What I’m Learning as a Homeless, Disabled Single Mom

“When I grow up, I want to be a homeless, disabled single mom” was a thought that never crossed my mind. Despite that, I am in that situation now. I am learning from my circumstances and fighting to change them.

Help For Niches – I have learned you need a specific niche to get help quickly. Being homeless and disabled and a single mom is not enough. However, there is housing available (and within a few days) for women with children who have been arrested for or convicted of prostitution. There is also housing programs for drug abusing moms and their children. Fortunately (or unfortunately, in my case), we do not qualify.

Slow Process – Being homeless, I have learned that getting housing is a slow process. The for low-income is months long. The Section 8 housing list in my area isn’t going to be adding anyone new for over three years.

Rampant Discrimination – I’ve learned that disabled people are discriminated against. This is especially true if, like me, you have a service dog. Despite laws against such actions (inactions), organizations can twist those laws to keep helping. Or, they provide excuses as to why they can’t help now. I am currently without my service dog because the places that “allow” (legally, they all have to allow service dogs) are full.

Random Acts – There are random acts of kindness among homeless people. Digging through bins of clothing, I’m amazed at how many times I hear “this might fit” or “your daughter might like this.” They have very little, yet they are willing to share.

Being homeless isn’t the end of the road for us. Just an ugly patch on life’s road. We keep going, looking for a way out. I know a home is just around the corner for us.


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