Single mom with 2 jobs, evicted this week in Yuma

(Request from Damaris in Yuma, Arizona) I am a single mom and I work two jobs but they are not enough to cover my bills. I’m getting no help and I’m getting evicted this week. Can you guyz help me? I really need help I’m getting evicted this week and I don’t know what to do. I’m a single mom and have no help. I work but my hours were cut and I’m struggling a lot. Can you guys help me please? I really don’t want to lose my home. Thank You.

Dear Damaris,

You are working hard and it is still not enough. Checking to ensure that your employer has any extra shifts or hours is certainly advisable, but I expect that you have already done this.

Eviction prevention can consist of mediation services and this is certainly a possibility. Of course, your landlord will need to know where and when the money can be expected. There are a couple of programs that could help with your arrears if it would allow you to beat the eviction and stay in your current home.

WACOG

The Western Arizona Council of Governments (WACOG) is the leading public service program operating in Yuma that helps families beat evictions. The agency can bring both cash and mediation services to the table if it will help someone in crisis remain in a home that they could normally afford, but have found themselves in a sticky situation due to financial hardship.

A WACOG case manager can evaluate your situation to determine what types of assistance you might be eligible to receive.

PPEP

The other major program that often assists with rent in addition to their normal utility aid programs is Portable Practical Education Preparation Inc (PPEP). This social aid organization is a major provider of rental assistance funds to families who are on the verge of homelessness. Given that you have been notified that you can be evicted this week, it is important to contact PPEP right away to see what may be done.

Emergency vs. Ongoing Hardship

My concern is that your situation appears to be an ongoing hardship. This means that you may not be able to afford to pay your monthly rent even if you were to have your arrears paid for you. Such a situation could mean that you may not be approved for emergency cash aid. These programs are geared mostly to assist households where an emergency caused them to fall behind, but that they are otherwise able to afford their usual monthly expenses.

You may be a better fit for a transitional housing program. Instead of working yourself to death with two jobs and still struggling to pay for a home, you could benefit from cheap rent while you benefit from free job training courses.

Harmony House is a transitional housing program for those who are receiving services through the Crossroads Mission. You may find that this could be a great way to meet your immediate need of affordable and safe housing while preparing you for a better job that can provide you with higher income. Emergency services are available since you are near an eviction. You may reach a case manager at Crossroads Mission at 928-783-9362. I am confident that you will be in good hands if you will make the call right away. Be sure to mention that an eviction is imminent.