I collect bears (especially the big Beanie Buddies) because when I was a kid, bears were the hardest beanies to find. After moving, I'm rebuilding my collection through thrift shops and yard sales!
I've had penpals/online friends pretty much as long as I've had access to a computer, but I fell out of the writing hobby for awhile because I was living in a country whose postal service was basically not functional. (South Africa) I was in a relationship with someone who lives there, and after that ended, I came back to the US, to the state where I grew up.
About me: City person temporarily in a small town where I don't really know anyone. Childless by choice. I love all kinds of artsy things. Right now I've been alternating between crocheting and painting, but I also like beads and resin crafts. My favorite genre of books/movies is historical fiction, but I also like crime shows and comedies, some YA fiction even though I'm not really a "young adult" anymore. I'm a cat lady with no cats, but luckily my housemates love animals so I get to borrow theirs.
I've always been interested in learning about other parts of the world, especially music and food. Yesterday I got Marmite in the mail from a friend from England who I met here on Reddit a long time ago.
I'm hoping to make some new friends to help me feel less isolated. We can write or chat online, or both. (I live in a touristy area with lots of postcards and stickers!)
I was in an international relationship and returned to the US in April after my SO began using drugs which would make him black out and have violent anger episodes. The process of getting home wrecked my finances and credit, since flights were expensive and limited due to the conflict in Iran at the time.
My dad took me in, but he's in a seniors-only apartment complex and the caretaker wants me out. Other residents complained. (I've been nothing but quiet and polite, but someone dislikes me anyway.) He said if I'm here longer than another week, my dad could get a lease violation. My dad has cancer, and the guilt of potentially getting him in trouble is crushing me.
I recently got my first paycheck from working at Walmart. I can't afford to pay all the required fees to get my own place, even shared, with one check, so I feel conflicted about what to do next.
I've never done illegal drugs and I don't have a criminal record. I just have an anxiety disorder that makes it hard to make and keep friends, so that's why my support network is basically zero. I also don't have a vehicle, so travel is difficult. I could afford a bus ticket somewhere else maybe, but I'd be homeless no matter where I go.
When I contacted the county social services, they told me to reach out to the churches for help. When I reached out to the churches with large charity programs, they told me to reach out to the county. Both places asked, "Do you have friends or family who can help?" I've contacted everyone I could think of, but got nothing but "thoughts and prayers" and care emojis. The local DV organization told me since I'm no longer in danger from my ex because of the distance, I don't qualify for their services. Another DV shelter about an hour away has been full every time I've contacted them. I'm too old for the youth shelters and don't have children of my own.
I'm scared of shelters because I'm a single woman with sexual assault trauma, but I suppose it's probably better than sleeping outside. I'm also terrified of getting arrested since having a clean background is one good thing I have going for me, which might happen if I end up with nowhere to go.
I know people on Reddit can be horribly unkind but maybe someone else has an idea I haven't thought of so I had to try asking.