I need help in Tampa FL with my bills

[Luis]

In 2023 while waiting to be approved for disability due to severe Rheumatoid arthritis I was evicted from my home along with my 3 children. We had no place to go and after going to social services in Camden New Jersey I was told there was no funding at all anywhere in the state and now we are in the Tampa Florida area.
We ended up living in a tent in the woods until I was able to beg a friend into letting us stay in the space above her office in a business she owned. There was no kitchen, hot water, drinkable water, or heat there and somehow child services found out and because it was a bad winter and we had no heat, my children were removed from the home and temporarily given to their father who lived at home with his mother.
I was asked to leave by the owner of the property shortly after due to her having financial hardships herself and for the next year I bounced from place to place and living in my car until my disability case was final and I was awarded $683 a month to support me and the children. We moved to Florida with the money and were told we could stay in my sister’s mobile home with my mother, niece, nephew and brother until we could get a place of our own. Since that time, my sister has attempted to move back into her home several times but cannot because she says we took her home and it was only supposed to be temporary. The two kids and I have been thrown out on many occasions and had nowhere to go so they were allowed back into the home while I slept outside in the car because they are still in school. We have looked everywhere for another place that we can afford but there is not enough money to even pay half the rent.
My children have been bullied and mentally abused by my mother who tells everyone that she hates them and myself, she takes over half of my social security card payments and I am feeding all these people with my food stamps, I have no other choice unless I want to be thrown into the streets again. I am told constantly that if not for me and my children my sister could return to her home and I have ruined her life, forcing her to stay in an unhealthy relationship.
My brothers who live in the yard in travel trailers are both heavy drug users who are constantly breaking into the home and stealing from me and my children to support their drug habits, there is constant chaos and fighting in the home mostly brought on by my abusive mother and the rest of my so called family ganging up on us because we broke a rule, or did nothing at all. My kids and I are in a constant state of depression now, both children have said they wanted to commit suicide, they are constantly sad because of the drugs and fighting and being told this is not our home. We have not had stability in our lives since losing everything in 2024, and live in constant fear that today will be the day we will be forced back into the streets. I have no vehicle anymore because it is sitting in the yard broken down, my daughter yelled at me this morning to stop giving everyone else all my money and get my car fixed.
But if I do not give my mother and sister my money (which is not enough to live on) we will be evicted. This was only supposed to be transitional housing, but I've tried calling various agencies and have been told there are no funds. Can you please help me with some information? We live in Hillsborough County in the Tampa area of Florida. Thank you in advance for anything you can suggest, and I apologize for such a long story but this was the only way I can get someone to understand. Sincerely, Karen Reeves

[Luz]

Hello. I have been trying to reach my local St. Vincent de Paul contact for South Tampa, Fl but without success. Calls go to voicemail and the voicemail box is full.
I understand how overwhelming community needs are with basic needs and am so thankful for the many ways God cares for us through his earthly representatives.
I have tried to manage my bills on my own, as the caregiver or only support for my 30-year-old, emotionally/mentally challenged grandson, but have reached the point where l must seek some help to keep my head above water. And so, l reaches out to you. My brother and wife have been faithful Catholics for decades, giving generously to support Catholic charity work. Perhaps a small portion of their ongoing faithfulness will help you help me now. I like to think so. That their bread upon the water is returning to their family.
Thank you for your attention. I will look forward to your response.

[Hibernation]

Hello,
Sorry to text but I get NO reception where I live in Tampa and thus cannot send or receive phone calls. Do yawl have any WIFI equipment or such? I could not even make an emergency call if I had to. I needed them last week, but the call won’t go through.
I apologize for having several needs, but I recently got rehoused through the Bridge Homeless Shelter (so grateful). They gave no furniture voucher, nothing but a small (grateful) welcome basket. No silverware, plates, can opener... nothing. I lost everything I owned and lived on the streets or in the car then the Bridge.
FAN. I desperately need a fan for my bedroom. If I had a bed, I cannot sleep in that room because its unbearably hot.
BED: Currently sleeping on the dog’s bed (she smells!) in the living room. I really just want a queen-size camping mattress and foam topper at Walmart so I can pack it easily when I move. Super comfortable, adjustable, and cheap! The original 'Air Mattress' one might say!
ELECTRICITY. Due 9/11. $25ish It’s a small amount but I have ZERO income until disability comes. They're still deciding.
BUS PASS for doctors’ appointments in downtown Tampa
9/12 to Metro on Samuel
9/13 to PARKLAND for an MRI on my spinal cord injury. Doctor says URGENT so I must go.
ONGOING I’m considering donating plasma to pay for car insurance, inspection, and registration (2 years past due).
Appointments say get it done by end of Sept or they will tow it.
Car repair.
2014 Camry. Isn’t shifting property and RPMs are too high. It’s not a bad car and, once driven, is much easier and safer than the buses. I can’t walk very far from the bus stop to my destination. Carrying groceries (SNAP) is impossible because I cannot lift due to back injury. But it will have expenses too. Dang, I can’t even call Paratransit if I was awarded it.
Is there any other way to earn some money OTHER than plasma donation? I cannot work.
Thank you for reading this run-on text. I'm a mess I know but I'm trying.
I AM sorry.
Barbara

[Jeremiah1]

Hello.
My wife (Kathirye) and I (Olivia) are looking for a place to live and have no money saved up. We are looking for help to get into housing of some kind but not sure where to go for help in Tampa. We've looked, but most postings we find are either taking only one person, wanting to charge rent for each person, or don't consider Doordash a "real job". We work Doordash together and bring in around $1200/month so not enought to pay our bills so need help with food and everything too. We would need at least 2 bedrooms as my mentally (mentally 12 to 14 yrs old) challenged 43 year old brother is coming to live with us soon. Can anyone please help us to get into a low income apartment or housing situation as soon as possible and show us where to get money for the utilities and other bills? Thanks in advance for your help and time.

[Admin - Jon McNamara]

Hi Karena
Thank you for being a burse and trying to help people. We hope you are getting the care you need in Tampa, and would imagine since you work at the hospital we hope you get great service from your in effect co-workers. But here is a list of assistance programs for the county and city of Tampa. https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/htm ... tance.html

[TracyPual]

Hi My name Is Karena and I work for Tampa general hospital as a nurse. But due to my health I’ve been in and out the same hospital. This has been causing me to miss work and put me in an emergency financial situation where I am behind on all bills and seeking financial assistance with either my Rent, electric or water. I was previously sleeping in my car and now I have a home here in Tampa and been in the hospital. It has caused me to be behind on this month’s bills.
If you guys can assist, I would really appreciate it. Anything would help with the emergency that I am facing at the moment. My zip code is 33647.