Widow With Three Special Needs Children Needs Help To Move To New Home

by Benita Bylicki
(Saint Helen, Michigan, USA)

My children and I

I am a 52-year-old widow and I've just lost my home. I have to leave by September 18.

I am the adoptive mother of 3 boys: Elijah 11, Nicholas 9 and Joshua 9.

Elijah 11, has fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, severe cognitive and memory disabilities, mild autism, oppositional defiant disorder, ADHD, impulsive behaviors and non-specific mental disorders. He was also diagnosed with mental retardation with an IQ of 57.

Nicholas Age 9 has Tourette's syndrome and mental retardation. He also was tested at an IQ of 57.

Joshuah also age 9 is a Crystal Meth with Fetal Alcohol Effects with an IQ of 71 and also classified with mild mental retardation.

I suffer from diabetes, and onset of osteoporosis.

We receive Social Security Survivor Benefits under my husband's retirement, and a small pension from his local roofing union, Local 149.

Since last October, we have had extra expenses for doctors' appointments and meals and lodging to have complete testing done on each of the boys.

Tests included MRIs, Fragile X and Chromosome Anomalies, along with a complete set of psychological testing to determine mental capabilities.

With the added expense we got behind on our house payment of $800 a month. During the winter months, even with shut off protection in place, the utilities jumped to $177 per month year round.

Add to that the house and car insurance, taxes, and food, it just was as struggle I could not meet any longer.

We have a new home to move to, but it is 5 hours away. With my children's disabilities and my own, I cannot lift much.

I have no insurance for medical. So I am not taking any medicines for the Osteoporosis. I pay for my own medical visits and diabetic medications and supplies.

I cannot afford to hire a moving company, or even a rental truck, and I have tried to sell my possessions to earn the extra money for moving without success.

The boys and I must be out of this home by 5pm September the 18th. Our new home is waiting for us, but it is a 5-hour drive from where we are at now.

I am asking for help with moving expenses, or a way to have a moving company come in and take our things to the new home.

I have contacted the Department of Human Resources, St. Vincent De Paul, Salvation Army, Community Action Agency and United Way.

I have also listed with ChipIn, and Wish Upon A Hero to try and get finances to move with no success. Please help us get to our new home by the 18th of September.

My disability is newly diagnosed since June of this year. My children's disabilities are from birth. They take medications daily that are paid through Medicaid.

Since I have no medical insurance I cannot go for testing and cannot afford to pay for medications that might help in the treatment of Osteoporosis.

I need someone to help us move, a moving company, or money to hire someone to help us pack and move.

With caring for not one but three special needs children who need my care and attention, I spend most of my nights maintaining our home, doing laundry, and cleaning, while they are asleep.

I also homeschool full time. With the gasoline prices being so high it is impossible to go anywhere.

I have attempted to sell my furniture, and other personal possessions. I have contacted all the community and charity organizations for assistance with no help able to be given.

I would like someone to help us move our possessions to our new home. I would like a grant to help us accomplish this.