I owe $2,500 of back pay on rent in Orosi, CA

(Request from Cecilia in Orosi, California) I am a single mother of 4 girls. I only work a couple of hours a day just because I don’t have extra funding for my child care. I’m behind 5 mo. Of my rent I owe 2,500 of back pay. Please help I am desperate. I am falling into depression. Bills don’t stop from coming. Kids go back to school in a couple of weeks. I’m losing more sleep now than I was before, no money to dress my kids for school and to top it off my rent is due!! And have a balance of 2,500, please somebody anybody help.

Dear Cecilia,

Trying to raise 4 girls in Orosi by yourself is no small task. It sounds like the problem is not that you cannot work, but that you cannot afford to pay childcare while you are working. This is a common problem and not an easy one to solve.

Ask yourself this question: If an agency gave you $2,500 in cash assistance to catch up on your rental arrears, would you be able to make your normal rent payments every month hereafter? Since you are 5 months behind, this is a situation that began prior to summer break. I think you are going to need a different solution.

CSET

There is a local community action agency called Community Services Employment Training, or CSET. CSET operates a Welfare to Work program that benefits Tulare County residents that need a bit of support to make employment happen. I think this could be an opportunity for you.

By getting a handle on childcare costs, you might be able to work the hours necessary to be able to cover your family’s living expenses.  The aid does not stop there. You may also be eligible for utility help in addition to housing supports. There really is a lot that CSET might be able to do for you.

Most importantly though, the agency will work with you to maximize your income potential. A lot of the stress that is causing you discomfort is due to the inadequate income that you are earning to care for your family. A case manager can help you discover your true potential, and with the help of any childcare support that might be available through the county or a nonprofit organization nearby, you could be enabled to work a full time job that pays enough to cover all of your household costs.

I recommend contacting a CSET case manager to see what is possible for your situation. The closest office for you serves Orosi and Cutler. Call CSET at 559-528-1095. You can get the help you need to reach a better situation.