[polyhymnia]

My mother needs financial help. She is struggling and has been for several years. I cannot help her as I am close to struggling myself. I send her gift certificates for the grocery store as often as I can. I am hoping some of you will have ideas for more things she can apply for or jobs she can do.<br><br>
She is a single woman, 56 years old. She has no children living at home. She does own her home (in NH), with a first mortgage and a second mortgage that she took out a few years ago to start a home business. That seems to really hurt her when she applies for different kinds of assistance. HOWEVER due to the mortgages and the depressed housing market if she sold her house she would still owe money so she is doing everything she can to keep it. Her car is older and paid off. The downstairs bath/shower in the house is broken and cannot be used so she uses the sink to wash herself. The washing machine broke so she is using the laundromat. I have suggested she ask for a new machine on Freecycle but she could not transport it to her house and she has noone to ask for help.<br><br>
She runs two home businesses, works at JC Penneys for 20 hours/week and is a part-time minister at a local church for 15 hours/week.<br><br>
She gets heating assistance, and that helps. According to her taxes her net taxable income is 0. Her refund this past year was more than she had actually paid in taxes somehow?? (This sounds weird to me but she does have an accountant so there is apparently no tax fraud - she was audited a few years ago and it turned out the IRS owed *her* money at the end.) She does *not* qualify for food stamps. She is spending about $10/week on groceries and I really worry that she is not eating well and she will be sick. She does get prescription drug assistance (she has accident-only insurance).<br><br>
Is anyone aware of other assistance programs that might be out there to help someone in her situation? If there is other information you need I can try to provide it but I think I've touched on the important things above.<br><br>
Thanks.

 

[kijip]

For housing assistance, google:<br><br>
housing preservation New Hampshire<br><br>
For food assistance, google:<br><br>
Senior Services New Hampshire. She is technically too young for Senior Services but some do offer food assistance to singles in their 50s.<br><br>
Also, she should check with her county to see if she can get a break on her property taxes. Also, some counties and cities have efficiency and safety renovation assistance.<br><br>
Maybe she could get some help fixing her shower from <a href="http://www.modestneeds.org" target="_blank">www.modestneeds.org</a> ?<br><br>
also,<br><br>
St. Vincent De Paul, Catholic Community Services, Salvation Army.

 

[polyhymnia]

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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>kijip</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/7958428"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">For housing assistance, google:<br><br>
housing preservation New Hampshire<br><br>
For food assistance, google:<br><br>
Senior Services New Hampshire. She is technically too young for Senior Services but some do offer food assistance to singles in their 50s.<br><br>
Also, she should check with her county to see if she can get a break on her property taxes. Also, some counties and cities have efficiency and safety renovation assistance.<br><br>
Maybe she could get some help fixing her shower from <a href="http://www.modestneeds.org" target="_blank">www.modestneeds.org</a> ?<br><br>
also,<br><br>
St. Vincent De Paul, Catholic Community Services, Salvation Army.</div>
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Thank you! She does get a property tax discount too I forgot about that.<br><br>
I will check out those services. I think CCS is a stretch since she is a minister in another denomination but it is probably worth a try. I heard about Angel Food Ministries from this forum but they don't have a location near her so that is out.

 

[Staceyy]

Can your mom take in a boarder? Someone who clearly will be able to pay their rent on time, or barter with something your mom might need such as home repairs?<br><br>
How about a home vegetable garden? I understand she can get 10 packets of seeds for a dollar at The Dollar Store. She can grow her own potatoes and vegetables. If she took in a boarder, perhaps they could help with needed home repairs and gardening.<br><br>
A food bank, church or Angel Food Ministries could also help with food. Internet freebies and drugstore rebates can enable her to get her toiletries and over the counter drugs for free. Many women learn everything they can about couponing, rebating, stockpiling and recycling in order to get a lot of their food and toiletries for free. <a href="http://www.refundcents.com" target="_blank">www.refundcents.com</a> is a website that sells a subscription to a magazine called "Refund Cents" that teaches you how to get a lot of your groceries for free, or for pennies on the dollar. Every month their magazine has tons of stories and photos of women surrounded by all the food, toiletries etc they managed to get for free. The subscription also entitles you to full access to their website where other members help you to learn the trade of couponing and refunding.<br><br>
You or your mom can also write to manufacturers of food and household supplies requesting coupons and letting them know what you think of their products. 100 postcards or emails generally will net approximately $400 worth of coupons for free or discounted products. It is suggested this be done once a year. I did this several years ago according to a newsletter I received and I honestly did receive about $400 worth of food etc. I don't remember the name of the newsletter I subscribed to but I have a copy of it somewhere.<br><br>
Other resources are: <a href="http://www.modestneeds.org" target="_blank">www.modestneeds.org</a><br><br><a href="http://www.favorlist.com" target="_blank">www.favorlist.com</a><br><br><a href="http://www.qambio.com" target="_blank">www.qambio.com</a><br><br><a href="http:/" target="_blank">http://free-money-to-help-pay-bills....1.aidpage.com/</a><br><br>
And of course, you can always google online prayer request sites and ask for prayer regarding your mom's situation. Your mom is blessed to have such a loving daughter who will step out on her mom's behalf and ask for help. God bless!

 

[KariM]

Can she ask members of the congregation to assist in repairing her bathroom? I know our church does all sorts of hands-on community service projects like that for the elderly.

 

[polyhymnia]

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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>KariM</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/7959555"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">Can she ask members of the congregation to assist in repairing her bathroom? I know our church does all sorts of hands-on community service projects like that for the elderly.</div>
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I think this would be awkward because she is the minister, you know? Also the church is 90 minutes away so she isn't really living in their community. She may be able to ask her "home" church (where she attends when she isn't preaching) for assistance though that is a good idea!

 

[polyhymnia]

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<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">
<div>Originally Posted by <strong>Staceyy</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/7959427"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">Can your mom take in a boarder? Someone who clearly will be able to pay their rent on time, or barter with something your mom might need such as home repairs?<br><br>
How about a home vegetable garden? I understand she can get 10 packets of seeds for a dollar at The Dollar Store. She can grow her own potatoes and vegetables. If she took in a boarder, perhaps they could help with needed home repairs and gardening.<br><br>
A food bank, church or Angel Food Ministries could also help with food. Internet freebies and drugstore rebates can enable her to get her toiletries and over the counter drugs for free. Many women learn everything they can about couponing, rebating, stockpiling and recycling in order to get a lot of their food and toiletries for free. <a href="http://www.refundcents.com" target="_blank">www.refundcents.com</a> is a website that sells a subscription to a magazine called "Refund Cents" that teaches you how to get a lot of your groceries for free, or for pennies on the dollar. Every month their magazine has tons of stories and photos of women surrounded by all the food, toiletries etc they managed to get for free. The subscription also entitles you to full access to their website where other members help you to learn the trade of couponing and refunding.<br><br>
You or your mom can also write to manufacturers of food and household supplies requesting coupons and letting them know what you think of their products. 100 postcards or emails generally will net approximately $400 worth of coupons for free or discounted products. It is suggested this be done once a year. I did this several years ago according to a newsletter I received and I honestly did receive about $400 worth of food etc. I don't remember the name of the newsletter I subscribed to but I have a copy of it somewhere.<br><br>
Other resources are: <a href="http://www.modestneeds.org" target="_blank">www.modestneeds.org</a><br><br><a href="http://www.favorlist.com" target="_blank">www.favorlist.com</a><br><br><a href="http://www.qambio.com" target="_blank">www.qambio.com</a><br><br><a href="http:/" target="_blank">http://free-money-to-help-pay-bills....1.aidpage.com/</a><br><br>
And of course, you can always google online prayer request sites and ask for prayer regarding your mom's situation. Your mom is blessed to have such a loving daughter who will step out on her mom's behalf and ask for help. God bless!</div>
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Thank you! She does have two boarders right now and their rent is paying the mortgage. They are both leaving in a few months and she is trying to line up new boarders but it is hard as there is no working shower and no laundry facilities. Her current boarders both work at places where they can shower but that's just lucky. I will suggest she try to find a boarder would would fix the shower in exchange for rent or something.<br><br>
A vegetable garden is a good idea too, we had one growing up so she knows what she is doing. I will send her some seed packets, although it might be too late for her to get much for the season?<br><br>
She uses coupons like crazy, and I sign her up for lots of free offers for toiletries - she has not bought shampoo, soap, etc for over a year thanks to "free samples" and other freebies I find for her online. I TRIED to get her a new washing machine this way, but in the end was not able to complete the required "offers" to finish the process.<br><br>
That is a really good idea about writing to companies for free coupons/product! She has some free time and she could probably do this. I will send her some stamps and postcards.<br><br>
The biggest problem is that she has cut her day-to-day expenses drastically using a lot of the above measures - but it does not help with things like home repairs, you know? I wish I could just get her a new washing machine or fix her bathtub but that is out of my reach. I did pay for her to have her driveway plowed twice this winter when she had over a foot of snow, because she has been shoveling her rather long driveway by hand.<br><br>
I just worry about her doing too much <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/greensad.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="greensad"> And I no longer live nearby (nor do I *want* to..) to help in person.<br><br>
IDEALLY, we would both love for her to move out here. BUT, I cannot offer her a place to live, and she cannot afford to move here and sell her house (as the mortgage is for more than it is worth, especially with the repairs that it needs).

 

[fek&fuzz]

Can she check with her local senior center? Some of the ones here have times set aside where you can meet with an attorney for free. The atty. might know some more programs to help her. The senior center staff might know as well.

 

[KariM]

I found this organization that helps low income people repair their homes.<br><br><a href="http://www.rebuildingtogethernh.org/" target="_blank">http://www.rebuildingtogethernh.org/</a>

 

[kijip]

Could she get a washing machine off of freecycle?

 

[polyhymnia]

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<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">
<div>Originally Posted by <strong>fek&fuzz</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/7959695"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">Can she check with her local senior center? Some of the ones here have times set aside where you can meet with an attorney for free. The atty. might know some more programs to help her. The senior center staff might know as well.</div>
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Thanks, that's an idea. I used to work at the community center too so I will write my old boss to ask for resources.

 

[polyhymnia]

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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>KariM</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/7959779"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">I found this organization that helps low income people repair their homes.<br><br><a href="http://www.rebuildingtogethernh.org/" target="_blank">http://www.rebuildingtogethernh.org/</a></div>
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Thank you! I will look into this <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile"><br><br>
MTA: She is not old enough to qualify for this yet, but I will keep looking for other similar programs. Thanks.

 

[polyhymnia]

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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>kijip</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/7959808"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">Could she get a washing machine off of freecycle?</div>
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I'm watching for her, the problem is she has no way to pick it up, there is no way she can lift one on her own, her car would never fit one. She has nobody nearby she is comfortable asking for help. I am trying to find someone willing to help transport a machine if we are able to find one for her, but most of MY friends have moved away from the area now too. Is this something she might be able to ask a local church for help with? I hadn't thought of that..

 

[kijip]

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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>crayolaab</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/7959975"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">I'm watching for her, the problem is she has no way to pick it up, there is no way she can lift one on her own, her car would never fit one. She has nobody nearby she is comfortable asking for help. I am trying to find someone willing to help transport a machine if we are able to find one for her, but most of MY friends have moved away from the area now too. Is this something she might be able to ask a local church for help with? I hadn't thought of that..</div>
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I bet a church might help with transport of a donated washing machine. Modest Needs might be able to approve her for a grant to order a basic washing machine or something.

 

[***Heather***]

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<div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom:2px;">Quote:</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">A vegetable garden is a good idea too, we had one growing up so she knows what she is doing. I will send her some seed packets, although it might be too late for her to get much for the season?</td>
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No way is it too late. It's the perfect time! She can start seedlings inside then plant them outside when it gets warmer. You know it's still dipping below freezing at night these days!<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/lol.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="lol"><br><br>
Definitely look into getting bathroom fixed. Spending a little there can bring in a lot later with the boarders. And what if she starts something at her church where all members list what they're good at and pool resources/abilities. Sure, she could take advantage of it for herself, but I'm sure she's not the only one struggling. This could be a great way to get people connected and helping each other in her church. If she found someone to fix her bathroom, she could do something in return for them (childcare, baking, garden produce....)<br><br>
Who knows? Maybe money is tight for everyone and some people feel bad that they can't give more to the church but wouldn't mind helping out your Mom? I wouldn't stand up and demand it, but maybe ask around get some feelers...

 

[polyhymnia]

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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>***Heather***</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/7960194"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">No way is it too late. It's the perfect time! She can start seedlings inside then plant them outside when it gets warmer. You know it's still dipping below freezing at night these days!<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/lol.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="lol"><br><br>
Definitely look into getting bathroom fixed. Spending a little there can bring in a lot later with the boarders. And what if she starts something at her church where all members list what they're good at and pool resources/abilities. Sure, she could take advantage of it for herself, but I'm sure she's not the only one struggling. This could be a great way to get people connected and helping each other in her church. If she found someone to fix her bathroom, she could do something in return for them (childcare, baking, garden produce....)<br><br>
Who knows? Maybe money is tight for everyone and some people feel bad that they can't give more to the church but wouldn't mind helping out your Mom? I wouldn't stand up and demand it, but maybe ask around get some feelers...</div>
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That's a good idea, thanks! I wonder if something like that exists already in the area. I'll have to ask around.

 

[1growingsprout]

since you mom is involved in the church id have her put the word out for help... surley there is a family with a pick up truck who can help her with a washer...<br><br>
there has got to be someone who knows about plumbing who can come over and check out the bathroom??<br><br>
its hard to ask for help but you will find there are plenty of people willing to help out...

 

[polyhymnia]

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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>1growingsprout</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/7961485"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">since you mom is involved in the church id have her put the word out for help... surley there is a family with a pick up truck who can help her with a washer...<br><br>
there has got to be someone who knows about plumbing who can come over and check out the bathroom??<br><br>
its hard to ask for help but you will find there are plenty of people willing to help out...</div>
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It's really hard because she is basically isolated, all of her friends live at least an hour away and are busier and busier with their own lives. I have contacts in the area still, but they are all friends with my father (my parents have been divorced for 15 years) and mom refuses to let me ask them to help her because she doesn't want it getting back to my dad.<br><br>
She had someone come over and look at the bath the last time it broke, the father of a schoolfriend of my brother's (not a close friend), and he did the work for free but had to charge for materials. He gave her a payment plan to pay for the materials but she hasn't been able to pay him off as quickly as he wanted even giving him everything extra at the end of each month so she can't ask him to do more work, yet at least.

 

[SleeplessMommy]

First, she should talk with her minister at the church and explain about the washer and shower. <i>Someone</i> will have a truck and be able to help deliver a washer and install.<br><br>
Next, if she wants to come live with you, she can give the house back to the mortgage company (there is a procedure for this and a little negotiation). This will impair her credit, but the credit will get better eventually (5-7 years) Then hold a big yard sale, and hop on a bus to come stay with you. Furniture can sell will on craigslist, if she decides to move.

 

[polyhymnia]

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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>SleeplessMommy</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/7968371"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">First, she should talk with her minister at the church and explain about the washer and shower. <i>Someone</i> will have a truck and be able to help deliver a washer and install.<br><br>
Next, if she wants to come live with you, she can give the house back to the mortgage company (there is a procedure for this and a little negotiation). This will impair her credit, but the credit will get better eventually (5-7 years) Then hold a big yard sale, and hop on a bus to come stay with you. Furniture can sell will on craigslist, if she decides to move.</div>
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Thank you. I will encourage her to speak to her home church. I know she feels awkward asking them for help because she doesn't attend (as she is preaching elsewhere) but I do think that there is a time and a need. I also have the idea now to ask the denomination at the state level for assistance.<br><br>
Do you know what that procedure is called so that I can investigate it? She has already sold off most of her furniture (including several antiques that I really wanted, but couldn't afford to bring over here<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/greensad.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="greensad"> ) and everything that is left she is willing to part with. However I do not have space for her at my place, so she would need enough money to cover first/last month's rent on a place (studio/1 brs around here go for 600+/month), and I think most rental buildings do a credit check - correct? Is there any way to get around this? Could I "co-sign" for her on a rental?