I have been communicating with a person on Twitter since before Christmas about how unemployment has affected them. I have tried to guide the person to places to get assistance and given encouragement to the person to hang in there until Congress gets its act together and passes the extension of unemployment benefits. Sadly, I have run out of ideas. That is why I decided to publish this person's story in their own words. The person wants to remain unnamed as this whole experience has created a lot of shame for them. Please read below the fold one person's story of unemployment. By the way, this person is now an American citizen.
Came from CUBA w my parents back in 1967 in the LIBERTY FLIGHTS.
Got married ,divorced, no kids and worked different jobs.
In Feb 11th 1980 got an office job and I thought to my self I will retired from here at 65.
On JULY 2012 after 33 years I got layoff .They got TEMPS and younger college people.
I did get UI .and looked for part time jobs. But there is a problem I was 60 They want younger people.
In NOV 2013 after I did worked all my life the stop my UI .No savings.
I will be force to retired at 62 10 months to go.
I have not paid rent for the last two months, going to food pantry and Salvation Army for food, for me and m pets.but they don't give personal items. EMBARRASSING.
You can go once a month to either one .Never get enough food for my dogs. So if I get $5 extra dollars is for pet food.
I don't drink or smoke but I LIKE TO DRINK DIET COKE and I can't .My dogs are first.
I been waiting to get help w my electric bill since JAN 16th that I did apply for help.
Com ED can't wait till I AM approved ,they want down payment of $67.by next Friday.
Had to cancel the YMCA of 14 years.
My family pays my phone and Internet in case of an emergency .
My neighbor did give me money to help w my cooking gas.
I am not a lazy person I clean the building to help w my rent. I take care of a couple of cats ,I do my land lord's laundry and help her in her house .She takes it off the rent.
They offer me to apply for low income ,just have to get in line.....
Why do I have to move when I been here for 34 years?
No one can tell me that I am taking a long vacation and enjoying this situation ,not knowing if next month I will have electricity or cooking gas or a place to leave.
I wont tell my name. , don't want anyone to feel sorry for me .I want what I deserve ,what I worked for.
Well there you have it. Does this sound like a TAKER to you? I would be happy to share with the person any ideas you have for them. Thanks for reading.