HELP Gina! New Journey: Life in My Car

Car Life

I’ve spent nearly 60 years pulling together the things in my life that are most treasured. The creature comforts that make everyday life comfortable, interesting and uniquely beautiful. Things like dresses and purses that I may have an occasion to wear again, the antique artifacts that swell pride and stimulate conversation for anyone visiting, every kitchen utensil needed to prepare a fabulous dinner including the Lenox fine china…

Then, the drain, that I’ve been fighting so hard not to fall into, overwhelmed me and I was sucked down into the abyss of eviction and homelessness.

Before I’m able to continue writing here, I must leave the Kohl’s parking lot and drive to the Walmart across the street, for a bathroom break.

After my husband died, money was tight. He was the major breadwinner, so the budget belt had to be tightened to its last notch. No more eating at restaurants. Vacations - forget about it. Sadly, as of more recent times, I’m not able to send birthday or holiday gifts to my mom, daughter or grandchildren. The downward spiral has been turning for a while. People speak of “us” those of us that live paycheck to paycheck and that we are just one month away from financial disaster. Once the economy unleashed its fury of endless price hikes, my ability to squeeze by ended. Rent kept being increased, as well as utilities, food, gas, personal care products…. Yet, my income stayed the same and even decreased. Simple math dictates a disaster and the hammer finally fell by the end of June ‘23.

I parted with my beautiful things. I put much of it in the hands of a woman with a small store. Her attempts at sales have been thwarted and stopped by the sweltering heat of Arizona’s wave of unusual weather. Heat advisories and a shop with no air conditioning, prevent my belongings from selling.

Ageism and a spinal injury, that doesn’t allow lifting over more than 20 pounds, has greatly limited my desirability in the recent search for work. I’m at least the age of most hiring managers’ parents. I also have experience in many fields that most likely make me feel as a threat to their own job security. So, finding a job has been (thus far) a fail.

So, here I sit, in my car. Still outside of Walmart. The bathroom was a pit, by the way. I’m asking Prime Source /Prime Creator what I should do and what I “get” is this. What I’m doing - sharing with others who may understand and especially writing for those who don’t understand. I read an article last week, that spoke of how the middle class is being decimated. Those who have money in their accounts and especially those who have more than one home, don’t feel the financial pressure so they can’t imagine what the rest of us are going through. Many think that homeless people are those with mental illness or drug addiction. That was the case, however, it is not any longer. We are: those who have modest lifestyles, work everyday, pay taxes, take our kids to school and extracurricular activities. But when the social economic pressures tear down our resources, there’s no where to go but to the streets.

I’m in jeopardy of loosing the car I’ve paid on for three years. The storage unit that I placed my most cherished belongings (like old pictures and the shawl that my grandmother made when she was 12) is due to be paid. I got a fitness center membership (to take showers) and it’s due as well as my phone bill. I have no way to pay and the only thing that I’m lead to offer, is my personal story while asking for a donation (GoFundMe) to get through another day.

I’m hopeful the weather will cool and some of my things will sell. That someone will see fit to hire me. That Trump will come back…

Blessings to you for reading this. I’m sorry to tell a story of tragedy as I prefer only joy. Yet, the truth sets us free.

Your Sister,

Gina