I hope you can find a place to live with your kitties. They are your family - take good care.

Maybe a no kill shelter can help

Good luck to you, I will whole heartedly agree with you, the medical insurance in this country is beyond bad. How can they profit off the lives of others, I'll never understand the concept of betting on someone's health and then refusing to pay when it is needed, makes no sense. I'm sorry

I just can't believe that it's come to this where less than $600 seems like a million. Oh well, I know there are those much worse off then me, though.

Hopefully another DUer will step up to the plate.

I might be able to drive you up.

It was obviously my first reaction, but in retrospect I probably shouldn't have suggested it. I think that would be making a choice of what kind of pussy I wanted for at least a month. The kittens are busy shredding the master bedroom as I type this.

I'm a dog fanatic, can't have pets and I think catbyte is going to be ok, along with her cats.

the rest of the furniture which ewe do Weds. And we have NO extra money!
From the day you are born, they set their sights on what you are worth to them. THey drain you dry of everything at the end if you are worth less than half a million.

going up and up, wages are stagnate, the top earners keep taking more and more, and those on a fixed income are absolutely screwed. If Romney/Ryan win, I seriously think much of the nation will awake to a severe shock as they are stripped of what they have left. Romney/Ryan are going to run this country like a corporation stripped of assets and sold off for a profit to the share holders.

I hope everything works out OK.

Also if you have an agency in your local phone book called something like "Community Action". That's what it is here, they do emergency cash grants too... both groups do it to keep people from being evicted. CA is loosely affiliated with the local government, and part charity as I understand it.

It might not be too late to find some help. Also see if you can get a postponement on the eviction (you can file a simple emergency petition yourself at the courthouse) to find some legal help, and if so, check out Legal Aid. If they are "full up" as usual, they may be able to recommend another group, preferably one which specializes in housing. Also if you have a good federal representative, try that too.

Wishing you luck, catbyte. I've been in a similar situation myself, due to my late husband's medical bills.

I realize Salvation Army is not real popular here (understandably) because of their anti-gay stance but they paid my nieces back rent after she had a hospital stay and fell behind and it literally saved her from eviction.
It might be worth a shot.
Good thoughts and good luck catbyte...

I admire you for seeing yourself as better off than others. That means you haven't lost all hope. I'm sorry about your husband too. Don't be too proud to ask for help. Try everybody. call and call and call. Especially to see if someone can take your cats. What have you got to lose?

I hope they let you keep your 3 cats. Family is family and pets are family.

I know exactly how horrible it feels to think of losing your pets to foreclosure or eviction. I had two dogs at the time I declared bankruptcy and was almost foreclosed on. Worrying about them made me literally sick.

howl over solid Americans losing their homes and savings due to medical issues, I will never understand.

May you and your fur babies land somewhere wonderful!

I am so sorry. Have you asked the SPCA if they will hold your cats? Or maybe they know somewhere you can call. I am saying prayers for you. Please post again how you are doing and/or what we can do. God bless you, your husband and your cats.

make some payments to catch up?

They aren't willing to negotiate. They don't have to. I've been scrambling for almost a week now trying to come up with something, but I either make too much money (LOL) for assistance or their funding has dried up. Thank you Governor Snyder.

I know New York L/T Court is much more tenant-friendly than most places.

But be sure they can do what they say they can do.

Was that eviction notice a court order, or was it just their opinion? Anything not signed by the court is just bullying, nothing more.

At least in New York, the judge is often willing to listen, and the last thing they want to do is evict someone making a good faith effort to make good.

Go to this website and find help. Under Michigan law you do have options, at least to buy you some time.

http://www.michiganlegalaid.org/library_client/housing/eviction/html_view

There is a legal process they must go through.

The eviction process for non-payment of rent begins when you receive a seven-day "Notice to Quit", demanding that you either pay the rent claimed due or vacate the premises within seven days. After a seven-day notice has been issued, the landlord is supposed to accept rent if a tenant offers it, making the notice void.

Although these notices do not explicitly state it, tenants may also ignore the notice and wait to be sued for eviction. If tenants do nothing in response to the notice, after seven days the landlord may request that the court issue a "Summons and Complaint". These two documents will be delivered to the tenant at the same time through the mail or served in person by a court officer.

The Initial Hearing

On the initial court date, either the tenant or their attorney must appear. Tenants who do not know how to defend a case and have no lawyer may request a time extension at the first court appearance. They may ask for up to two weeks; the judge will probably grant one. This does not mean that the tenant has to show up the next time with a lawyer, but rather that they wanted to talk to one. If a tenant does not appear at the first court hearing or have an attorney appear, the tenant will lose regardless of their defense. The landlord will receive a default judgment against the tenant.

How Long Will An Eviction Take?

It can take a minimum of four to six weeks to go through an eviction procedure, from the date the tenant receives the Notice to Quit to the day the sheriff actually knocks on the tenant's door to physically evict. Here is how that time was calculated:

Any time after the Seven Day Notice to Quit expires, the landlord can file for a court date. The date of the first court hearing will be from four to eight days after the landlord files. (seven days plus four days = 11 days)

At the initial court appearance, the tenant may ask for a one to two week adjournment and a jury trial, as described above. (seven days)

After an initial adjournment, the next court date will be for a pre-trial hearing, usually one to two weeks later. (seven days)

The judge may hold the trial at the same time as the pre-trial, or set a new trial date for whenever there is room on the court schedule. (The tenant may settle a case with the landlord at any time.) (possibly seven days)

If the judge eventually orders the tenant to move due to non-payment of rent, the tenant will still have ten days to either pay the rent (plus court costs) or move. (ten days)

After that time, the court can issue a "Writ of Restitution" and the sheriff may come and physically remove the tenant and their property from the unit. The landlord cannot do this without a writ, and then only with a sheriff present.

TOTAL TIME: 42 days if the judge grants all the extensions and schedules the trial one week after the pre-trial.

it's important to be clear on exactly what type of notice you received.

There's got to be a number on that notice.

Call them or read the notice off in detail to someone at:

http://www.grurbanleague.org/housing/
Call us at (616) 245-2207 or email us at info@grurbanleague.org if you need to talk about your situation.

OR

http://www.hud.gov/local/mi/homeownership/legalaid.cfm
Legal Assistance Center
180 Ottawa Ave. NW, 5th Floor
Grand Rapids MI 49503
(616) 454-9493
http://www.legalassistancecenter.org/
(616) 632-6000

OR

try to get a hold of these folks:

Tenant Law Project - Legal Help for Renters
Monday October 03 , 2011

By: Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Kent County Renters Alliance , Legal Aid of Western Michigan
Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Time Zone: Eastern Time (US & Canada)
Location:
Steepletown Neighborhood Services
671 Davis NW
Grand Rapids, MI
Map: maps.google.com
Contact:
Karen Rowlader
Thomas M. Cooley Law School
rowladek@cooley.edu
(616) 301-6800 x6708

A collaborative effort between Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Grand Rapids Area Coalition to End Homelessness, Legal Aid of Western Michigan, and the Legal Assistance Center.

Grand Rapids area attorneys, assisted by law students, will offer individual legal assistance to renters on their option related to tenant/landlord issues. The public is welcome.

Did you try applying for Medicare/SSDI for your husband?

and Medicaid only pays for 3 months retroactively so I had a bill for 3 months of care. It took so long for the state to process the application that we fell 3 months behind. I thought they would be like Social Security and give you retroactive assistance but that's not how MI is now. Thank you Governor Snyder. The state turned us sown the first time we applied and I think that's where the lag came in. They already take all of my husband's SS disability minus $60/mo for expenses there. I had to pay it because they were going to evict HIM and I can't take care of him anymore. It's a Catch-22 situation.

I feel like I'm trapped in a Kafka novel.

DU or one of the links sent will help.

They will take your cats in until your situation is better. They often do it for people who have to go to prison for awhile and have no one to look after their pets. At least give them a call and they might be able to put you on to a solution. Also, check out the local animal shelter. They too might have some suggestions.

It's a crime that someone of your age has to be in that position due to circumstances beyond their control. It seems in the richest country in the world we should have a superior network of social safety nets, but instead some third world countries do better than us in this department.

Here's sending you vibes that your situation will improve.

If something where to happen to me I'd like to think that I could find homes for my cats with someone who loves felines. Perhaps catbyte might have luck with that too.

Someone earlier suggested Catholic Charities, and I have heard from somebody with experience that St. Vincent de Paul is wonderfully helpful.

I also wonder whether the social worker or ombudsperson at the nursing home or the social worker at the hospital where your husband was treated might have some suggestions about where to get some temporary assistance, or where you could find some subsidized housing or something like that. I would bet that they have a Rolodex full of ideas because they're both working at places that bankrupt people.

I'm really sorry. Good luck to you and your kitties.

I know there are plenty of Catholic bashers here at DU but Catholic Charities are some of the best organizations in regards to helping those in need and they will do so without pre-judgement of the person involved.

I think the Catholic Church is like any organization secular or religious - there is that 10% up top that act like idiots that ruin it for the other 90% that give the organization a good name.

organizations that you have to pay for but Lutheran Social Services might be helpful. ??????

I used to do a lot of graphic arts stuff for our local CC. Genuinely awesome people.

My heart and prayers go out to you, your husband and cats.

It's disgusting that in this country, there isn't a stronger safety net to ensure that people who fall on hard times or become sick aren't left out in the cold.

It's times like this that really make you sick to think that over a BILLION dollars will be spent by people spewing lies on the airwaves and others are losing their home over hundreds of dollars.

Hope something works out!

I had to move just two months ago and couldn't find a place that I could afford and that I could take my two cats.

I boarded the cats at a very low cost informal boarding place that the Humane Society referred me to. I've since found a sublet and was able to get my cats back after 2 to 3 weeks. I was heartbroken at having to board them but it was better than sleeping under a tree in the park with them.

So my suggestion: contact the local Humane Society, ASPCA, cat rescue groups, etc. and see if someone can refer you to low cost boarding or foster homes for your cats.
I wish you the best of luck in finding some place appropriate and safe that you can afford and that will allow you to keep you furbabies.

Back when I was doing better, down in Mass, one of my bird vets started sending people to me when they were looking for homes for problem birds that they couldn't keep. They referred to me in in large part because they saw the condition my birds were in -- physical and mental.

Also, any chance that cats would be ok in a large crate? One or another of your friends may be able to take them in if they aren't loose...

Do you have a car? Could they temporarily stay in a crate in your car? Back when I was in my 20s, I had a co-worker who's dog spent his nights in her car temporarily...With 3 cats and good quilt blankets, even in winter they'd be surprisingly ok. Just more work with the litterbox...

I'd offer space at my home, but I'm in Maine...

Can you try to post in the Michigan and Pets forum to see if someone can help with your cats until you get on your feet?

I would take them in a heart beat (except that I live in Florida) despite my two dogs and two cats. I relate so much to loving your animals as your own family.

Is there any way I can help? No one should go through this.

I hope foe a better outcome than you envision at the moment.

Maybe you could score a house sitting job where you could have your own cats there as well. There are LOTS of house pet sitting match websites now. Here's just one.
http://www.mindmyhouse.com/

I am so sorry. Your cats are family and that is so difficult. Do you have a rescue/no kill shelter in your area that could keep them for a time?

you may have resources available of which you are unaware. have you spoken to the social worker at the nursing home? maybe there's a way you can stay in your apt. i'm just terribly sorry.

if you don't mind sharing your city i wouldn't be surprised if some DUers knew of some resources that might help you out.

I am so sorry you are forced to live like this. I sincerely wish you the best possible outcome for your future. I am so disgusted with the way American citizens in their 50's - 65 are treated in regard to health care. It's a disgrace! Your situation and story has motivated me to become active in producing positive change in whatever way that I can. As a society, we must do a better job taking care of our citizens.

You could contact some agencies who may be able to help you.
Catholic Charities, as suggested by others, and I also recommend Modest Needs Foundation.


I hope that you can stay in your home, or at the very least, can find a good safe place for you and your cats to go.

Wishing you the best of luck and sending the good vibes in your direction.

they do not have cats.
First: contact friends and family to see if your cats can land there temporarily.
Second: Look for an apartment under "pet-frindly on Google search and see if you can find one that will allow you to have them there with you. Tell them the situation. You might be surprised that there are caring people out there.
Third: If you cannot find a safe spot for pets, call local cat foster organizations and see if they can help you. Not shelters if you can help it.
Fourthly: Ask if you can post help on DU for placing them. Also post on the Pet Group.

FINALLY......MANY MEDICAL BILLS CAN BE PAID IN SMALL PAYMENTS. AS LONG AS YOU MAKE SOME SORT OF PAYMENT THEY USUALLY DO NOT GO AFTER YOU I THINK.

where I am. Every place I checked into requires first & last month's rent. I have checked out social services and I make too much money. I think I can stay with friends but they already have 3 cats and they're renters too. I don't want to jeopardize their living situation by me moving in. I am so worried about my cats because they are 18 & 16 and it just breaks my heart to uproot them.

Arrgh!

Diane

I'm so sorry you're going through this.

Particularly that you make too much to get help from most agencies, I recommend you contact modestneeds.org ASAP.

....and if you could stay with your friends for a while, that would be best!

Once you make arrangements for kittehs, your stress will be less.

Do you have a lot of stuff to move, if you have to do so?

This all started a few months ago and it snowballed.

if I lost my home. I hope things work out for you--you already have so much on your plate.

I don't know if this will help but here's a link of emergency social services in Grand Rapids. I really wish I could help you more. I hope things work out for you. xoxo

http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/religion/news/2006/03/13/1887/resources-grand-rapids-area-social-service-organizations/

and love to the thread.

Don't have any helpful suggestions, except that I got my present cat from a woman who shelters animals and participates in Freecycle. Don't know about that group elsewhere; here it's a Yahoo group. But I'm guessing if you were in this area, she would shelter your cats, so I wonder if there's a Freecycle group in your area you could contact to find a temporary home for them. And, as others have said, vets and shelters might also have information for you.

I'm glad you have this place to vent and ask for help in finding solutions; there are a lot of good people here. I hope you'll be able to work everything out.

you may need help from more than one. Contact all in your area. local govt, orgs. Hopoefully they are not already overwhelmed. Maybe all this was already stated. I didn't read all responses.

i'm also living a healthcare disaster. At this stage I am prepared for, and I fully expect things to not end well,--even with all my years of efforts and cash outlay. Our nation has become a humanitarian disaster, and a shamed entity in the industrialised world.

Best of luck to you.

With all of state government in republican hands they pretty much stripped health and human services to pay for a big corporate tax break. I would start by contacting State Representative Brandon Dillon (D-Grand Rapids), one of the few Dems that are still left for you. 888-750-2386
Also U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow 616-975-0052.

Kent County Human Svc Dept
Grand Rapids, MI 49507 (616) 248-1000

Kent County Human Services Department
740 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 » Map (616) 248-9600

Salvation Army (616) 588-7200

Someone might know if there is and help out there.

I am having some insurance/health/financial issues myself right now, but you have reminded me that mine are not the only or worst problems in the world. I am very sorry to hear about your situation, and truly hope things get better for you.

I've gotten some good ideas and I'm not going down without a fight. I owe it my cats to do everything I can.

Thank you everybody. It means more than you know.

Diane

When my father passed away, my mom was presented with a large bill that I knew would destroy her financially. I contacted the hospital and identified myself as my father's son. I arranged to have the bill transferred to my name and negotiated time payments that would allow me to still support myself and help my mom financially. The hospital agreed and over several years I got the bill paid off. I am not writing this to argue with those that feel the hospital bill in unjustified. What I do know is that it is an obligation that a hospital's lawyers can likely enforce.

What you should try to do is get in touch with the hospital, explain your circumstances and try to negotiate time payments that will allow you to live a decent life.

Your plight is why I think the re-election of President Obama is so important. As imperfect as it is, Obama-Care has features that will kick in fully during 2014 that will help you, maybe not with the current bill, but protect you financially if more illness strikes your husband or you.

They may be able to foster them or provide other help.

I am very sorry about what you are going through.

It's horrible.

Do you think you could set up a giveforward site for your hubs? I'm sure many people out there would be willing to help you. Maybe even some DU'ers.

http://www.giveforward.com/

for affordable housing that you can and keep your spirits up.

I hope the great suggestions in this thread can help you, don't give up hope!

Come, bring cats.Don't put them on the roof of your car to get here.I live in Ontario Canada.I don't have alot but if it is humanly possible for you to come please do.I live alone,have a cat,and you can visit till you can think straight.I'm in Oakville not sure how far from where you are.I'm 65 not so good on computers.

What a wonderful soul you are. Glad you're here at DU.

(I may run away and come stay with you, too, okay?)

and even FINER as a human being!

Same thing with my mother, who was basically checkmated into leaving her apartment due to being unable to meet rent because of medical bills. It's everything my brothers and sisters can do to make up the difference in her living costs from her SS to her expenses even in a less expensive dwelling. Aging medical issues can sink even solvent people fast. I swear to whoever, the next person that talks of "rugged individualism" to my face is going to get a punch in the mouth.

Having gone through catastrophic medical issues with my late husband (major stroke when he was 54, diagnosed with cancer at 66) here's some free, unsolicited advice, so take it for what it's worth.

After his stroke, Mike was declared completely disabled...sounds like your husband is in the same boat. What's his age? Disability is available through Social Security at any age. I had no idea he would have been eligible for this until my employer told be to apply. Is your husband on disability and medicare? If not, apply immediately.

Suck it up and declare bankruptcy. Put your pride on hold for a while, you have more important things to do. A lawyer will charge you a fortune, but a paralegal can get the job done for about 20% of what a lawyer will charge...mine charged me around $300. Filing fees are extra, but generally the court will let you pay in installments. It's basically just getting the paperwork together properly, but you don't want to try it yourself...it's very complicated and if you mess it up, you'll just get screwed. Divest yourself of everything NOW. If you have any stocks, etc., you'll end up losing them. I know, I sound like Queen Ann, but we actually had 100 shares of Sirius that I had bought when times were good that I had to dump. You will be able to keep more than you think, collectables, jewelry, your car, etc. Don't be afraid to ask friends for help...what are they for? If they won't step up now, are they really your friends? If you call 211 (yep, just those numbers) you'll be connected with an organization that can help you through this. I don't know if they deal strictly with cancer patients, but if that's the case, I'm sure they can direct you to the proper agency. Talk to your landlord. See if s/he is understanding enough to know you're going through a rough patch right now...can your rent be lowered temporarily? Is there some way you can move into the facility where he is? The assisted living facility my mom was in when she was hit with Alzheimer's allowed spouses to live in. If you can't move in with him in his current facility, see if you can find one where you can...at least then you'll just be paying for one place instead of two.

As for your kitties...my heart goes out to you. Check with your local shelters & vets to see if they know of any people who foster pets. They may be able to help you out until you get straightened out. Hell, even some place like PetSmart or Petco might know of people. If all else fails, I live outside of Las Vegas...if you can get them out here they can live with me. I have 5 cats and 3 dogs...what's 3 more?

Send me an email here at DU. I'll give you my phone number, and we'll talk. Trust me, it helps.

You people are amazing!

This is what this country is all about. Helping each other in need. Unfortunately the ""other side" is all about me, me, me. They will fail miserably in November. And I can guarantee not one right winger would help this poor lady. Go DU'ers. We love ya's.

DUers rock.

God speed.

...The week before, I coincidentally wrote down the things I would like to see improve at my current job at the time... I wasn't very happy... But I certainly didn't want to get fired.... After I got back from a weekend trip with my wife, my boss called me into his office and told me they had to let me go. I searched for a while after I left the company and I ended up finding a job that pays much better and where I have much more Independence and freedom to participate more fully in my life and with my family.

The reason I tell you this is that if you have a solid idea of what you want in the next phase of your life, voice it and chances are, this change that has come to you will be something that moves you forward toward a fuller and happier life. I hope the best for you - <3

Sounds like bullshit... But sincerely, this really worked for me... Good luck and peace to you

or go to 211.org . It's an information hotline/website run by the United Way.

without seeing the others in the last 24 hours.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10021314507