I need Advice - I'm trying to help out a dear friend...

[Indi Guy]

She's an extremely talented musician & teacher who's dealing with hard times. She had a great student base, but within the past year, she lost her mother & had to spend her savings (that was meant for replacing her broken down car) on her mother's funeral(her car was pivotal to keeping her career going).

Now she's broke and has to leave her apartment, with nowhere really to go. If I had the money to help her out, I'd throw it down in an instant.

Make no mistake, this is not a plea for money -- it's a plea for advice on how I can help her get back on her feet.

[Haole Girl]

1. Where does she live? Does she belong to a church?

Could she work somewhere they might provide room & board? Nanny, caring for the elderly, etc. (until she gets back on her feet)?

It's awful she went broke, partially, because she paid for a funeral. I hate to hear stories like that.

Hope things turn around for her soon. :hug:

[Dr Morbius]

2. Some cities have programs to help struggling artists.

For example, there are several apartment buildings in Chicago which entirely house artists, for very low rates. I'd suggest pursuing this avenue.

[applegrove]

3. I lived with a music teacher and it worked out great. I'd be busy at work and she would teach kids

piano on her keyboard in the apartment. Tell her to get a roomate to help share costs. But I have no idea how to help out in the short term. Don't know the social agencies in your country.

[skygazer]

4. Unfortunately this is how poverty works

You go broke paying for something unexpected and you can't pay for your car. Without your car, you can't work. Without work, you can't pay your bills. Etc.

And it's very hard to get back on your feet. It's good of you to want to help. Not knowing the services and situations where you are, there's not much I can advise except to help her get to those places. Give her rides. Help her find resources for low-income housing, food, services, etc. Offer a friendly ear (huge help) and lots of hugs.

I wish you both well. It's terrifying to be poor and very difficult to negotiate the maze. People who've never been there blithely assert that, "there are all kinds of resources for the poor" but they've never had to find them or utilize them. It's not as easy as they think.

[AnArmyVeteran]

6. Right Skygazer, and it's shameful how so many are incapable of putting themselves in other's shoes..

We live in one of the most unjust and inequitable countries on earth. Yes, the US is a great country, but certainly not the best. When one person can make 5 billion in one year producing nothing of substance for society it is nothing short of evil. Especially when so many honest, hard working people who are faced with so many of life's struggles get buried in financial and emotional burdens. No country is a good country unless it can take care of the most vulnerable and needy of its citizens. We all need to work to change our country so fairness and equality at least have a chance.

I wish the person well...

[AnArmyVeteran]

5. She could get free advertisements on Craigslist for students, with caution.

Depending on where she lives, like if it was a big city she could find another struggling artist or student and room with her. There are also women's organizations to help. Here is a good link for some organizations to get started. http://www.heartsandminds.org/links/homelinks.htm

You can also call local charities and they have a wealth of information on where to go and how to get temporary housing and food.

I'll be sending good, supportive thoughts her way. I'm sure she feels lucky and fortunate to have you as a friend. Helping others is why we are here. I admire you being her advocate.

All the best...