How will I ever survive?

No matter what your status when you hit hard times, it seems like money is almost always a problem.  It is rare (but happens) to have too much money.  Usually it's way too little.  All of a sudden you're sharply reminded of everything in your life that takes money to support.  And that's a whole lot more than you remembered.  This realization is esp hard if the last time you had money problems was when you were very young.  Or you ARE young and are facing these in the first place.  Bottom line?  It pretty well sucks.

The first backups are likely the easiest - So let's put 'em up there.  Savings, Credit Cards, Student Loans, Selling off stuff, getting a roommate, cutting back on expenses, dialing back the thermostat, taking a 2nd job, getting a loan from family or friends.

• In Silicon Valley, it's totally common to go through peaks and valleys.  One day you're in college starting out with a dorm or  crappy apartment - 5 years later you're in a great job with loads of benefits, driving a dream car - the next year, you're laid off - a year later you get an even better job - or one you like better along the way you get married or divorced, have kids or go through infertility treatments - It's just the roller coaster of living in a vibrant place.  This article is about when times get bad - and some cost savings beyond what people usually come up with.  It's also some strategies for positioning yourself to get through the tough times and stay on your way back to the good ones.  
•  The key is IMAGE .  Even if you're in a rotten, low, horrible wretched time - present yourself as being in transition, re evaluating your priorities, looking at pursuing dreams you have had on hold too long, starting a business, doing some writing, maybe developing a seminar.  SOMETHING.  This is of course for the general public - LinkedIn, Facebook, colleagues, landlord, alumni association, professional clubs/networks.
• If you act like the money's coming - esp big money -  it most will.  
• California is very much about creating your own destiny - it is critical that you show you are creating a much better one - it's just taking awhile
• Actually in reality - if you are thinking and planning toward something really great - you'll take different roads and likely end up in a much better place.  
• It's ok to be sad, mad, disappointed, distraught, grieving, confused, lost---- you don't have to deny it - that's the  current moment's reality and you're in it and it sucks ----- But you're going to get through it and be back on top again.  Keep that in mind when making decisions right now.  

OK SO LET'S GET TO THE GOOD STUFF

• Keep up your credit rating - this will serve you better than almost anything else. 
• Without it, you'll pay higher deposits on utilities, rent and almost everything else. 
• For rentals, you may not even be able to get any - and if you do, you'll pay huge deposits
• .You'll pay higher interest on everything - credit cards can change interest rates without notice.
• Employers now check credit reports as part of background checks - they do not always give any chance to explain
•  Consider what gets reported on your credit report - House payments, credit cards, car loans, installment loans, student loans. These come first - food, utilities, homeowners/space, insurance later. 
• For medical bills, work out a plan.  Hospitals have to. Most doctors, dentists, audiologists will as a courtesy - Just don't let them go into default or judgement
• Try not to  say you're in crisis to creditors - this just puts them in a panic and makes it harder to get extensions, additional credit etc.  If anything usually position yourself as about to get or create a new opportunity.  Which  you actually ARE.
• Try not to let anyone reporting to a credit agency know that you're unemployed - just keep saying you work at the last employer on applications you have no intention of acting on e.g. timeshares, expensive cars, land in Mexico etc. 

• That said, SOMETIMES you do have to  say you're in  crisis - 
• Close friends and family? Maybe - be cautious but face it if you need a loan, you're pretty well going to have to come up with something. It's not a bad idea to at least write an email setting out the expectations and agreements - For example, you'll pay it off all at once in 3 months. Or you'll pay a little each week.  Plus the total amount to be repaid.  All this makes it all more business like and gets around that crazy crap that people get into - esp families.  Hey, we've all had family who escalated a $600 loan to $6000 over the years, right? Really? No?  Even better reason to do this so it does NOT happen to you.  
• Others include emergency rooms, hospitals, medical providers, agencies who can help you with housing, medical, food, utilities, emergency grants, jobs, referrals.  These almost all have some kind of requirement for serious need - 
• You're going to need to be a lot more humble.  This is hard for most people.  
• You do not have to beg but you are probably going to have to show documentation of some kind - income, unemployment, alimony, child support, mortgage/rent, utility bill, lease.  
• That often feels invasive - think of it as getting a loan or mortgage.  It'll still annoy you but it'll be eaiser.  
• One of the shockers is that you'll find out that "welfare" isn't just giveaways like it's usually presented by politicians.  
• Actually as a taxpayer, you are not necessarily entitled to help.  Remember all that talk about true Americans working and handling their problems independently the community?  Yeah, um, sometimes that works and - as you're discovering - sometimes not. 
• Due to extreme and - it must be noted - draconian budget cuts, people who do need help - have actually been cut off in many programs.  Now there usually has to be an extreme need.  Applicants have always had to proved they needed help - but now the guidelines are far more narrow.   
• The other shocker is how many non-losers there are needing help.  Applicants who are as normal as you - who clearly are competent, good, hardworking people.  That's not such a bad thing to find out - think about it next time you go to the polls
• "Social Workers" or "Case Managers" are more like leaders than customer service.  They do tend to be ridiculously helpful and dedicated - but it's not really a customer thing like your insurance agent.  They work hard but have to follow some serious eligibility guidelines.  
• I saw this so that you do not have a problem saying "I really need help".  They can help you far better if you can say, "I can't pay my rent, I have no food, I have no gas for my car and I can't pay my electric bill".  OK, you don't have to say ALL that - I'm just trying to encourage you to be more open than most people are used to being.  
• If for whatever reason, you don't qualify for that program - ask where else you can get help. Do not be proud on this.  
•  If it makes you feel better, they all  have confidentiality requirements - similar to your doctor - sometimes even tighter - None of this is going to be broadcast.  
• Act like a winner.  
• No matter what's going on, put on decent clothes,  wash and clean out the car, make sure your hair and nails are clean, 
• Carry a neat folder or binder with your needed documentation as well as another one to put pamphlets and information in -
•  Make sure your phone is charged and be available, 
• Use a calendar to track what's needed when for the next 3 months - by doing this, you'll not only give yourself more time, you'll make better decisions and feel less overwhelmed
• The person with the most options has the most power - So create and grab the options that work best for you. 
• All winner have a team behind them.  Coaches, fans, trainers, sponsors.  They are carefully selected and recruited.  You do this too.  Find them, use them, appreciate them.  They'll show up in the most unusual ways and places.  One day soon you will be on their team - and you'll pay all this back then.  Real winners know this secret - now you can too

HELP! Where do I go now?!?!?!? Affordable Housing Sites to Check Out

Do Not Panic.  It's going to be ok.  Not great for awhile - but you're going to survive this.  Breathe deep.  Now do it again.  Got it?  OK.

Because you are in a panic, I'm going to give you the first number to call - 211 - this is the community services information line.  Ask for where to go for help with emergency housing, low cost housing, help with deposits and rent.  One or all of these will get you somewhere.  If you are over 62 - and in many cases 55 - or disabled - or are a single parent with children - you can mention that - sometimes, there's something specific to that.

211 is NOT a caseworker or a therapist - they only provide a name of an agency, an address and phone number.  It is up to you to check out the rest.  If you have a computer, it's a good idea to check them out online.  However, like all of us, agencies are often busy and their website may not be up to date.  So make sure to call during business hours.

The County contracts with several agencies to assist people in crisis.  The "welfare office" actually only deals with a few things and that's rarely housing - it's not their job so don't go down there and rage at them.  It's foolish and rude.  There ARE agencies out there whose job it IS to help - so use those ok?

First place to check out is the main one Santa Clara County contracts with - Housing Authority of Santa Clara County   This gives information on most programs that are available including:

• Section 8  - rent subsidies for low income - Only takes new names for waiting list a few times a year. Waiting list is LONG - worth signing up if you can but it's going to take a few years.  HOWEVER - there appears to be a new Section 8 program that is site specific - that is, you qualify by living at that site and meeting income guidelines - when you leave, you lose the subsidy (usually, you can take it with you).  Best to just check with a caseworker - I sure don't understand it!
• Understand that many agencies have emergency assistance grants to either keep you from being homeless or help you get into an apartment/house.  They can also refer to places.  One of the big agencies for this is The Housing Trust.  It's a public/private partnership that does all kinds of things with housing.  Check out the home page - at the bottom, you'll find agencies that work with it and that can help you.  Click on them to see what works for you.  
• San Jose Affordable Properties - Check this list for pretty nice but affordable properties
• Property Management Inc  This agency runs the low and moderate income apartments and housing for Santa Clara County.  Some of the PMI programs include http://propmgmtinc.com/programs.html.  That's just for perspective.  
• YOU want to know about vacancies they might have right now - Names for Waiting Lists are taken for different complexes occasionally - here are the ones currently taking applications http://propmgmtinc.com/vacancies.html .  You do have to go to each complex with an application.  Do keep on top of this list.  Also - notice the qualifications - that's the type of thing I was talking about - It is NOT always the same stuff - it all depends on way more than you're interested in right now - just know that.  
• But wait! YOU want to know what is available at all RIGHT NOW!  ---- Great news - Check out this site for Low Income, Senior, Disabled Rentals Available Right Now 
• Note that each one has symbols  - this may or may not mean that they only house that. If it says Seniors, it's likely just Seniors though.  Check it out - call the manager.  Even if they say "no", ask if they know of another place you can call for what you need.  
• What if you don't want to use a public agency or apartment unit or there isn't one that will work for you?  Yeah, I thought we'd get to this point.  This is where you start into a treasure hunt. Don't rule out agencies.  They are often great and know the community far better than you or I ever will.  Ready?  
• Catholic Charities Housing Advocacy Program  OK kids put aside your childhood memories - Catholic Charities is non relgious based and has won major awards for excellence.  They were one of the first to get into helping people with housing and know their stuff.  It isn't just about dumping you in an apartment - they work with you as an actual person and help hook up with several of the many things that get involved when housing is out of control.  They have many other great helps right there on site - I've always found their staff to be very very warm but professional.  If there's something available, they'll know about it.  
• Sacred Heart Community Service -  Yeah yeah, I know - what's my trip with Catholics?  Actually if you want help in a community, check out a Catholic organization or church - I say this as a Lutheran Preacher's Kid.  That church has an amazing commitment to community.  ANYWAY  - Sacred Heart does help with referrals AND can help with deposits, energy assistance....yeah, cool, right?  They have some limits on zip codes but if you ask, am sure they can refer you to the right place.  Would also bet they have places in their own private list but then that's just me.  
• Housing and Urban Development Subsidized Apartments in Santa Clara These are apartments that were built with the developers getting money for making the commitment to keep them affordable or low cost.  
• Eden Housing --- I love this group - They've been around doing good things for regular people for a long time now.  You can rely on them - Not only have they developed reasonable priced, high quality housing all over the Bay Area but they often have some programs e.g. daycare attached.  Well worth checking out 
• City of Santa Clara Housing Programs - This is a site well worth checking out.  There are apartments that are not on the MidPeninsula Program - these were developed by Santa Clara itself.  Plus, if you look at the site, you'll see that they offer assistance in housing placement and in emergency $$$. Santa Clara is an awesome city - one of those who really works for and with people.  Enjoy
• Rent Savers- I don't know where they get them but the prices on the listings are really good. Well worth checking out. It's a commercial site but has great listings. 
• CraigsList - What would we do without CraigsList?  There are a few ways to make use of this wonder of wonders in a search for affordable housing
• The first is obvious with a tweak or two - Put in "1" bedroom and then put in your desired high. See what happens.  Rather than only staying with the South Bay, go for the entire SF Bay Area - it's amazing how often properties are listed in the wrong area.  
• Another trick is to go under "for sale" and search for "rent" - Many people are now listing rentals under the property for sale section or in other sections altogether.  
• Consider sharing an apartment or house.  Yeah I know - if you've lived on your own, there's a crowd factor - but sometimes you do what you have to do for just awhile - face it, you can put up with anything for a month or two while getting your $$$ or ultimate location together
• Many times, people just want commuter rooms or space - they don't want to drive from Sacto every day - so just need a place to sleep in the week.  Not a bad deal and they usually pay well.  Rent a 3 bedroom and rent out the 3rd bedroom to help make rent
• Speaking of 1 v 3 bedrooms - The big leaps come between 1 and 2. 3 doesn't make all that much difference and can be handy for things like a roommate to help with rent.  
• Garage - as homeowners we all love garages.  As renters, they're great if you can get 'em - but not worth paying too much for - Storage units are usually far cheaper than a garage.  
• Check out Sublet section ----- it sometimes can be surprising.  
• Do a search on Housesit - be sure to go for something longer
• Older people often want roommates who will just be there - or perhaps do cooking and errands.  It's not a bad way to live and you save mega bucks. 
• SENIOR SUBSIDIZED HOUSING - This is its own post really but for the moment want to include it.  The best way to do that is just to refer you to the Santa Clara County Council on Aging.  Among the many many things that they do is to provide referrals to community places that are for older people.  Older is usually defined as 55+  They can actually sit with you and come up with plans for almost anything ----- but one of those is senior housing.  Here is a link to their resource directory - There are a million things in it (LOVE IT) but among them is housing for seniors.  These developments are usually way below market rate - Around $855 for 1 BR for example. Have to be above 55 and meet income guidelines but well worth checking out.  http://www.coasiliconvalley.com/site/ord

More later! 

Low Cost Housing Options in Santa Clara County

OK we all know housing is expensive in the SF Bay Area.  If you're new here, you're likely in sticker shock.  Just keep breathing deep.  If you're a long time resident who's hit hard times, you may feel hopeless - The bad news is it is still tough - but the good news, is there are indeed options that do not include a cardboard bed on the sidewalk.

First, let's go over some basics.
1. If you know you're going to need to find a cheaper place - do something about it the minute you figure that out. There are formal and informal options but they tend to go fast or require additional time and documentation.  - I'll go over some in the next post.

2. In general, it's a good idea not to do it alone.  It's tempting to not let anyone know you're in this situation - but when you do that, you are cutting yourself off from many community services and resources ---- caseworkers who can qualify you for lower cost housing, apartment managers who can let you know when a unit comes up, programs who can qualify you for housing that comes up, assistance with emergency vouchers or hotel nights, grants for rent and utilities.

3. Caseworkers are your friends - but you may need more than one.  Different offices and agencies do different things.  What you CAN do is start with one that is logical for you - then ask for where else you should go.  Be polite, be professional - you're likely to get a lot of help.

4. Qualifications differ for housing programs.  Income is the most common but there is also often income plus something else.  Always look on the listing to see if it is perhaps something like disabled, families with children, people over 55, 60 or 62.

5. Your credit is likely shot. This doesn't necessarily matter esp if you are going through an agency - they can either sign for you or put you in a program that transitions you or saves you from homelessness.

6. Know that you have options  and be open to being creative.   Chances are good that something's going to have to change whether for a short time or a long time.  You'll likely use one option long enough to get to the next - The short term compromises don't mean you have to do it for the rest of your life.

Like all falls, it takes awhile to get back on your feet.  Even more to get back to secure and normal.  Know that - and you'll likely come up with a whole lot more options.