My friend is confiding in me that she got paid today, but her bank account is still in the negative. She's struggling with extreme depression because of her financial situation, and I want to do what I can to help take some of that pressure off. Her parents don't have any money, so she can't get any assistance from family.
I don't have any cash I could offer, but I could afford to put up to $100 on my credit card with no expectation of repayment. I know it's not much, but I'm in between jobs and am struggling myself.
Beyond this, I'm not sure how she can get the help she needs so she doesn't lose her car, her apartment, or get her power shut off. Are there reliable resources I could point her to for assistance?
I'm trying to look up programs in my area that help with rent payments and cash assistance, but most of their website links are broken, or the temporary covid relief help has ended. I love this country.
Thanks for your suggestions. I found a local community action group that I'm going to call to see if they can help with the utilities and rent, at least.
And I know what you mean about the difference between getting out of the hole and maintaining your head above water. I'm dealing with that right now, myself. We just don't make enough money to keep up with the rising cost of living.
Thank you. I've made it a point to at least be available for her to vent to every day about this, because I was in the exact same boat just a couple months ago. Having the moral support can make a huge difference in your outlook on life.
And I'll keep the mutual aid suggestion in mind.
I'd gladly offer that, but we both live in one bedroom apartments and have cats that probably would try to murder each other. But if it comes down to it, I'd let her move in if it could work. I would love some help with rent, myself haha.
How’d they get into this predicament? did something happen unexpectedly (car accident, medical, etc)? As that might aid in how best to help
Her rent went up by $200 a month and she was already only making $15/hr to begin with. Couple that with the rising cost of living and struggling with mental illness, and it's easy to fall behind. I'm going through something very similar, and that's why I want to help her so badly. The desperation can drive someone to want to end it all.
It’s very easy flip fall behind. Not victim blaming. So it’s not an issue of debt it’s just not enough money to go around. Depression sucks because it precludes you from doing stuff like taking overtime or trying to get a second job temporarily. The elephant in the room is always housing costs, but in many states you can be behind on rent and utilities for a while before eviction processes start. Looking into advice on what to do in that situation for the state and city is best bet, and cash assistance programs don’t really exist. A lease on the rental May lock someone into a period of time to stay there, but it may be possible to negotiate a lease break with the landlord and even have them cancel past due balances - if there is demand for the apartment and the landlord would rather rent it out for a higher rate asap then deal with eviction and collection
I feel for your friend, going through the same shit. Solidarity and love.
There's debt management non-profits out there who can advocate on your behalf and work out payment plans, she could try those
A friend's mom worked for United Way and they provided rent assistance in their area. I have no idea if that's normal or just in her city, but it's worth checking out in your area.
