A big hello to whomever takes the time to read this,
My name is Angela Collins. I’m a 58 year old, divorced, disabled, woman. My dog and constant companion is Mazzie May (13 lbs). For the past three years, I have relied upon various family members and friends for a temporary place to stay; it’s called couch surfing. I absolutely hate this term! Straight up, I’m homeless. My only source of income is social security disability insurance of $1,076.00 a month. This is not enough income to afford an apartment of my own. So, my plan is to buy myself a van to live and travel in. I have been watching YouTube videos made by people living in their cars and/or vans. A Sprinter van, transit van, or regular van would be life changing for me and my dog. I would like to have enough money for a down payment or the full cost of the van. So, as little as $2,000.00 or as much as $15,000 would change my living situation for the better.
My life has been mostly about taking care of others. I raised a daughter and two sons by myself. Their father never paid child support. So, I raised them with the help of food stamps, section 8, TANF/ cash assistance, and Medicaid. While on these programs, I attended college at the University of Alaska Anchorage. I obtained an associates degree in human services and a bachelor’s degree in sociology. Afterwards, I was able to begin working in the social services field: homeless shelter, domestic violence shelter, and a behavioral health hospital. I became completely self sufficient. I moved my children to Reno Nevada and began working as a Youth Counselor in a juvenile detention center. I worked for 5 and a half years at the same job. While working a 12 hour graveyard shift, taking care of my 2 sons, and an additional teenager; I attended the masters program for social work. I graduated from University of Nevada, Reno and became a licensed social worker in Northern Nevada. After obtaining a job at a behavioral health hospital for children, I applied for an internship to become a clinical social worker. My goal was to become a therapist. I wanted to make sure I could continue to work, work flexible hours, and support myself as I got older.
My chronic medical conditions have caused my inability to continue to work and take care of myself. In 2013, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and chronic pain and fatigue condition. In 2019, I was diagnosed with Lupus. In 2022, I had surgery on my back. The surgeon performed four different procedures to straighten my spine, relieve the nerve pain, and strengthen my spine. I had a spinal fusion. Before this surgery, I was having trouble standing for long periods of time, trouble walking, falling down, and driving because I couldn’t feel my feet.
My dad taught me that I could pursue my dreams. Capitalism teaches that if you work hard enough you can move from poverty to a higher income bracket. I have worked harder than most people I know achieving academic success. I moved from poverty to middle class. I have been a role model to my children. They are successful grown adults with families of their own. My children have never had to accept assistance. I had no idea my health would cause me to lose my husband, my house, my career, and my ability to take care of myself. I never imagined becoming homeless.