Here's my friend Ruth's story and please help if you can:
A friend and I have been roommates since 2008. We met in Ohio and when he needed a place to live we became roomies and were there for five years. In 2013, he wanted to move to Florida, so my dog and I went with him. I had a job waiting for me, which fell through a few months after the movelater. I have been unable to get permanent work since then. This is a very rural and poor county in the Florida Panhandle, not your usual big city or big tourist area, so full time jobs are scarce. I have been earning a small income online but not enough to pay my share of the household bills. So now I find myself in a position where the roommate/friend no longer wishes to cover my end of our financial bargain. He has asked me to move and I understand this decision. During my time here in Florida, I have also had some serious medical issues that need to be addressed. Time spent and tests done in the emergency room resulted in the physician telling me I needed to see a neurologist ASAP. (Spine issues and nerve damage. And yes, I live in pain.) Unemployed and uninsured I obviously have not received the care I need. And due to this state considering "household" income (meaning my roommate's income) I have been refused medical assistance twice. I gave up on that. I also have dental and vision issues, but that is yet another long story. Although, my vision issues make it impossible for me to drive at night and I even have panic attacks driving, period, but especially on snow and ice. I also have adopted a dog (when my previous dog died this past June) and he is heart worm positive, though is undergoing treatment for that. He is quite healthy otherwise and we look forward to many years together in our life journey. Born and raised in Ohio, with family and friends there, I thought of returning. However, cost of living versus my earning capabilities make that as poor a choice as remaining in Florida. Also, some there were willing (maybe) to help me but only if I took my dog Valentino back to the shelter. That is not an option for me! He is my real family and I am all he has to trust and love, too! So ... I have the dearest of friends, Karen and Bruce, in the state of Washington. Karen has offered me hope and a chance to regain my stability and life tranquility and with keeping my canine companion! Arrangements are being made for temporary living quarters until I can find work and a place of my own. And this gal will support me as a friend every step of our journey. Jobs and housing are much more available and low-cost there, too! The only problem? I have to get us there to begin living again! And since everything in this home is mine, I don't mind leaving the furniture behind but will be taking all personal items. And due to my sight and panic issues, I have a friend in Ohio who will come here, drive a small UHaul (tow my old car) to Washington and then I will have to fly the friend home. Karen and Bruce, as well as my friend Nancy (and many others) are helping me to find solace in my world gone awry. For this I can not be more grateful nor could I ever repay these internet friends for seeing an old woman (60, and these days I DO feel old!) through a frightening time in her life. One day, I hope to be able to repay anyone who helps my dog and I begin anew, but obviously I may fall flat on my face and be unable to do so. I can promise you I will do the best I can to pass the kindness forward in any way I am able. Thank you.