The bottom line: I have to vacate this apartment before the end of June, and I can't afford housing.
I am 74 years old, surviving on $600 a month Social Security. With my age and health issues, I am not able to work, and the odds of my survival on the streets feels unlikely. I don't see it as an option.
My cohabitant is moving in with family, and I can't afford rent on my own, so I am losing my home, human, neighbors, and Rosie the cat, with no good prospects in sight. At least I have a cool therapist.
I have looked for rentals, signed up multiple places, consulted with multiple agencies, and had wonderful interactions with scammers. The other people have been nice. The situation may not be hopeless, but places affordable to me, are scarce, and I have a deadline looming.
I ran a fundraiser last year when I thought I would lose housing, and got many generous donations, for which I am grateful. My displacement did not happen then, but I have kept the donations in a separate account. I've only gotten into it for housing issues (having to contribute more than I could take in), and half ( about $400) is still there. It will be a help, but it takes more. Rooms in houses tend to run $900 a month or more, and one-bedroom apartments mostly $1200 and up. Most landlords require rent, a deposit equal to the rent, and/or last month's rent, and application fees. And there are various and sundry moving expenses.
I'm hoping to raise enough to get into a cheap and tolerably safe place, probably a room or a studio.
Estimation:
1000 rent
1000 deposit
200 moving expenses
800 to help cover rent for an additional 2 months
3000 total
