp. Keys were to left at back door.
Immediately disregarded note, used bathroom, since nearest public restroom was over a mile away. Packed up children's clothes (1 box each), My clothes (1 Box), Computer, Kid's Xbox and games, Son's Toys, children's stuffed animals, and Daughter's Art supplies.
Left Sporting Equipment, all Knicknacks, my miniature collection, all books. (Car is a 1987 Oldsmobile, and had no space for anything else.)
Drove to Mall to recharge Cell phone. At&T computer was down, unable to process. As a result, 7 dollars remaining on Cell. In frustration, Took kids to browse at Gamestop, while I call Veteran's Crisis line.
Promised a call from VA Social worker within 20 minutes. Currently 2 hours later, and no call. Claim was made that voice mail was not set up and as a result no message was sent, except phone shows no calls missed, and I received call from Monterey HUD-VASH Representative.
Made appointment with Representative to speak to him tomorrow at office. 9AM. Called several other local shelters to be told that Single fathers are not taken, OR no vacancy available.
Went to library. Pretty much overwhelmed by the caring and support of the community. Thank you for your offers of help. The thing is what I really need is a place to stay. I have an income of 1468 a month, and According to the veteran's help line my local VSO made an error and should have put me in for unemployable since it has been five years since I was able to work. (Which would more than double my income)
So that's where I am. I'm tired, I'm frustrated, and annoyed that once again, everybody seems to feel fine around here about putting me off. Kids are enjoying time on the computers, and I'm at a loss for words.
Tomorrow, I see the VA down here. If that doesn't get a result, I'm blowing fifty bucks of the 800 or so I'll have left after tonight on gas, and driving to Palo Alto to demand some fucking help. Lord knows around here there's a lot of people willing to talk about helping you, but curiously unable to follow through.
Again, thanks to all of you for your support. I have made no further calls than the ones I've stated, since my phone is on 3 dollars right now, and if the VA calls I have to make certain I have enough time to get the info. Will try again tomorrow with friggin AT&T to put money on my cell so I can follow up on your leads.
I wish I could say things were moving along better, but as it is, I'm still alive. And I'll keep on trying to keep smiling, even though I want to scream sometimes. Because My kids don't need to see me screaming.
1:45 PM PT: Quick thing. When I say, "Around Here" I'm referring to Monterey, CA, NOT DailyKos.
2:07 PM PT: Finally spoke with VA. Have appointment at 9 to find a place to stay tomorrow night. IF that doesn't work out, which is very likely in this area, I will be going up to Palo Alto, and will begin working my way north to find a place to stay.
Maybe Oregon. I like Oregon. Rent's a hell of a lot better up there anyway. Still trying to stay positive, and will continue to update as calls come in or situations occur.
3:29 PM PT: Ok, just spoke with another VA rep. Says Palo Alto has no emergency housing, and to speak with "Shelter Outreach Plus" which unfortunately when called says only women with children. Fuck.
Will talk to Rep tomorrow about heading north. I hate the runaround.
4:13 PM PT: Ok, Offline again. Going to recharge my phone, and get the hotel. Worst case scenario will have a diary up tomorrow about heading to Palo Alto. Best Case, Diary about where I'm staying. :)