PALady-
I totally know what you mean about
having to tell all about
your sad little life to way, way too many people. And then I start crying. I don't normally cry but it is just so sad & humiliating to have to keep telling the same story over & over. What's worse is when the stupid prying people demand that I stop crying.
I do get why so many people feel they need all the details. I have volunteered in social service programs in the past & was really horrified by people who tried to take advantage of programs that didn't even have enough food or money to help those who really did need it. It is really hard & I would get so angry when someone would come in asking for a handout who was pretty well off & just wanted some extra money to go out for dinner or rent a movie (not that I begrudge anyone for wanting that, but it was sad to have to then turn around later and turn away a skin-and-bones single mother with children begging for some rice or peanut butter b/c we were completely out of food). But now I see if from the other side & I think it is really hard to have to bring in my medical bills, doctors notes, disability payments, utilities bills, banking statements, etc. just to get a bag of food or $30 to keep the lights on. It's so hard.
I would encourage you to keep the faith about
getting something extra from the government yourself. Remember when you were sad that PA didn't get the extra weeks of unemployment pay like other states, and then it did. It is hard -- really hard -- to be patient when you are living hand-to-mouth, I get that, but we have to hang on to hope that something will be there when we really need it most. I am trying to content myself with having food & clothing. As other things break down or run out of gas or can't stay on, we learn to cope. I know it sucks & I so wish I could help you out somehow, but you have made it this far & you will continue to find ways to survive, I'm sure.
I doubt you really have money for it, but have you looked into reconditioned dryers? They are about
half the price of new ones. It's still a ton of money, but maybe if you look to several sources you can scrape together enough money to acquire one -- perhaps on financing. Also, Craig's List often has some pretty good deals. You need to pick them up from the seller, but often Salvation Army, Good Will, or local religious institutions will help out & send a van to pick up the appliance for you. Again, that might mean more storytelling &/or sharing documents, but at least you would have a dryer at the end of the day. Just trying to help. I know it's really hard to try to pack everything up & haul it to the Laundr-o-Mat every week.
Do take care of yourself & keep fighting to keep hope and faith that things will get better. I understand things look bleak right now, but the only way we will all make it through this is to try to believe that a better tomorrow is in store. I'm off myself to a Job Fair tomorrow. No actual positions available & hundreds of people lining up for 3 hours just for a chance that a temp position might
open up in the future. (lol) What has this world come to, right? I'm sure I will have some fun stories to share at the end of the morning. I will try to post if I have the time. :)
take care,
frances