My name is Ann and I'm a single divorced widow.  I'm 3 day's before my 60th Birthday with $40 to my name and very close to being homeless. For the last 6 Mo. I'm living in a 2bedrm. Apartment with my Son and his friend.  I been contributing my share of rent and utilities and pay my own groceries while I'm looking for work.  However his friend doesn't like me and finds confrontations about every little thing.  My son is quite helpless especially since the lease is not up until Feb.05 and neither one of us could stay here alone. Of course this causes a lot of stress for everyone, but at my age it is mostly to me and my blood pressure is soaring while I sleep very little.  Now you are proboply asking why don't I have any savings at my age? 

I've been unemployed since Feb. 03  when the Co. I worked for went out of business.

Much as I tried I could'nt find work since then and used up whatever savings I had, with my children taking turns to help out.   If did'nt have to pay for all my Medical bills and prescriptions for the last 20 years I would have plenty of savings. I'm sure half of the women my age are in the same boat.  My credit cards paid for a lot of medical and Dental Bills.

I have 3 credit cards to which I owe $7500, $1400, $3600  Before I lost my Job I made staedy payments of $250, $100, and $100  Now I can only make $30 over minimum payment and my biggest creditor is charging me 26% intrest, they say I'm 1 payment behind and  have hired a collection co.  I tried to find a lender to consolidate my bills but no one is interested while I don't have a job or collateral.

As of August 23rd I will be receiving my first SSN check it will be just under $1100 and I promised my biggest CC to make out a allotment for 250 $ to them, but they still won't lower their intrest.  Because I have some Medical problems like osteoarthritis and a Hyatal hernia and a kidney stone, I qualified to apply for my deceased husband Social security.  It's not much and I will have to work in order to be independent,once my medical problems are under control.  Five months ago I also applied for Medical because of my medical problems but I've not had any desicion from them so far. 

About my younger years. I've been a stay at home mom while the children where young and we spent 22 years in the armed forces. I did 4 years of volunteer work for the Army Community service in Frankfurt Germany and got a letter of appreciation from Gen. Stevens and other field grade officers after our retirement.  Two years after his retirement my husband abandoned us and married again.  His new family was all he ever want'ed and knew.  Five years after that he became a victim to Liver cancer.  I'm not receiving any survivor benefits because the retirement benefits say they never got a request, even though I was there when we made it.  Now it was up to me to help my children graduate and prosper.  

All for of them are responsible and hardworking people. Never touched any drugs in their lifes.  One is in Florida, 1 in Puerto rico, two are with me in Ca. they help me whenever they can.  Finally, I think I should say that I've never been a party person, don't smoke or drink,  don't go to movies or shop for leisure, I get what I need and check out.  I also cut my own hair as long as I'm able. Beautyshops only see me when I've made a big mess of it. When I have spare time my favorite pass time is sewing and creating things. In my younger years my favorite pass time was dancing I haven't danced in 30 years. I like classical music but lately I'm not even listening to that.  My doctor says I am really depressed. 

 I've been in California for the last 20 years, have never been to Reno, Tahoe or Las vegas.   Life is tough for a great many people and I'm not complaining but it would be nice if I could get a helping hand from someone to pay of my credit cards.  That way I could at least start my social security with no bills, find a partime Job and be independant for the first time. I would be so greatfull for any little help, and I would cheerfully pay it forward as I have gone out of my way before to help to help the hungry and homeless and supported the Disabled American Veterans for many Years.  

Thank you for taking the time to read this long letter and God Bless you. 

Sincerely,  Ann

Member #AF6B8M7