SHEFF

Health, Education, Food, & Fuel

This article is about the first letter in my acronym Shelter (health, education, food, and fuel). For those of you who might lose it, there is hope. For those of you that need to change it, there is means. For those of you that need it here's a plan.

Some people took a forbearance during the pandemic that may be insurmountable to pay back and are looking down the double barrel of foreclosure and/or eviction. Call legal aid to get a modification for homeowners. If you are a renter get an injunction for estoppel. If you need an excuse to write to me. Do not fall for scammers. If the website doesn't say, dot-gov at the end don't look at it. Some paralegals can do modifications as well. I've turned to HUD. (Housing Urban Development). I was refused modification and now I'm eligible for the $50,000 HAF (housing assistance fund) grant. If that won't cover your arrearage then you need to get matching grants from other agencies or family.

To do this create a 501C3 non-profit for your family name at IRS.gov and/or a go fund page so friends, family, and companies can raise funds. Then grant it to yourself. Also, ask your local government like Community action for your county, your congressman or mayor can guide you to resources if you ask. Federal Housing Administration. Habitat for Humanity. Urban League (you don't have to be ethnic to get help). For those over 50 AARP has a list of resources, elder sources, and a council on aging. These resources can also help with taxes, insurance, and down payment for a home. I've sent people to the Outreach Program at the local Catholic Church which has private benefactors.

For those who cannot afford repairs or alterations due to medical needs, like a wheelchair ramp or new flooring, easter seals can help. Many counties have volunteers who are willing to clean a house or replace a washer. Medicare and Medicaid have programs to make your home more accessible like a walk-in bath or a shower bar. Habitat for Humanity may replace broken appliances. I give them my used appliances when I get new ones. Go to Nextdoor and ask for what you need. There is also Swip-Swap on Facebook to get free stuff. I got flooring and a set of French doors for $300 but ask. I will be donating my front door when I get new to me doors installed.

Maybe you're ready to buy a home but can't get enough money for a down payment. HAF will be giving out down payments. Ship and Housing Authority can help. Habitat for Humanity lets you build sweat equity and trains you to build your own home. Urban League and HUD can help with low payments and financing. Some young people are buying reverse mortgages so in 10 to 20 years they've paid off at today's prices with no interest a home that is occupied by the owner until they leave. If they die sooner than expected it might work out even better (forgive me). AARP is making these arrangements. In the meantime, equity is growing in the home which can secure another home.

Here is the very best solution. www.Boxabl.com. These homes are tiny homes (375sqft), easily moved that unfolded with a hydraulic mechanism. They cost $50,000 now and can be purchased over five years time or with a 30-year mortgage. You would need land and a foundation. You can rent the land and move the house wherever you go or rent it out. It comes in a box eight and a half feet by six on a truck and folds out into a one-bedroom and a living room house with a spacious kitchen and bath. You only need a sofa and bed. They have expansion units as well. This is truly the easiest solution. Pay $1200 down and over the course of five years pay $833.33 per month to own your own home free and clear. The government is actually giving grants to veterans right now of $50,000 so they can have a free home. This is cheaper than section 8 housing and can be stacked on top of each other to form an apartment building and the Tesla power wall can provide energy so the house wouldn't need to be on the grid. The roof can have a rainwater filtration system so no plumbing needs to be attached. The cost would be about $10,000 more.

This is your government using your money to provide for you. Just apply some time and make some calls to be truly free.

#Health #Balance #Homes #boxable