Posted by softheprairie on October 6, 2009, at 11:19:24
In reply to I'm Devestated, what should I do?, posted by rjlockhart04-08 on October 5, 2009, at 23:06:50
Rj,
I think you should start the process of applying for SSI (Supplemental Security Income), if your mental distress and disability keeps you from being able to work for now. This is so that you can get some income to pay rent when you can get your own place. It can take a long time, but just stick it out. (As a side note, if you can get SSI, it comes with Medicaid, which can help with your medications, medical appointments. and hospitalizations.)
Then, do online searches for the public housing authority in your town or city or county. See if you can get on a list for your own subsidized housing or a Section 8 voucher to use at any place that accepts the voucher. In my city, there is a Department of Housing and Neighborhood Development (I think that's the name it goes by here. I'm sure the names of these departments vary in different locations.) There may also be an apartment complex for only senior citizens and people with disabilities, and the rent is based on a percentage of your income, so even if you don't have much money, you can still have a little apartment of your own, away from your mom's interference.
Have you heard of the "Housing First" concept? ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Housing_first ) I hope it really takes off more. It's too bad that it looks like a person might have to be homeless to get that housing service, though. That really stinks for so many other people who need it, but aren't homeless.
But maybe you can put up with the problems of your family if you are on a waiting list and it will lead to getting a place of your own.
Another thing to look up online is the name of your county and "Community Mental Health Center." The website for the center in your county may say if they have any housing programs specifically for people with mental health problems.
After you get Supplemental Security Income, you might also look to see if the community mental health center where you live has a program for "Supported Employment," if you want to try a job but need some help to keep it. If your community mental health center doesn't have that, you can also try the Vocational Rehabilitation office where you live, and see if they have a program like that. But first, I think you should start the process of trying to get SSI and then your own place.
poster:softheprairie
thread:919882
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20091001/msgs/919941.html