Homelessness Support Group

Homelessness refers to the condition and societal category of people who lack fixed housing, specifically a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. The definition also includes a person who has a primary nighttime residence that is in transitional housing or a person who spends most nights in a supervised public or private facility.

324 Members
286 Posts
0 Online
Personal Challenges
/ Homelessness Support Group

Recently homeless in Tacoma ,wa

panamaszr12
panamaszr12

i had to finally do it. Yes I had to leave an abusive relationship. I didn’t even think of it ever happening to me. im 6’2” and 240lbs, but I didn’t see that I was in a verbally abusive relationship. I had to be told this by the online helpline ugh. Now I’m having to do what I detest, ask for help. If anyone out there can point me in the right direction I’d truly appreciate. See I’m on SSI perminante disability, and have tried the housing authority, but they say there isn’t any help till later this summer.  I only make $750 a month and food stamps, and this month I make less than that because I was trying to keep things together at home or I thought so, but now I’m faced with the harsh reality that I was used. So any help at all would be wonderful. 

ZinniasQuest
ZinniasQuest
Hello! I empathize with your situation. I have left an abusive relationship in the past and although I was not homeless at that point I am homeless now. There are many shelters I have found that focus on people leaving abusive situations. Knowledge is your power right now and the more you arm yourself with as much knowledge about what is available to you out there in the way of resources, the better. The library is a wonderful place to start. Most have free use of a computer where you can log on and start doing research. You have to be your own advocate right now, so the first place I would start is finding a shelter that helps those leaving an abusive relationship. But if you don't find that is helpful then just keep trying. Ask questions, make phone calls, do as much research as you can as often as you can. Where I live you can all 211 which is Connect 2 Help and they have access to all kinds of resources available depending on your situation.

My main thing I would say is don't be afraid to ask and if one person doesn't answer ask someone else until you get an answer or directed to the right place. Also I have found that if you are not as computer savvy or not the best researcher again your local library and their staff maybe your best friends. Ask them the best way to do searches. Ask if they know who you can all. Just be careful and watch out for yourself. But keep asking questions and looking for assistance and you will find some help. Please keep coming here of find some place else to go for support if this doesn't work for you. We all need a support system in our lives, especially in your vulnerable situation. If you find you have more specific questions as you go along please post them here if you can. Other's who have been in your situation can be a great source of knowledge about how to maneuver in every day life and how to get by.

Good to meet you! I hope you find some solutions soon.
zeezee
zeezee
Is there a place you can go to, even if it's temporary? Like family or friends. I know I had to swallow my pride and asked for help from my in laws. We lived in a chaotic and uncomfortable household for a few years before my husband and I could afford to rent our first apartment. To not appear like bums, we paid his parents rent money every month, whatever we could afford, and help out around the house, including renovations to upgrade their home, until we were finally kicked out (husband's step father gave an ultimatum to his mom, it's either we leave, or him). Anyway, my point is, don't be afraid to ask for help. Anything is better than sleeping in the streets.

Washington rent is crazy expensive, it's the reason we had to move out. We simply couldn't afford it! (It started at $550, by the time we left, the rent was up to $960) You might consider places like NM, TX, AZ or even OK. I know it's less favorable than the west coast, but just look at it as a temporary thing.