48 Year Old Single Mother Seeks Accessible Housing Grant Money

by Terri
(Mississippi, USA)

I am a 48-year-old single mother of an 11-year-old son. I have been dealing with a neuromuscular disease that has been active and present since birth.

I have Charcot Marie Tooth disease, type 3. I have never allowed my disease to define me as a person; it is one aspect of my life.

In this last six years however, my disease process has entered a period of very rapid deterioration.

I had to have a triple bypass at the age of 42. I need assistance with breathing at night due to severe sleep apnea (both obstructive and central nervous system).

I'm currently fighting to continue teaching by agreeing to use a power chair for mobility. I already use braces and support devices for my hands and my feet.

I do still currently work part time and would like to continue to do so. With this supplemental income combined with my SSDI, my son and I survive financially but that is all.

My insurance did agree to purchase the power chair, which I now have, but I am able to use it very little because my house is not handicap accessible nor do I own a van that Vocational Rehab will agree to modify.

Because of medical expenses, living expenses and the daily cost of raising a child, no bank is going to loan me the money needed to modify my home or purchase the van.

Even if I could find one who would, taking on additional debt in not possible any more. Many think that Vocational Rehab and Independent Living, both government agencies, cover these needs, but sadly that is not true.

I am a fiercely independent person who has always been blessed, despite my disability, with the ability to take care of my needs myself.

This is no longer true. I just need some assistance so that I can continue to be a good parent, teacher and contributing member of society.

The cost of a van that would meet the requirements stated by Vocational Rehab is around $25,000. An additional $25,000-$50,000 is needed to modify my home.