HOMELESS: How AMMES is Keeping People with ME in their Homes

[Andy]

The American ME and CFS Society (AMMES) was not originally intended to be an eviction defense organization. Our mission was very much in keeping with other 501(c)(3) nonprofits; that is to say, it was broadly defined. We aimed to provide support, advocacy and education, and to assist patients and their families with practical needs, such as locating a doctor and finding effective treatments. However, it soon became apparent that the most pressing needs faced by disabled patients were not covered by our mission statement.

A few months after launching AMMES, we held a fundraiser to gather resources for our newly formed financial crisis fund. The fund was intended to help severely ill patients pay for a single necessary expense, such as medicine, food, or housing. We viewed the fund as an adjunct to other social services, a stop-gap measure. At the time we did not fully grasp how dire the circumstances were for these people with ME/CFS.

https://www.meaction.net/2019/02/05/homeless-how-ammes-is-keeping-people-with-me-in-their-homes/

 

[Little Bluestem]

In one case, we received an email with the subject line “URGENT” from someone being evicted that very day. This patient was facing a night in his car when the temperatures were well below freezing.

I am surprised and appalled that landlords are permitted to evict someone when the temperature is well below freezing. It wouldn't take long to die of hypothermia in a car.

 

[Yessica]

I am surprised and appalled that landlords are permitted to evict someone when the temperature is well below freezing.

Unfortunately I'm not surprised. Definitely appallled.

 

[ringding]

It's hard enough to cope with ME full stop. I cannot comprehend having to also contend with being homeless. What an awful situation to be in.

 

[Alvin]

I have been here several times, very scary prospects and i had come to the same conclusion, i would not have survived long if it happened.