To hell with poverty

January 31, 2011 2:53 PM

I am essentially homeless, mentally ill, chronically unemployed and I may be seriously ill. I need to find some proactive solutions to the problems in my life.

I am a man now in my late twenties, living in southeastern Michigan. I have the following problems:

-The house I grew up in went into foreclosure last year because I could not find a job to pay the mortgage. I currently live with a family member who cannot afford to have me. I apply to jobs all of the time, but no one seems to want to hire me, probably because I've had only one job since 2002 and I only lasted a month. I don't own a car or have a driver's license.

-I have severe depression and social anxiety that has lasted most of my life, perhaps my entire life. I have never been treated for it. My mental illness pretty much ruined my college career. I cry in the mornings and I hit myself in the face on occasion, but I'm not violent towards other people. I actually improved to the point where I can talk to strangers on the street, and I get rave reviews for my perceived kindness and intellect. No one in a hiring position seems to notice me, though.

-I have no friends other than the couple of people I know through family. I have never been close to anyone. I'm not even sure that I love my own family.

-I may have HIV or multiple sclerosis. For certain reasons I believe I have MS and not HIV. I am getting tested today.

-I've never been addicted to drugs or alcohol.


Okay, with this hodgepodge of facts, I have a few questions:

-What's the best HIV/STD/MS testing option for an adult male with no present health insurance and no money (I literally have enough money to get home and do some laundry)?

-How can one get an interview when businesses do not call? Should I simply lie on job applications? I'm pretty desperate. I would temp but I have no car and no resume (literally nothing favorable within the last eight years to put on a resume). I go and try to introduce myself to hiring managers but it is hard and I generally get stonewalled.

-I was considering joining a military service so I could go back to school (I'm actually pretty smart, just horribly paranoid). But if I'm actually sick, I can't do that. What do people who've never been to college actually do for a living? Everyone

posted by anonymous to Health & Fitness (29 answers total)

You may be eligible for SSI benefits--it's definitely something you should look in to.
posted by mpls2 at 2:56 PM on January 31, 2011 [7 favorites]

You don't say why you don't have a car or license, but having either these or access to public transit will give you more job options.

I'd also think that finding treatment for your social anxiety and depression should be at the top of your list.

The economy is tough now, so everyone's having a hard time getting jobs, but the lack of transport plus the issues re anxiety and depression, untreated, would make it hard for you in good times too. If you can make some progress toward dealing with these, you'll be in a better spot to find a job, I think.

If I were looking at your question, and these issues weren't present, I'd say go for a temp job while signing up for continuing ed or possibly interning somewhere to pick up skills to help you land a better job.
posted by zippy at 3:03 PM on January 31, 2011

If you think you are mentally up to dealing with military service it might help you get established and give you someplace better to start from in civilian life in a couple years. College money, veterans hiring preferences, and something solid on a resume that (many) people (if not mefites) will treat with a lot of respect.

But only if you think it is something you could mentally handle and your health problems don't preclude it. I hope everything goes well for you.
posted by pseudonick at 3:05 PM on January 31, 2011

For finding out where to get tested for HIV, for free, plug your ZIP code in here. Getting hooked in with a good free clinic can help you get access to benefits, as many clinics have social workers on staff whose job it is to help patients sign up for things like that.
posted by rtha at 3:08 PM on January 31, 2011 [1 favorite]

I'm with mpls2. Look into SSI Disability benefits. I work in a free clinic where doctors and social workers process these claims frequently for people with both physical and mental health issues. In my state, SSI provides medical coverage for one year, which will help you work through your medical and psychiatric concerns. This website will help connect you to some of MI's resources. You also probably qualify for SNAP benefits (food stamps), which might help alleviate some of the stress of your living situation. This website should get you started with SNAP. I'll leave the employment stuff to some more-knowledgeable MeFite. Good luck!
posted by The White Hat at 3:09 PM on January 31, 2011 [4 favorites]

For starters, maybe you could volunteer somewhere? This would not need to take a lot of time (maybe a couple of hours, a couple of days a week) so you could still pursue jobs or other activities, but it would have various benefits:
-give you something to put on your resume,
-give you a person to list as a reference who could say "he showed up reliably and did a good job, he would be a good person to hire"
- introduce you to other people who could be your friends, or at least friendly acquaintances
- introduce you to people who might know about job leads in your area.
posted by LobsterMitten at 3:11 PM on January 31, 2011 [3 favorites]

Social services in your area can help you get access to medical testing and sort out ssi benefits. I'm not familiar with Michigan. Social services maybe administered at the county level in your area or by your city or town.

Please seek help from a social worker in your area. They will be able to help you find the resources you need.

It will probably take a few steps to get from today to placement in a part time or full time job.

I think the first step it contacting a social worker to help you figure out where to go next.

It sounds like you have a good idea of what you want to change. Good luck building your plans.
posted by vincele at 3:11 PM on January 31, 2011

I believe you can only qualify for SSI/SSDI if you have worked a minimum of 5 years.
posted by Lobster Garden at 3:11 PM on January 31, 2011

I would start with a social worker: someone who can take a broad inventory of your life (both strengths and weaknesses) and point you toward resources that may be able to help you. Such resources could include mental health treatment, SSI benefits, food stamps, transportation assistance, job counseling, medical care/testing for MS, and more. I can't recommend anything in Michigan, but you could always start with the local office of the state Human Services department. You could also try a local chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society or a group that works with HIV+ individuals if one or both of those apply. Go in, tell them what you told us (heck, take a print out if you want), and be assertive.

As for the HIV test, this directory of free clinics appears legit. You could also try your local Health Department. Free and anonymous testing is available in many locations.

Good luck to you!
posted by zachlipton at 3:15 PM on January 31, 2011 [1 favorite]

You need a social worker. Adult Protective Services in Michigan might be an appropriate place for you to call to ask for help.

From the website:

"Program staff investigate allegations of abuse, neglect or exploitation and provide protection to vulnerable adults. Policy requires that investigations will begin within 24 hours after the complaint is received."

Their definition of "neglect" isn't just neglect by others, it's also self neglect: "harm to an adult's health or welfare caused by the inability of the adult to respond to a harmful situation (self-neglect)."
posted by Ashley801 at 3:16 PM on January 31, 2011 [5 favorites]

And yes, as rtha says, I would definitely ask at the testing clinic where you should go to see a social worker about these goals. They should know the community and who to send you to.
posted by zachlipton at 3:16 PM on January 31, 2011 [1 favorite]

SSI specifically covers people who cannot work and who may not have ever been able to work. (eligibility info) You may also have state disability options; I don't know the Michigan system at all. Even if it's just something temporary to give you some stability while you try to put your life together, it's worth looking into.
posted by epersonae at 3:18 PM on January 31, 2011

I would start by calling 2-1-1 and getting resource referrals for a free clinic and potentially a social worker. The priority should be to get your physical and mental health sorted out.

Lots of people who didn't go to college get jobs, but the problem is most of those people started working in their late teens and early 20s and started developing a work history. When you're later in your 20s and don't have a work history, employers see that they could hire a younger person who will work for peanuts (since it's likely not their only income source). It sucks, but it's often how it works.
That said, are you following through on your applications? You should be calling to follow up 1-2 weeks after turning in an application if you don't hear from the employer. Do you have any special skills? Can you pick up odd jobs through Craigslist, like handywork, lawn mowing, or cleaning? Could you do day labor?
posted by elpea at 3:25 PM on January 31, 2011

"I believe you can only qualify for SSI/SSDI if you have worked a minimum of 5 years."

That seems to be true for SSDI (Disability) but not for SSI: "It is designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people, who have little or no income; and it provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter." If you do apply for either and get rejected, don't assume that is the end of it. I know people who had to reapply before getting approved and that likely involved more extensive information from the doctor or doctors who had been treating them.
posted by soelo at 3:26 PM on January 31, 2011 [1 favorite]

I second you needing to check in with your county and state government to get a social worker, or at least someone in the mental health field that can help you find resources in your area. This person might even be able to help you with job resources. Also, check with your state unemployment office, in case you haven't applied for jobs or registered there. Good luck ... your situation sounds very difficult, but at least you're taking positive steps!
posted by Happydaz at 3:28 PM on January 31, 2011

It sounds like you could benefit from making contact with local social services agencies that provide mental health assistance. For example, if you're in Washtenaw County, here is the information for community mental health services. (If you're not in Washtenaw County, googling your county + community mental health will probably give you what you're looking for.)

Community mental health may be able to refer you to a social worker or other free health screenings or federal or state benefits that can help you get back on your feet while you tackle your health issues.
posted by *s at 3:30 PM on January 31, 2011

The military is not a convalescent home. Folks with untreated serious mental illness have a very hard time with the demands of basic training, let alone active duty service. Please do not try this right now.

You definitely need to start with a social worker or a mental health authority.
posted by SMPA at 4:07 PM on January 31, 2011 [4 favorites]

Nthing the rec from all above about getting in touch with free clinics, mental health services, social workers, disability insurance, etc. as your first steps. Getting yourself more stable and healthy is the best way to make yourself more employable (at minimum), and those services will have experience directing people in your situation to jobs.

After your health is more settled, volunteering is a great way to get career experience, references, and skills. Depending on the volunteer organization and work involved, they may also feed you breakfast.

For transportation, many communities set up rideshare / carpooling programs, meant to reduce car pollution by commuters, that may help you. Mental health & disability services can have community shuttles for clients, who routinely have difficulty driving. Unofficial rideshare groups also form through neighbors, employers, and websites like Craigslist: with those you can expect to chip in for gas, maybe a shade more here since you won't be taking a turn driving. With money an issue, you could swap rides for service like car washing / lawn mowing / fresh muffins for fellow carpoolers.
posted by nicebookrack at 4:39 PM on January 31, 2011

Thank you for correcting me, soelo. In any case, OP, social work staff at a clinic will be able to help you out.
posted by Lobster Garden at 5:02 PM on January 31, 2011

Wow, what a lot to cope with. It must have been difficult to write your question. It can be difficult to get free/subsidized mental health care. It can be difficult to get Social Security disability, in whatever form. Please be persistent, and keep asking for the help you need. The military is not likely to be a successful choice for you right now. But Michigan should have some form of Vocational Rehabilitation to assist you with getting into shape to find a job. Part of the Recovery Act helped Voc Rehab in Maine get their waiting lists way down, so you may be able to get services pretty promptly.

Getting better when you have mental health problems and no money is not easy. But hang in there. You deserve to feel better and have a life that you want to live.
posted by theora55 at 5:52 PM on January 31, 2011

Have you considered trying college again? You would clearly qualify for all kinds of financial aid, and could learn some marketable skill. Is there a community college near you? Good luck, I hope you find some help and some direction soon.
posted by mareli at 6:20 PM on January 31, 2011

If you have any connections outside of SE Michigan, it might be worth to other areas, as many parts of US are not as economically depressed, and have better public transportation if you are unable to drive.

I don't necessarily think that the military would be a good fit for you, but it's possible that Job Corps might give you the training you need. The Detroit location is free, with dorms you can live in and basic medical care, and it offers 1200 dollars in transition money when you leave. I don't have any personal experience with Job Corp, and I'm not sure if it will be able to help with your mental health issues, but it could really help you develop a trade and independent living skills.
posted by fermezporte at 6:46 PM on January 31, 2011

Thirding volunteer work. It will put you in the loop to build connexions to people who may hire you for paid work in the future. Also good for depression. But mostly it will put you in the position where your introductions to employers involve other people saying "Here is the person I was telling you about!" rather than cold-calling.

You probably feel like a big screw-up at the moment, but -- you're an articulate Ask MetaFilter poster and you're not a drunk, and simply by dint of those two qualities, you will be able to pull yourself out of where you are now. Little steps in the right general direction are key. When you are feeling crappy about your situation, do a little check: are you doing things to point yourself in the right general direction right now? So long as you are not going backwards, you will get there. Start calling social workers, do the best you are capable of and congratulate yourself for anything that is not a step backwards, one foot after the other, slowly but constantly.
posted by kmennie at 7:09 PM on January 31, 2011

A dear friend of mine was tested for HIV while also being tested for MS. It is a fairly routine test in the case of MS, I am told. I wish you so much hope and pray you are able to get out of bed and build a life. I think the most important thing to do is to find a shelter where you are able to get access to a social worker. You can get a job with Goodwill for now if you can contact them, or the Salvation Army if you are of that ilk. Be honest about who you are with social workers and try not to say no to help.
posted by parmanparman at 7:10 PM on January 31, 2011

There is a nonprofit called Needymeds whose mission is to direct people to low- or no-cost sources of medication and health care. The site has a searchable database of free/low-cost/sliding-scale clinics nationwide, and many of these clinics offer mental health services. (The database includes info on each clinic's hours, location, cost, and services.)

Sending thoughts and blessings your way during this journey.
posted by virago at 7:12 PM on January 31, 2011 [4 favorites]

The military will take you despite your mental illness -- just don't tell them! There may be a waiting list right now, so it won't fix things immediately. Call a recruiter and tell them you don't have a car, they will arrange to pick you up.

Don't be afraid to take advantage of your local churches, even if you are not a believer.
posted by blargerz at 8:48 PM on January 31, 2011

The soup kitchen I volunteer at in NJ also has a nurse and a social worker to connect clients with mental health and other help as needed. You might check local programs like this as a first start to get some help and to be directed to the right programs, including disability payments.
posted by mermayd at 4:41 AM on February 1, 2011

The food bank I volunteer at helps people find resources.

It occurred to me when I read this that you are thinking along the lines of trying to find work in a business. But maybe you are better suited to work for a charity. The wages would be low but you could find a tiny apartment near the charity where you could walk. And you would meet like-minded compassionate people. I would think you would enjoy working at the HIV center. You could volunteer there and then tell the director, after a few weeks, that you really need a paying job and they may be able to come up with one. I would love to work full time at my food bank.

Also, make sure that you are getting enough vitamin d. It's bad to take too much, but lots of us in the snow belt are low and it causes symptoms that could be confused with MS. And it causes depression. See if you can take a multi-vitamin until you get medical coverage and you can be tested for deficiencies. Some food banks have multivitamins but you have to ask for them.

I have social anxiety and it made college excruciating for me. So I hear you. (But at the same time I was going to school I volunteered at the food bank and that was really rewarding.) Maybe in another century we would have been monks, away from society, making beer or training dogs, and we would have been happy. Create that life for yourself now. (I have. You can do it.)
posted by cda at 9:51 AM on February 1, 2011

Hey OP, I volunteer at a healthcare clinic for uninsured people in Ypsilanti. We have patients from all over SE Michigan. We handle mental health issues too. MeMail me if you could use more info on this.
posted by shiny blue object at 8:44 AM on February 3, 2011