Disabled Army Mom Seeks Government Housing Grant Money
by Terry
My son-in-law is currently in Iraq. My son served 15 months as an MP in Baghdad during the 2006-2007 years and is currently stationed in Germany. I became disabled quite suddenly 11 years ago. I went from a walking, talking, working full time running a youth program, and very busy lifestyle to a wheelchair in six weeks time. I have an autoimmune-based neuropathy. It is chronic, and spreads out from my spine and radiates throughout my body. Basically, I have pain, tingling, numbness and "bee stings" through out my body. I live with constant and severe pain. Since my initial diagnosis, I have developed fibromyalgia, Type II diabetes and high blood pressure. I drive with hand controls, and with therapy have regained enough strength to walk again, thankfully. My son's deployment was very hard on me. I spent most days "glued" to my computer waiting on word from him. I spent my time supporting him and his fellow soldiers. Sadly, we lost two soldiers from his unit, one his best friend. I managed to travel to both soldiers' services to represent my son to their families. I literally traveled coast to coast., delivering the eulogy my son delivered in Baghdad to this soldier's family in California. Because of this and my travels my household finances suffered tremendously. My husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease during this time and we had additional medical expenses. He had surgery and lost about three months of work time. Because of this, we had to file bankruptcy. Not something we wanted to do, but saw no other way. The bills were just too high. At the time of the bankruptcy, my husband elected to surrender our home, even though the attorney advised us not to. I agreed, unwillingly, because I did not have the income to support the home. What I did not realize is that when my husband decided to surrender the home, he had also made the decision to leave me. So, now I am alone, with no home, and no way to get a home. My income is very small -- $956 per month from Social Security and I have no savings. My parents have tried to buy me a home, something small for which I could afford the taxes, insurance and utilities, but their resources are limited. They are in their late 70s. At the present time, I am living with my daughter while her husband is deployed. In June, I will need to leave their home, and then I have no place to go. My parents' home is too small, and because of the recent bankruptcy, I am unable to find housing. Even the senior-rent subsidized housing has refused me. What I am asking for is about $25,000 to $30,000, enough to buy a small home, a HUD home, so that I can live within my means and not end up in a shelter. I do all that I can, both physically and financially to support our troops, volunteering with the Patriot Guard and Soldiers Angels. I do not like to be the one "asking for help" but find I must. Thank you for listening to my story.
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