Living Below the Poverty Line as a Female Senior Nomad / Sad Truth
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- Опубліковано 24 жов 2023
- Doing vanlife or living fulltime as a nomad in a camper, trailer, or even a car is often vastly different from the picturesque scenes we frequently see of beautiful couples sipping on wine in their amazing van conversions next to the ocean. The reality for many, especially seniors and solo female seniors, is often having to make daily difficult choices between food and fuel or even much needed medicine.
In this video Cat, a senior living in her trailer, shares some of the harsh realities about what it is like to live below the poverty line as a nomad. She reveals just how difficult it is to find free overnight parking, the fear she faces everytime she leaves her trailer to go buy food not knowing if it might be towed in her absence and the constant stress she is under. Cat also talks candidly and openly about her fear of what the future will bring. While it is a rather harrowing story it is also a story of a courageous woman who refuses to give up. Let me know in the comments what you think.of this video and about how seniors are being treated.
AND don't forget to hit that LIKE button to help me continue to bring you compelling stories and content.
Addendum: I am receiving a number of requests for information on how to send a donation to CAT O alnsure she would appreciate anything. WalMart gift cards ir pistal.money orders are easy to use too.
You can send it to:
Cathy Roberts
1759 Oceanside Blvd., Suite C
Box # 184
Oceanside, Ca. 92054
If you are living as a nomad below the poverty level, especially as a senior, and would like to share your story you can reach me at:
Gloriouslifeonwheels@gmail.com - Розваги
Men have lived like this for decades, what's the issue? OH...I'm sorry! I forgot! WOEMEN who throw away their lives by initiating divorce, running through their ex's assets, and ending up in a van. yes, by all means, move along...move along...
Sounds like your wife left you leaving you bitter and angry. Even if that is the case it is no excuse for spewing hatred and false information. Kat's husband died after suffering terribly for 10 years from a painful debilitating illness which caused him to be on a colostomy bag and gain two hundred pounds. This woman took care of him and stuck by his side cleaning up after his accidents for that entire time. His illness and care is what burned thru their assets. Shortly after his death she was diagnosed with cancer and other serious health issues. But she has no wife to care for her. She was with thr same and only man from her late teens until his death decades later.
What a jerk.
@gloriouslifeonwheels3621 just another bitter ,rotten person trying to vent his crap when he doesn't even know the situation..
Go back to your manosphere.
It's so sad that a embittered person must take out their anger out on others. What happen in your life has nothing to do with thier life . Move on with you life and stop living in the past.
How is it possible that we are sending billions to other countries but we can't take of our own!! It's shameful!!
I agree with you
Thank democrat policy. They hate the idea of taking care of Americans and America first. That's huwhite supremacy, apparently.
Thank you. I agree. It’s ridiculous how the gvt treats its own citizens.
Because we have too many selfish, angry, judgemental assholes in this Country who dont give a crap about anyone else but themselves.
Because sending that money to Israel and Ukraine makes a lot of extremely wealthy people that much richer, all those missiles tank shells, etc. private corporations build those for the government cha ching 👑👑
This could be any of us. One thing goes wrong and life falls apart - for millions of Americans.
There have been articles about how many millions of people are just one paycheck away from homelessness!
@@gloriouslifeonwheels3621 🙋🏽♀️
Truth
It’s getting worse. It’ll be less of those a paycheck away and more having surpassed that paycheck, into poverty. But…that’s what we want, apparently. We’re so disgusted at the idea of connecting and supporting one another, doing things that ensure more and more of us are okay & we’d rather fit for ourselves, ignoring the fact that we actually do nothing without others. What are you gonna do? 🤷🏽♀️ We’ll just have to watch it continue & probably take our turn, eventually.
Anything can happen to all of us. No one is exempt to hardships. This woman is 10 years older than me. Life is so short. I pray she will find the resources that’s needed. I also pray she finds God and puts her trust in him.
Retirees who really struggle now to meet their basic needs are the ones who could not accumulate enough money during their active years to meet their needs. Retirement choices determine a lot of things. My parents both spent same number of years in the civil service, but my mom was investing through a wealth manager, and my dad through the 401k.
This is true. I'm in my mid 50's now. My wife and I were following this same trajectory. Last two years, I pulled out my money and invested with her wealth manager. Not catching up with her profits over the years, but at least I earn more. I'm making money even before retiring, and my retirement fund has grown way more than it would have with just the 401(k). Haha.
Its unfortunate most people don't have such information. I don't really blame people who panic. Lack of information can be a big hurdle. I've been making more than $287k passively by just investing through an advisor, and I don't have to do much work. Doesn't matter if the economy is misbehaving; great wealth managers will always make returns.
@@williamDonaldson432 Please pardon me, who guides you on the process of it all?
The advisor that guides me is Annette Marie Holt, most likely the internet is where to find her basic info, just search her name. She's established.
Thank you for this tip. It was easy to find your coach. Did my due diligence on her before scheduling a phone call with her. She seems proficient considering her résumé.
Just the fact that she has maintained her mental health is a miracle. The stress alone increases her health to decline.
Why do you assume she has? I masked VERY WELL for decades….and I have MANY serious mental illnesses…..i used to be able to hide it especially in a society that back then didn’t want to talk about it AT ALL, talking the 80s and 90s…..it’s better now but not by much AT ALL. With the kind of illness I still get insanely discriminated against and judged 🙄🤡
Would it be possible for her to take in another senior woman to share the burden? Or downsize to a more manageable rig. I wonder if she went door to door asking if someone would rent her a backyard space to park.
@@janthistleinthewind7486 she can park for free at a Wal-Mart. Many people do. Also even at the beach they have a park there where people can stay on the beach camping. It's not expensive but not long term situation.
now imagine how our afrikan families have to funktion.... or the siux at reservat.. you think one of us is healty still?
Eh, that's a very pressed smile. She lives with a lot of fear and anxiety.
I don't care what state one lives in, this is ONE nation and the fact that we treat our seniors like this is shameful!
The fact that we dare to call ourselves a "First world nation" yet we cannot be bothered to take care of our own, our seniors, our veterans, our unhoused...it's just inhumane!
Well said!
Sending all our money to Ukraine and Israel for wars while our own people are living like this! Putting illegal aliens in $500/night hotels and giving them $2,200 a month, plus medical/food and education. Left wing azzholes.
We certainly provide for non residents! This needs to change, we must fix our own house before allowing thousands more in that taxpayers cannot afford! Our seniors need safe housing!
Well those who voted for Nancy Pelosi can blame themselves...that nasty witch called social security a "hand out".
We need to send this type of clip to our house representatives and senators to let them see how many are not living at a decent level throughout the nation.
I've been living on $1000 a month since I was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer ( never smoked a day of my life) as well. I totally understand. Prayers for her. I was making $45k a year before the diagnosis. Savings went very fast for medical care because I couldn't get help until it ran out. I had to quit work to do very toxic chemo. It's a catch 22. God help anyone in this type of situation. Cancer can catch you by surprise and all the future planning and savings goes out the door to pay for very expensive treats.
“I couldn’t get help until it ran out” thats what baffles me. It’s like they want us to be at the lowest of the low and then have to beg for help but when we’re trying to be proactive and get ahead before it gets terrible the help doesn’t come. Praying for your health ❤
Everyone deserves the basics to human thriving. When will we understand that capitalism, which tells you in its name, does not provide for the majority. It capitalizes…which means a whole mad ton sits below it. The majority sits below whomever has capitalized, whomever has utilized the masses to gain the most. 🤷🏽♀️ They did not get there without everyone else sacrificing for them. It’s not humane…it’s not how we were destined to thrive and if we’re not thriving…what do we think is our destiny?
Same thing happened to me. Only it was breast cancer. How are you now? Are you in regression?
Consider natural treatments.Research.
@@hellooutthere8956 Condider natural treatments.
This woman has such a clear mind and so much dignity. It is criminal that her trailer could be taken from her.
They take these homes from people all the time and like she said, they are forced into tents. Yet we send trillions of dollars to other countries.
Thankyou for this I need to stop feeling sorry for myself and boy does this do that. I’m a poverty senior citizen too but this woman handles all her troubles so gracefully I look to her for inspiration on how to live with heart.
Why is it criminal that her trailer could be taken away from her, she's breaking the law by parking on public streets? Where I live I couldn't even park that trailer in my own driveway and not get a knock on my door giving me 10 days to move it before it gets towed by the city at my expense and I don't even live in California.
@@maryw3989 Such sityuations exist BECAUSE people like you DO NOTHING about them. 'Laws' are NO excuse for the bullshit people put up with. It wasn't long ago that it was illegal NOT to barbecue jews! (I had a similar run-in with the local constabulary, UNTIL I pointed out that I WAS A MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC parking on a public street. (and they ended up shoe-horning me in a very nice, well-located villa-unit for a next-to-nothing rent, just to get their way and remove me from 'the street'!) Long story, AND in Oz, which might explain some anomalies!
It's criminal harrassment at its worst!
Medical care should not bankrupt families
I am taking care of a relative who had a stroke a few years ago. Did most of the caregiver for a year them needed to hire aides so I could get back to work. Very 💰💰💰. A total eye opener and a motivator for me to stack as much resources as I can in the event I become ill before I retire. Being older, or ill can be bad, being broke on top of that is a disaster.
@@smustipher Smart! I used to say I’m saving for the lean years. But without national healthcare I’m not sure where I’d be right now.
@@smustipher you are doing the right thing. keep the money-do not spend on grandkids..I do the same job and I see that if you have no money-you are i trouble when retired. you need to have money,and you have working years to accumulate it. if no-there will be cry like in this program.
ObamaCare was supposed to fix that. Did they lie to us?
Or lack of..getting penalized for not having any..
How much sadness behind this ladies smiles and detachment as she speaks … her distress is palpable … ☹️
This was me Cat. I went through Salvation Army. Many people are not willing to do that. I get this. Housing Authority and social services has helped me...must reach out further for help. I've been hungry and broke and homeless twice but I got help and guidance because I sought it.
She's sick. Imagine how she's feeling
@@valoriegordon7362 i think @juliewillis9539 is just trying to help and perhaps Cat doesn't know there may be additional resources available to her.. we can choose to think someone wants to help just as quickly as we choose to think ill of their intentions.
That’s what one needs to do but sadly a lot of people don’t do this! Out of shame. When there shouldn’t be any shame at all. Everyone needs help sometimes.
@@ypcomchicwell, sadly, when you are down on resources and energy, and do humble your pride to ask, and expend time and energy and funds getting around to the possible “ help” and get your hopes up and hear no, or not here, or not at this time or ….
You seem to be such a nice person. Prayers for you!
Listen.... THIS is generational poverty, this is América, red vs blue, black vs white, straight vs gay, Christian vs athiest... - NONE of that IMMAGINARY crap matters...this could be ANY one of us and we all need to pull together to try to help each other...
I agree. Scary how we can not embrace the similarities not differences.
I agree!.
Amen
Yes
Too bad so many Americans are busy hating each other.
How America helps its seniors and most vulnerable is shameful. I also live below poverty level but grateful for each day.
In Australia she would have $600 in cash per week, free healthcare, free glasses, hearing aids, access to food services, rent assistance to park somewhere nice and safe. She could have access to home help with shopping and housework. US should be ashamed, we also pay high taxes and all pay into 501ks ensuring some retirement funds. This is not acceptable US can afford it, stop paying for wars and let charity begin at home.
@@lily-rose7982 I thank God every day for what I consider winning the lottery of life - being born in Australia. No matter how bad we hear it is here, it seems so much better than lots of other places.
In 2023 the federal government will pay out 1.4 trillion in social security benefits averaging $1,836 dollars per retired worker.
@@lily-rose7982In the Northern Territory (Australia), seniors also get a free debit card with $500 on it at least once a year
@@lohengrin4009Those retired workers paid into social security their entire working lives.
The lady doing this interview should be on tv her interview skills are brilliant
Thank you. I used to be years ago😊
@@gloriouslifeonwheels3621 Does this lady has CASHAPP? or ZELLE?
She is a beautiful lady, full of personality and positivity. I hope things improve for her.
We neglected our seniors & veterans! So shameful. How can it get this bad? Breaks my heart. Regardless, she has a beautiful smile.
Are people neglected or irresponsible? You have plenty of safety nets her and decades to prepare for retirement.
Soc sec pays out less than poverty level, for 30 years minimum wage work. Seniors are living far FAR below poverty level. And when prices rise, their income does not.
Lots of things happen during those years. You have oversimplified the situation.
It is not only discarding seniors, it is discarding humanity. We discard young families and their children if the parents are not able to have well paying jobs, we discard people who fall on hard times at the very time when they get hit hard, we just don't care. It doesn't matter why, what and how....
Some of us care
Are you serious? If you live in America you do not know what true poverty is. Go to areas in South America, Africa or Asia to witness true poverty. I don’t call fat people who have a phone, access to clean water, a car and all that “poverty”. Americans need to wake up. Your life won’t be lavish but it’s not necessarily bad either
We do in fact discard so many that are vulnerable, including single parents struggling to put a roof over their children's heads and keep them fed and clothed.
It's all relative dude. You need to chill and cut people some slack.
@@billfarley9167 well Americans better prepare because it’s only going to get worse. Interest rates aren’t high enough yet to lower inflation, and the government is spending like crazy $33 trillion in debt. Prices will go higher and the economy will be strained. So if Americans can’t handle this, just wait for the next couple of years
We should be grateful to have a roof over our heads and food in our fridges. Sometimes I forget how blessed I am to have it.
The Wives of Oceanside should be proud to take her on as a project. They could transform this woman's existence.
That would be nice.
One must, however, take oneself on as a project, and not depend.
My advice to anyone seeking financial security is this:
Live below your means
Save, save, save
The trick is vision, also known as foresight, followed by creativity and diligence in realizing that vision.
The road to heaven is through hell.
@septemberamyx She’s a person, not a project. Please choose your words more carefully. 🌺
Well aren't you the little boy scout. There are thousands of Americans who cannot save because all their money goes for food, rent, gas, etc. @@daodejing81
This is so sad:/ No one should go through this! Give her break! Stop kicking people while they are down! Parking tickets are so stupid. You don't own the ground! You don't own people. Everyone deserves a place of their own. To be safe and warm. Fed and hydrated. This is ridiculous. I really hope everything works out for you Cat.
No. It’s up to you to make sure this doesn’t happen everyone saying she deserves a break, well who’s going to lay for that?
The veterans that get all the discounts and free shit
@@dcg590 🙄
@@dcg590 you cannot control everything in your life. Many people are born with genetic issues that end up, causing them trouble and expense. Just because you could make a success of it doesn’t mean that other people had the same opportunities..
Right??? I was thinking the same thing: it's public property and she is a citizen. Unbelievable.
When I'm feeling sorry for myself, I have to remember..this could VERY easily be me. I'm a widow, over 70, and need to learn gratitude for the so-called "little things" that are really the BIG things. Life gets so difficult as we age in this country. You can see what a beautiful lady she was, because she still is. God bless her. I'm going to try to help her, because it could SO easily be me. Yes, thank our society and culture for the discard of us seniors like trash. 😖 NOTHING is affordable anymore. What a sad world..smdh. Hugs to you, Cat; going to try to help, even just a little, as much I'm able. God bless you. 🙏🏻✝️❤️
the discard of us seniors like trash Every senior I know is loaded. Expensive vacations, 150k RVs, big houses, new expensive cars in their garages. I'm a senior, paid cash for my house back in 2001 and still living here. My buddy is coming up again this spring to help me finish my privacy fence project. He is a senior. New Dodge diesel truck to pull his 28-foot 5th wheel which he parks on my property. He owns 15 acres in the Denver metro area he bought back in the 80s. It's worth around 8 to 10 million at this time. At the local food bank where I've been a volunteer now for 8 years, all the women are seniors and all well off.
I love being a discarded senior and treated like trash! I bet the others do as well.
@@rcas350pilot8 My body temp dropped 20 degrees after reading your cold hearted comment here.
@@reesedaniel5835 And exactly what makes it cold hearted? My body temperature rises about 10 degrees every time I read a silly comment by one person that generalizes about millions of people they do not know or ever met. BTW my comment is truthful and not made up.
@@rcas350pilot8your comment implies all seniors are like you. Obviously not so.
You are doing well good for you. My parents I didn’t bring up for reason. Because their retirement circumstances are different. You decide to take people. Who have nothing use your success. To throw it there face. My Dad is 81 years old. He retired from the pipe fitters union. Plus he worked overseas for 16 years. He has house in Katy Texas. These ladies didn’t have the same financial resources as him. He also has Medicare and Social Security. My mom is 77 years old. She retired from Southwest Airlines five years ago. Her benefit from them is she can fly for free for the rest of her life. My stepdad died in 2004 from cancer. So she gets my stepdad pension from the pipe fitters union. She has Social Security and Medicare. Because her and Bill were together for years. When he died he had investments. So my mom has those. These ladies don’t have that advantage either. After he passed way she sold their house. Bought condo in Chicago. Now she sold it few years ago. Rents from my brother and his wife. Now we will do me just for fun. My husband retired from the Navy in 2013. He receives $800 per month. When he dies I will get that unless I remarry. My husband is disabled and has dementia. So he is getting SSDI now. When he dies there won’t be anything to get. Because my husband was in the service. I stayed home with Joshua. So over the course of prime earning years. There was nothing made. That you have it better then these ladies or me. That my parents are retired and okay. Is something you count as blessing. That you won’t be in this situation. Then if you are not heartless creep. You share some of your money with people that have less then you. Don’t worry I already know how this goes. We love of our troops. Until they get sick then the hurry up die part starts.
I live at the poverty line, am 69 yo and live in a federally USDA subsidized senior and or disabled apartment complex in a semi rural area. It is beautiful and I am grateful. The wait list can be up to five years for a very desirable area, but less for others. I was a FEMA disaster evacuee and I qualified immediately for an apartment. I pay $330 per month. My point is that people are often unaware that they can get themselves on a wait list and then boondock or van life it until one opens up for them. Before retiring I was an RN living in a desirable vacation area and we would get single van life people into the hospital through the ER all the time. The logistics were a a mess for them and for medical staff. There comes a time in life dear ones when we deserve to be in one place, be safe and relax. My heart goes out to some van lifers. It seems to me that it is more often not a good way to live for so many.
I’m not sure van lifers have an exit plan, to re-enter the normal housing life. Anything with wheels degrades quickly.
I am on a long list of Waiting Lists for housing. I have been homeless since 2020
Exactly. Pls get on all waiting lists. Cuz 3 yrs will go by anyway. Then it will be easier 😊
My mother in law was on waiting list for three years. Before they got to her. If I remember correctly her rent was $250. They had programs for electric bills to lower that too. She loved it there they had bus. Took them to the store and the zoo. If anyone on here is in Illinois. My husband and I don’t care if you park here. You can eat and shower. Also I can look up any information on where my mother in law lived. She died seven years ago. So I don’t remember exactly what was involved. In the little town we live in Wilmington. We.have income based apartments. For disabled and seniors. Our neighbors were able to get their disabled apartment. Here in our town. Again I don’t have the information but I look and see.
Carol is such a skillful, deft interviewer. I really appreciate how she's dedicated to helping others with her efforts.
Thank you so much. I can't change the world but maybe I can have an impact for the better in the lives of some I come in contact with.
This is my situation too. I've been a full time "houseless" nomad living in my tiny vintage trailer with no home base since 2019. I'm on disability and sometimes I go busking for extra money. People tell me I'm "living the dream" all the time because my rig looks so cool, and I make it look like I'm a nomad by choice, but I'm not and peoole have no idea what a struggle it is to just survive day to day. Lots of us older single women out here on the road...
There are so many stories like yours that no one hears. I would love to communicate with you if you are willing to hear your story. You can reach me at Gloriouslifeonwheels@gmail.com
We need to pool resources, share land. Grow food.
@@LilyGazouThat's what it is coming to.
Everyone deserves place to live. No excuses for people to not have that. My first name is Angela. The meaning of my name is messenger from God. So every time I am on UA-cam. Any people that say you should planned better. That it is all your fault. The minute I mention the meaning of name they shut up really quick. You did everything you were supposed to do. Rent is too high and there are not enough affordable housing being built.
Thank you for highlighting this tragedy. Medical debt is not anything Americans should have to deal with, it is time to expand Medicare to full coverage for seniors and disabled folks.
PetGranny: 20% of physicians in USA have long since announced they are not renewing their professional liability insurance this year. They are quiting practice. Those who wish, can teach in Medical Schools, instead.
You want to send the elderly and disabled principally to nurses and PAs?
My physician said that if Medicare pays him $36 for a service, Medicaid would pay $3. That does not even pay for the clerical expenses of the visit.
Another health professional has told me that Medicare always pays...but takes 6 months to do so.
We need money for wars instead. 😖
Im on medicare and they do cover everything. I have $0. co-pays
EVERYONE, cradle to grave, should have Medicare!!
@@leftykeys6944you pay for it then
Impound her trailer, she ends up in a tent. That is how the police serve and protect. That is government out of control. It is immoral to do that to another struggling human being.
And a trailer is way way ahead of a tent. They need to stop persecuting needy people and go after criminals. She is much safer in a trailer than a tent! There is no compassion. There should be national healthcare.
Agree 💯 percent.
There is enough wealth in the state of CA and in all the states, to properly assist every needy person.
@@grace-fc2kf But the wealth goes to paying illegal aliens, endless wars and not to citizens.
They would put a struggling senior like this lady in a tent city and they will quickly take an illegal alien and give him/her... paid housing for up to 8 months, paid cell phone, cash, foodstamps, food, medical, schooling, rights that they have no rights to.... yet... our own citizens of our own country are treated like garbage by the same government that is bending backwards for illegals..... then you have these wars that we have no business being in and funding stupidity such sex changes pronoun/noun changes and spending money on the most ridiculous things ever that are so immoral and wicked but the list can go on and on let me tell you. The American man and woman who are citizens of this country are at the very bottom of the list!!!
Everyone deserves a place. Somehow as a society we need to address this constant and growing problem of people who cannot afford to live even modestly. Thanks for shining light on this issue.
We absolutely need to address this problem. The cost of housing is beyond the ability of many to cover even working two jobs.
It's more than just a light. We somehow need to come together as citizens to fight. I wish I knew how.
Billions for other countries. 😢 The laws were created for the wealthy.
@@CarolGasses We are now funding two wars. When we should be funding none. It's insane.
@@gloriouslifeonwheels3621 And the waiting list to get into HUD housing for low income seniors can be multiple years when it is needed right now.
Many many of you wonderful folks have asked in the comments how you could help Cat and send her a donation. This is unexpected and greatly appreciated. I know you have generous heaets, but please only do so if it will not cause a hardship for you! A postal money order or WalMart gift card would be easy for Cat to use, but anything is appreciated. You can send your gift to:
Cathy Roberts 1759 Oceanside Blvd., Suite C
Box 184
Oceanside, Ca. 92054
Please pin your comment so it's at the top so everyone can see it. 🙏
Help is on it way give gid the thinks
How long will this be a good address for Cat?
can she set up a VENMO account😳
Prayers for you Kat
I am Irish and in Ireland this wouldn't happen. Senior citizens are entitled to a State Pension, either non-contributory or contributory. Every job that you have pays a contribution to the governing to help pay for your entitlements. If you were a homemaker, you still get a pension. Health care is free for cancer patients. The medication, equipment and treatments are free because taxes are used. Local councils will prioritise pensioners for social housing. The rent is based on income.I have multiple disabilities, I have a guaranteed social welfare payment until I reach retirement age.I have free medical treatment, a pass that gives me free travel on buses and trains. A monthly allowance to help with electricity costs and an extra payment for 28 weeks during winter to help with extra fuel costs. At Christmas time I will get a bonus payment of 100% of my weekly payment to pay for Christmas expenses. All of this means that I can sleep at night.
Wow. That would almost be like heaven for struggling seniors here!!
I have tried for years trying to get people. To realize that we need socialized medicine. For example Cat’s husband was sick for ten years. Because medical debt is dangerous to have at any age. But when you are in your 60s you will have no money left. They don’t care now with cuts to Medicare and Social Security. Are the plans of these greedy people. Our lives are going to get worse. I blame the right people for the problem. It is employers who don’t pay you enough to retire. It is people that don’t want affordable housing. The reason we have $15 dollars left is not because. Immigrants sleeping in chairs at Chicago police department. The reason is groceries are expensive again greed.
I want to move witcha there❤😂
Thank you for sharing these stories. This is the REAL picture of “living the van life”, not what we see from these young, well-to-do content creators that have a safety net if things go wrong. Most people living this life are living by a thread, and if something goes wrong with their rig, they’re in serious trouble.
It makes me sad that seniors in one of the richest countries in the world (US) have to do this because they get hardly any money to survive, AND the waiting list for low-income senior housing can take months or years. I’m glad to hear her children are helping when they can.
This isn't vanlife. This is forced poverty. Vanlife is living in your vehicle by choice. Most young content creators work outside jobs, at least until they start earning money on UA-cam. She really needs to downsize to a much smaller rig, which would suck but it would be much better than a tent.
So Funds are always limited- spending more deosn't address root CA issues. Everytime CA supports another Illeg*l person/family on CA state dollars they are robbing their US Seniors and taxpaying citizens! Pull ur head *ut!!!
Congress voted themselves a raise last October.
Yes they did.
I’m 72yyrs old and facing a similar problem. I’m fortunate to have made choices that have saved me in older age but I know full well the funds I have will soon run out and could be facing the same problems this lovely lady faces every day. I have so much respect for her strength and I pray to God that she be blessed by His gracious hand
Amen!🙏🏻
There are more of us than one might think….
Canada has a solution though; here they just kill you if you’re poor, unwell, homeless, depressed, or an addict etc. Of course, they say that medically assisted suicide is voluntary, but it’s not.
❤️❤️🙏🙏
I'm 65 and trying very hard not to be on that spot as well. Stull working and not collecting SSI yet
Senior here and disabled. I still work with no plans to retire. I was financially set to retire but I helped a child with lifesaving medical care. Parents had insurance but it had crappy coverage and they had no money. I don't regret helping but now here I am working. Life isn't always fair but we should always just do the best we can as a decent person
🙏🙏🙏
What a blessing you were to that family! May God bless you!
Your kindness will be rewarded. ❤❤❤
That was very kind of you. Most kids I work with share better. Then adults that is not joke.
If you could get her on one of the local news stations, people might come together to help her. Prayers.❤🙏
Thank you for bringing awareness to this painful reality about our seniors
My God!! This country should be ashamed ... sending money all over the world, yet neglecting our own. How can we send her money?
Cathy Roberts
1759 Oceanside Blvd., Suite C
Box 184
Oceanside, Ca. 92054 Money order or walmart gift card
Yes true...ie. billions going to Iran whose proxies started the Israeli Gaza war.
Yes same here in uk I’m going through the same thing 😢
Our Wealth is Spent on Wars by the BILLIONS.
Illegal Aliens and Refugees are Housed and Fed while SENIORS and VETERANS
SUFFER.
Don't believe the hype...
This is America. People up the income ladder are slowly realizing that poverty is always just around the corner. Unless you are musk or bezos you could be on the streets faster than you realize. People need to get involved in politics and stop voting for the hate mongers and liars. Start voting for true peoples representatives.
Stay safe everyone.
Voting? Stop blaming others for your problems. People get themselves in those situations. People spend all their life and don’t save and then wake up at 60 broke. It’s not the governments job to look after you - the government should enforce laws, keep us safe and pay for k-12 schools, that’s it. There are charities, churches and food banks that can help those who are in grave need better than the government.
@@ridinwithjake gov can do whatever it wants. And it has by coddling the rich and corporations. Fair would be straight tax, no raise for congress unless min wage is raised, corporations/ police/ politicians be held accountable etc etc. but instead the US has become the poorest rich country in the world because Americans hate, no loathe each other. Welcome to a rich man’s wet dream- an American who wants nothing….
This affects everyone whether they like it or not.
@@summerisonthursday5239 so true, one person is not that powerful to put so many in distress. This is a societal woe and effort.
Exactly right we need bunch young progressives. To replace some of these useless politicians. I have seen enough of there work. When they Manchin and Sinema took. Those COVID money away. The eviction moratorium ended this is what everyone said would happen. He was responsible for my son losing that child tax credit. During the pandemic on his paycheck. To help support my then 2 year old granddaughter. They don’t care. Right now at Everly’s school. They have a lot of kids on childcare subsidies. Her school is selling pastries for playground equipment. Tells me exactly how much they care about my my grand baby not at all. Or any other of those babies. We treat most vulnerable the worst.
This story will become more and more common.
I am also 61 and live in my van.. I work but I can't afford an apartment.. and I think living in my van is better then renting a room.. for privacy reasons.. if something happens with my income, at least I won't owe anyone any money.. and can still eat... the worst part is not being able to stand up strait and tall, in my van and it's not insulated well and here in NB Canada, the weather can get down to low -30s and -40s, degrees in winter, and in my van it will be -20s degrees... I survived last year in my van when it hit a low of -51 degrees... I have a small heater and a heating blanket... 🙂
There are so many working poor. A person should not have to work two or three jobs just to pay rent and out a roof over their head! I cannot even begin to fathom what it must be like in the temperatures.yiu describe. If you would like a heated jacket or vest I may be able to get one for you. Contact me at my email if you are interested:
Gloriouslifeonwheels@gmail.com
From Saskatchewan, Canada: Another tough Maritimer. Go for it dude!
@@gloriouslifeonwheels3621 Thank you for your offer.. it sounds wonderful... 💕
Save some to get a room when it's that cold please or airbnb
I saw lady that bought sleeping bag made for below zero weather. It is not okay for you to be in this situation.
Even though her kids are struggling, I would think that before she’s out in the streets, she would go live with one of her adult kids. Does she have any friends ? I had a friend come live with us in our teeny house with her 2 kids to get away from an abusive partner. It was tight quarters but we figured it out. We do what we have to because we love each other.
When stuff like this happened to my husband and I. We had family and friends that could help. Cat’s kids are barely getting buy themselves. If they could help they would.
What a lovely woman, despite her struggles. And she’s still smiling and positive. I tip my hat to her. My money’s running out, very few jobs for white elderly South African’s and I haven’t been able to smile like she does for such a long time.
I can't smile anyway as I cannot afford to replace my missing front teeth.
I feel sorry for white South Africans who are suffering the sins of their predecessors...
Smiling, but about to crack.
En Suid-Afrika is tot oorlopens toe vol ryk mense met 'n "huisie" by die see. Dis ook hulle met die harte van klip.
@@marlenegreyling8620 nie genoeg huisies by die see vir almal ☺️
Imagine if we could SAFELY live in caravans in SA! I’d be too nervous to do that here.
I’m praying for anyone in this situation, I’ve been there. I can only imagine how hard it is as a senior. The Lord has you, he will help you get through!
A whole lot of different circumstance get lumped together as Van Life. These include - wealthy retirees enjoying travel. Poor people living in trailer parks. Youth enjoying a temporary adventure financed by their parents. Homeless people living in vans and boondocking. Few people actually consider the psychological strain. It can be an extremely lonely and stressful life.
We are on the verge of a new Great Depression.
I absolutely agree with you about the great depression.
As I said we either are going to be nation of givers or takers. My vote is givers. If you ever find yourself in Illinois. We live in small town. You can park here. You can eat and shower. I realize that will be hard depending on where you are. But anytime we were between places. We had family or friends that could help. Most of you don’t have that. Are dog unfortunately smells. He has some allergies he is being treated for. But it is just my husband and I. Our son lives on his own. I hope you stay safe. 🙏🙏
When my dad was doing his cancer treatment up in Boise, we were allowed to park in the hospital parking lot because you are being a patient at said facility does the hospital you were doing treatments that possibly offer that and yes we parked there with his fifth wheel in the parking lot so maybe the hospital you’re doing your treatments for your cancer at might have that option just as a suggestion . You will be in my prayers, young lady. I understand your trials and tribulations. I also live in my motorhome.
That’s a really good idea!!
Cat you should come to Oregon❤ where you can park your trailer at an Amazon warehouse facility and work for $20 an hour as a warehouse associate and it's not a hard job girl.... you got plenty of life ahead of you!
I'm a colon cancer survivor also, 52,..and I deliver for Amazon.
You're only 61, you have so much life ahead of you and you can be making a living here and actually having a happy life. They actually let you park your trailer at the giant parking lot while you're a contractor working.
We also got a great medical program here, care Oregon and yes it's Oregon the amazing place to live! Come to Oregon Cat!!🎉
Im 62 , and this lady made me cry 😢 bc I'm thinking about this life also, by force not by choice 😢😞
I feel for you. So many women especially are being forced to seriously consider this option due to finances.
Again you deserve place to live everyone does. Housing is human right the sooner people realize that. The better things will be. I live in in Illinois.
I lived in El Cajon, CA until January 2020. My husband got fired from his truck driving job in December 2019. We had been trying to get transferred to Kingman, Arizona since July 2018. To shorten this my husband of 16 1/2 went back to long haul trucking and in October of 2021 filed for a divorce. This took place ON my 69th birthday. I live in a 5th wheel trailer in an RV park in Kingman. My space fee is $455 a month. Like you Cat when the experience come out of my social security, there’s not much left. If he would have pulled this crap on me in San Diego, I couldn’t have survived living there. There are amazing doctors here in Arizona. One on the top cancer places in the US is in bullhead city , Arizona. Really concern getting out of California. Take care Cat
Hello from Australia. Thank you for posting this. It is the same situation for many senior people in Australia and New Zealand. It is a very stressful situation to have to live in. This lady is not only having to contend with the fear of being homeless but also having to cope with illness. I really feel for Kat. I hope things improve for her soon.
It is sad to know that this is a problem lem outside of the U.S. too.
BUT you have a health care system that serves everyone
@kendallsmith1458 yes. Thank goodness. Although that is changing but at least there is some sort of hope in that regard.
Don't Australians have national healthcare? We don't in the USA and that alone can bankrupt you.
@karlabritfeld7104 Yes, we do. We have a system where you can see a doctor for free, but that is now slowly being faded out.
Cat has a strong light of life burning in her eyes her strength in adversity is inspirational, the ticket writers need to seriously consider a career change.
This is infuriating. No senior should be in this situation!!!
Agree!!!
This is the USA based on capitalism which only serves the rich.
It is a disgraceful reflection on our society that seniors have to find themselves in this situation. Rhetorically speaking, how many of her ancestors worked and contributed to this country, yet when she needs assistance, the door is slammed in her face. And yet we give literally billions to help other countries ?!
No we don't give money to other countries. We give taxes to our government. Business says We want some of that! Government gives money to businesses that make war materials that our government gives to foreign countries. Business, their shareholders are satisfied. They "fund" politicians who finessed these deals. We reelect the politicians. Everyone is happy, especially us peons cuz face it we reelect them. Again and again...
I worked until 55 and got laid off. After that I lived the camping lifestyle for many years, and couch surfed and paid rent for it. Many of my friends helped with accommodations and occasionally paid me to help them. I crunched the numbers to continue living as a nomad and it was realistically too expensive for my fixed income. If you live on the road and keep moving it gets expensive fast. I then got on many HUD housing waiting lists in my area. Many said it would be a 3-5 year wait. I focused on staying in contact with four on my list. One called and it was still too much money. Another called and I jumped through all the hoops and was approved, but they could not tell me when it would be "move in ready". Fortunately it wasn't ready bc it is a real nasty depressing dump. Then another property called and they said, it's ready. I was desperate so I didn't even ask what it would cost. Fortunately it had been remodeled and I could afford it. It had taken 18 months waiting to get in. Get on a HUD waiting list with the property and call back every three months. I got lucky. Don't give up.
@gnomiefirst9201 you say " I crunched the numbers to continue living as a nomad and it was realistically too expensive for my fixed income. If you live on the road and keep moving it gets expensive fast". Can you elaborate?
@@pinto530 Gas for the vehicle, fuel for heating and cooking, solar and batteries for power, etc. But the biggest and most expensive fear - because it will always be a reality sooner or later - is vehicle repairs or if too bad, replacements. You can't really put down roots anywhere for any extended period, so the vehicle has to always be in good condition to move to the next location. If you were living in a home or apartment and broke down, you could have food and other goods delivered to you until you were able to get your vehicle repaired. As a nomad, you would not have that luxury, and would always need to make trips, too, to get all your supplies. There are plenty of other reasons, I'm sure, but that's all i can think of at the moment.
@CarolinaCarolina-ph9mx This is true. Very well said.
My mother in law got on HUD waiting list. They did get to her and she lived in her apartment until she died. Everyone deserves the same things she had.
@@angelaschaefer5883 Wait list 2 years HUD. My (Tiny Home) Apt here on the Oregon Coast for 3 years now. A small rural community that respects one another and our environment. Had to exit my home state California (north Sacramento) the chaos in the big city was sucking the life out of me. I'm living the final chapter of life on my terms with peace of mind.
Imagine how different this womans life would be if she lived in a country that had public health care.
In the UK we have public health care called the NHS. Trouble is the waiting list for an operation is close to 2 years.
@@stevenhull5025depends, if it is urgent it is much quicker! I hope the waiting times will improve after the next election with a more socially responsible Labour government.
You can still get private Healthcare in the UK and it is cheaper than the US because of the UK system.
If you cant afford/don't want/aren't eligible you should be glad there is a waiting list at all.
@Hendricks Well that wait list for a mom w 3 babies who needs a heart valve fixed didn't come soon enough and she died leaving 3 kids behind. Fuqing Stupid. What's a bigger stress on the system?
@@kookietherapy9398 remember when the Tories promised there would be an extra 350m per year for the NHS and then proceeded to cut spending?
You guys need to fix your electoral system. FPP is a joke.
Exactly 💯 like this in Daytona Beach Florida . . . I was homeless for 4 years at 57 years old, sleeping in my vehicle after a hurricane trashed my apartment and FEMA deemed it uninhabitable . . . Absolutely NO ONE CARES AND ABSOLUTELY ZERO HELP FROM ANYONE as a 10 year Army Veteran, single woman and I still worked every single day 7 days a week Day labor because with my health issues I couldn't get any other job (I lived in Daytona Beach for 17 years before ending up homeless. When my vehicle broke down I was sleeping in the bushes so I would be close enough to get to the labor hall by 5:00 a.m. e every day.
Did you finally end up housed? I hope you are well.
I don’t know how it works in Florida. We live in Illinois. My husband retired Navy. Here in Illinois there is assistance for homeless veterans. You served your country you deserve place to live that simple.
Does anyone watching this know of someone who has an extra spot in their driveway where Cat can park her trailer and let her have use of your garden hose to fill up her water tanks? That's what humanity is. We've forgotten how to be human. For our people to live like this is despicble!
That would be amazing if someone had a yard or property large enough so Cat could park her trailer there. I believe that will happen🙏🏾
I have put out feelers for that in case I have to live in my car.
Problem with that though is cities have codes and ordinances against big RVs in driveways etc. More so if they lived in. A small vintage camper might possibly get by with but I know in my state most have to store RVs in a lot etc.
We can thank the NIMBYS, house flippers and real estate investors, HOAs etc for those laws etc.
If she were in Illinois we would let her park here. But I don’t know anyone living in the San Diego area anymore. Surely someone could help.
🙏🙏🙏
It's ridiculous that AMERICAN CITIZENS are forced to live like this. Newsome, come out of your ivory tower and take a good look. I have lived in a tent- I was scared all the time. The stress took it's toll. This sweet lady is in my prayers.
We need more than prayers.. Why are we giving more to illegals than our own citizens. They live in hotels while Americans live on the street. There must be people locally that can help..
@@eileenmcmahon6269 Strongly agreed!
Newsome, unfortunately, doesn’t care. He could care less.
If you are married, buy life insurance. A lot of it.
This lady should marry again but the cancer complicates it.
Newsome cannot assist her if she does not go to the Area Agency on Aging and apply for the help.
aging.ca.gov/
When I was in a similar situation, I got a Walmart+ account. They brought me food and water for no delivery charge.
Some people also join a gym for a small fee to be able to get out, exercise and have showers.
I know that smile...after you watch your loved one die a slow, painful death, you've been through the worst. Laugh to keep from crying
Good Luck to Us All
Peace
We became RV camphost. You get a free lot, water, electricity and sewage. Helps us with a spot for 4 to 6 months. Only work about 20/24 hours a week. Cleaning bathroom and campgrounds. I hope this can help people in this RV life.
Good choice ! People/Families camping are there to relax and enjoy nature. The physical activity of camp
work helps keep you active. Plenty of free time to chill.
The poverty line should be much higher than it is. I know people who are making well above the poverty line and can't pay rent. Many of us have no family left at all to ask for help.
They made the poverty line off of an intern's guess they didn't have any data or number when they decided to put the whole thing together and that's what we've been using if they actual did true poverty line the people would become aware that at least 60% are in poverty. They don't need some in favor government numbers to tell them they're in poverty not middle class.
What state are you in??
I agree with you we already know we are.
Go look at the squatters rights in CA. You can't park an RV on the street but you can move into an empty house that isn't yours and you have more rights than the person who owns the property! Our system is so SCREWED up!
It's intentional. To bring about chaos and collapse of our culture. There are some very evil people in control and they have an agenda to bring this nation down and make it a socialist totalitarian state... this is part of the new world order which will fail. But everyone, including you, will be damaged by it. And you're observation is correct... our system is screwed up.
💯💯
I thought similar. So many people living in the streets in tents and this lady gets fined for sleeping past 2am? 😢
This is the truth. She’ll get into LESS trouble by taking over an empty house that doesn’t belong to her than she does by “playing by the rules” by staying in an RV that she owns.
Amen gp
This is why it’s so important for everyone to have life insurance so that they can take care of their loved ones after they’ve passed.
We paid l8fe insurance for years, and as we aged, they canceled the policy for 1 late payment . Offered to renew at 3 times the old payment, so no longer a safety net.
Cat, your story resonates with me. I became a widow in July of 2020 after 20 years of marriage. My heart is with you. I often find myself thinking I will be in the same position one day soon. I admire your tenacity and determination to keep fighting, living this life. I also have learned to be the handyman and search for ways to be okay on my own. You are an inspiration to me! Sending some love your way, both in the mail and in prayer.
The cost of housing in all western countries is absaloutely criminal and out of control and to think this woman who is ill is living like this is heartbreaking. The city should allow them to park trailers in a designated spot at the very least. Usa needs to look after thier own citizens for a change rather than on billions of illegal immigrants and wars overseas, disgraceful. Prayers sent for this dear soul.
We don’t listen well at all. Yes we need secure borders. Probably voting to do that would have been improvement. In the United States we don’t see things the same way. People in Europe or Canada. We have this mindset that. If you just work hard everything will be fine. When that is not always the case. Such as not earning enough. They tell you it your is your fault. Instead of seeing all this homeless people. Everybody does the usual things. They brought this on themselves. Blame them for our country not being willing to take care of each other. We don’t have sense of community. That we should find solutions. Together are country has problem. That affects everyone. Even if you do have place. The idea that some lady my age. Is sleeping in van because she. Stayed home with her son like I did. That now her husband is either sick or has died. Makes me cry how anyone could have so little compassion. For your fellow Americans. People that are my mom’s age. She is 77 years old. How can you not care about someone. Who probably has great grandchild. Like my mom does. Someone my Dads age at 81 years. Who maybe had his wife get sick and then medical bills. Took your savings and my Dad has some signs of cognitive decline. Or someone like my husband. Who served his country. For 20 years had stroke few years ago. Now has dementia asleep in their car. The facts are simple. We need to decide what kind of country we want to be. Do we want be country of takers or givers. The takers will eat better but the givers will sleep better. I know that we should be nation givers. Until we see the problem for what it is income inequality. Will get a lot worse. Not better and I certainly am aware. That there be day when it happens to me. If it does I know one thing for sure. What I got I can share. Now and in future.
Why is homelessness even a thing in the richest country in history? You have individuals who can fund craft into space and yet so many who can't afford to put food on the table. The inequity in the self proclaimed 'greatest country in the world' is absolutely astounding.
Sad but we are not the richest country, was maybe, we are trillions in debt and printing money, only rich people are rich, no manufacturering or any way to produce any money, are we really rich or US just the rich rich, is this just an illusion
It's govt. They destroyed the value of the dollar.
Cuz capitalism needs it as the worst scenario they need a buffer before that which is mostly blacks & the inner cities then dirt poor homeless as the final solution this is capitalism working as intended.
Republicans.
😢😢
I graduated high school ,took my van and drove 1000 miles to a place i hadnt ever been, I got a job and lived in my van 6 years, it wasnt bad and prepared me for life. Now that i have been retired for several years, if i have to go back to that life, it wont be a issue, i did it for years and can easily go back to it,these people are in motorhomes and i would never live in a gas guzzling motor home and would choose a van personally, you get better mileage and you have less maintaince ,I know it is tough but the less baggage your taking the easier it is, I would stick to transportation thats easy to park, work on and go from there ,thats from my experience
Agree. I've tried it all and have concluded that a camper inside the box of a pickup truck provides the easiest way.
Tell me that story how easy it is when you struggle to climb up & down, night time incontinence, arthritis, cancer, & other disabilities that often cone with age.
@maureen9115 I am that age, I am a 3 time cancer survivor, I have a nerve damage in my arms and was diagnosed with scoliosis, I go out daily and work ,drive a tractor ,and do what needs to be done, I am still working 40 hours a week but now it's on my own property Or helping my neighbor who is 83, So it's not easy, but I get up every day and do what needs to be done and plan on doing it until my last day on earth, if I have to go back to living in a van, I can make it work and have done it, so old age and medical problems I have had ,won't stop me from living and doing what I need to do unless I am unconscious. I deal with the issues and don't make excuses, that's when you will die
@@donm3844 some handicaps & cognitive delays can make a difference on the feasibility of living like that. Women often get raped or taken advantage of without the strength to physically endure or ward off an attacker. I am 1 of 2 youngest survivors of 5 cancers in California. I am not allowed back in the classroom to teach even though it was my desire, but maybe not practical from 2 brain cancers & a stroke. I can not getup & down into trucks & high lifted cars due to having my hamstring & all major muscles in my right leg removed from a large cancer tumor. I am physically paralyzed on my right side & can’t use that side. I am grateful to have lived through them & started living frugally when I was young due to being raised by an immigrant grandmother who went through very hard times in her country. I have means because of the way I lived. But there are too many that don’t. You are fortunate to have land & neighbors that know you for a lifetime. Many don’t have that. You are also a male with upper body strength, it works for you & are blessed with skills.
You have been through awful lot. That you still can work with your health issues. Is great hopefully I can too.
Thank you for saying it like it is. Nomad vanlife is too glamorized in the media. I always thought it was more often than not a coverup for poverty and a life falling apart.
Some people just don’t want to pay rent. Some people enjoy travel. There are different reasons people are nomads. It’s different if you choose that life than if you are forced into it.
@@Dustandfuzz agreed
Hi Carol, thank you so so much for this video. I am that woman. I'm 65 years old and I traveled all over for many years as a nomad, so I was campground Host and doing all kinds of different things as I was Being a nomad. Just with my Service Dog. And then I became extremely ill. Now I am bed-bound and thank God I have my service dog but I wasn't making it. Now here are things that people don't know about, that do now because you made this video. She mentioned the city of Torrance That's where I live.You are not allowed to park a vehicle between the hours of 2 and 6 AM why because you're sleeping and they don't want any motor homes there. So I had to come back from traveling all over and get doctors and live on the streets and all I can tell you it was absolutely torture. And traumatic beyond belief. The biggest problem we're law enforcement who don't give a crap if you live or die and I mean that seriously. So now they have bans in every city in the county of LA. And living on the streets suck. So I watch these single Women Nomads and for one thing they're always beautiful, and for another thing they're driving a Mercedes Sprinter that's been completely gutted out and that's beautiful and there's no fear for them. They just go way out into no man's land and hang out in the rivers And swim naked under the water falls. That's part of the population. But let me tell you, when I went to the desert I almost didn't come out alive because people were crazy and they saw me bring my service dog down to the hot Spring and then accused me of trying to drown my dog. Can you even imagine having to deal with that? The police and the SPCA went there, I almost got arrested. Now here comes where I became extremely beyond blessed. I had a mechanic I used long ago and hes right by Torrance, hes right at the beach and I asked him can I park my motor home on your lot and I will pay you rent, electric, water, and he had a dump. How blessed is this Carol, I pay $160 a month for everything.I don't know what to say. I want so badly to meet this woman and talk with this woman. You have to be extremely creative. I mean you have to go up to private property and ask them if they need a security person etc. Now, I am like I said, disabled now I'm bed-bound I have a mobility scooter and once I got that I had some freedom. And this poor woman has cancer. can you even think about that, and she's terrified she said Cause she doesn't know if she's gonna be able to make it. I'm broken hearted about how we treat senior people and how we treat people that choose, because I choose to still live in my Motorhome. I think UA-cam is a joke basically because everything looks so glamorous I mean Carol have you ever seen somebody showing their RV and it's always perfectly clean perfectly neet. That's not real, then you're not camping you're not doing anything if that is the way your motor home looks. It's so slanted towards that way and it's just so unrealistic. I wish we could come up with something where we all could give her some type of money I mean even if we had to send it to a Western Union it does I don't even know how to use venmo or any of those things but I do know how to send somebody money And believe me I am way below the poverty point but I would definitely contribute because she is so frightened God bless you Carol thank you
You’re an 😇 angel!
@@QueenB572 hi Becky who was your reply to?
Exactly!
You, I'm guessing 😊😊@@kavitadeva
@@aarde7036 Hi the reason I asked who this reply was to is because UA-cam is just really glitchy right now. it doesn't say the reply is to anybody and it doesn't even have your name there. so, that's why I asked the question. thank you for responding, And your reply was... you're an angel, I've never had anybody call me an angel before, so thank you so much. Have a wonderful day.
Scary is an understatement. Nightmare is what this lady and many others are living through.
Most Senior Citizens are living like this including Me
I hope no one gets offended. But that is absolute bull shit. You worked your entire life. Did everything you were told to do. Now you are old and have no place to live. Yes someday I may be in this position. But it is not now and anyone that thinks this is okay is cruel and greedy. If you ever find yourself in Illinois. You park here. You can eat take shower. I live in little town 57 miles from Chicago. No one would notice A van being in our driveway. You can sleep on our couch. Buster our dog unfortunately has some allergies. That he is being treated for. So he stinks a lot. We always had family or friends. That would let us stay for few months. With my mom myself and Joshua stayed over year, You guys don’t have anyone that can help you. Our son just paid vet bill for the dog that we couldn’t pay. So like Cat kids he does help as much as he can. I am ashamed of myself that. My husband and I have take money from Joshua. He has baby to take care of. Anything that doesn’t go to Everly or Joshua. Makes me feel like failure. If he had mother and father. Or Everly had grandparents that. Did better it wouldn’t be this way.
I I'm 61 also and living in my truck after a car accident...the fear will take you out I know this sounds weird but your story actually happened to me a they took my 5th wheel there are so many women in red bluff california living in there car..so sad there legs swell up and I'm afraid for the heath...I worked at Sony in silicon Valley raised the kids...football mom did my best...divorce then this America has let us down can't afford rent ....I'm a refugee in America I need another country to send humanitarian relief..😮😅but really we need to come together as women ! And help each other we are old school and sharing matters....chin up ladys we're tuff sending loads of love sister ❤
I'm sorry for your circumstances, and love your pluck. I hope it gets better for you.
I am very sorry. You deserve place to live everyone does. If you can ever come to Illinois. My husband and I would let you park here. I know gas is expensive and this. Is probably not going to happen. But at least you could have meal with us and shower. I wished I had something better to help you. But that’s all I have. Please try to be careful.
Carol: You rock! Thank you for your compassionate engagement with brave women (and men!) juggling much too much in the wealthiest and greediest nation on Mother Earth.
I feel very sorry for this woman. She's only 61 but it sounds like her medical conditions are probably keeping her from improving her situation. I think as a Nation, we should be doing better for our fellow American citizens. It's amazing that California some municipalities allow people to live and go to the bathroom on the streets but they threaten to take this lady's trailer if she does not move it everyday. This policy is absolutely brutish. God Bless her.
Hi I am in the same boat as Kat, I am a senior living in a tent in Quartzite Az. I am praying for us low income seniors. 😢
I say this with all kindness and sincerity: If you are poor, learn how to cook and eat beans. Beans are some of the best things you can eat as they have protein, fiber and carbs. And they are cheap. Super easy to cook, add bouillon cubes for flavor. Also, learn to make your own cheap bread. You can bake it in an oven or cook it on a stovetop. You can make it with flour, water, baking powder and salt. You get a lot of bread out of a bag of flour and a can of baking powder. Corn bread is just corn meal, flour, baking powder, salt, maybe a tiny bit of sugar but not necessary. Also can be baked or cooked stovetop.
Search all food banks and get there as early as possible to get whatever you can.
With these basic skills it is definitely possible to feed a person on $67 per month. With any spare funds, find produce on sale, maybe a little inexpensive meat.
I grew up very poor and we ate a whole lot of beans, corn bread, rice, potatoes. We had very little, but we always had food. To this day I still eat beans almost every day. They are a great way to stretch the food budget while getting nutrients.
Add red lentils mixed with rice to your list, cook thoroughly, add tomate purée, curry powder, Cumin grains, 2 pinches dry garlic, black pepper, tiny bit of milk, stir, eat warm. Little goes a long way.
@user-vk6oh6wz5s No need to be so rude. Simply offering some helpful advice for folks who need to feed themselves on a tight budget. I’ve had to survive on a budget like that myself so I know it can be done. Do what works for you and don’t be rude when others are simply trying to be helpful.
@user-vk6oh6wz5s Just back off and stop being so rude and nasty. Yes it can be done. People like you are what’s wrong with the world.
@@angelaschaefer5883 as I said, cornbread can be baked OR cooked stovetop. Ie, she doesn’t need to have an oven or baking pans. And we don’t actually know if she has the stuff to bake with or not, but for those who do, cornbread definitely works. I’ve eaten a lot of stovetop cornbread in my life. The ingredients are super cheap, like beans.
I wasn’t trying to be rude. I am sorry. I only meant that pans extra baking ingredients. She might not have. The beans are absolutely great idea. We eat lots of black beans.
My son has ESRD and I’m his caretaker doing home dialysis so I know how that is. My prayers and a big hug.
May God bless ajd strengthen you🙏🏾
Its unfortunate that she cant partner up with another female nomad. Combine their resources, share in expenses and be each others support.
Thats what I was thinking
Exactly. Pool resources.
Excellent idea. As long as the other person is not some crazy
Thank you for telling the Truth about this horrific situation. This is exactly how they control society's thoughts and minds these days. YT puts out channels calling homelessness "The Nomad Life", when there's nothing freeing about it. It's barely a choice. I hope many people decide to help people like this lovely woman by giving them a place to park and live unharassed.
And the reality is that a lot of these people doing “nomad life” channels are either already well-to-do and it’s more like “glamping” and/or they have a brick-and-mortar home to go to when they get bored with being a nomad.
Very few nomad channels are realistic like this video.
@@Jennifer_Lewis_Beach_Living, I watched a channel of a healthy man giving the nomad life a try, a very small and real channel, and he almost died the first trip out from dehydration. He shared that with me , not on his channel. He did not last long at all. "Glamping", yes, in reality, there's nothing glamorous at all. Thank you for sharing.
We live in Wilmington Illinois. In the middle of nowhere. Anyone of these folks can park their van here. No one would even notice it. There are no police that come by either. We have food and shower. You can stay for few days if you want. Of course the couch has bad dog odors. But I have sheets so you wouldn’t have to worry about that. Yes I already shared my own experience with hunger. It is something that I don’t want anyone to feel ever. No man or woman or child should have to go through that. But I always promised myself. That if someone else ended up hungry and no place to go. That I would never let someone else go through it again. There are two types of people in the world. There are people that are takers they usually eat better. The givers sleep better. I would rather sleep better. If everyone did that it would make difference.
@@angelaschaefer5883 , Thank you for being there, doing this. Our actions matter, very much.
It is just us sharing what we have. That’s all.
My name is Kat, too. I can relate. I am 72yo, homeless and have been on the road for 3 yrs. I only get $900mo on ss/disabilty/$68 foodstamps ($2.25 day) With help from others, I finally got an RV in Sept. & totalled it last week. I have to start all over. I have been ill too, trying to heal & now Im traumatized on top of it all. I resorted to putting up a GoFundMe, but I dont have all the social media, just my yT channel. I am having a nervous breakdown. I have no family or friends here to help me, just relying on the kindness of others. Thank you for any good vibes/love you can send my way. I am grateful for any support of any kind, I will pay it forward. Blessings to all. Much love, katannya rayne 🌹
I just can’t stress it enough. When you retire you have to own your own home and you have to own it out right I figured that out when I was in my 40s and work towards that it is so disturbing and stressful to see seniors without a home.
And you have to be able to pay the property tax and insurance.
@@maryhartsock7792 yes budgeting, for that is critical
THERE ARE MANY HERE IN OUR AREA OF FLORIDA THAT OWN ONE ACRE LOTS HAVE SEPTIC WELL AND ELECTRIC PUT ON THEM . THEN THEY PUT CAMPERS ON THEM...ALOT OF PEOPLE LIVE IN THEM AND WORK IN THE AREA..ITS A CHEAPER WAY TO GO FOR ALOT
Mine was paid off (on a waitress salary) when I was 55. I thank God for this place every day.
My auntie owned her home outright, but when she got cancer, they had to sell the house to pay for it. Now they live in a trailer park. The system is busted. Can you handle a $200k chemo bill?
Theres something VERY wrong with our country right now my eyes are open now.
it’s this administration
No…I’m sorry…when ever had this country supported any sect of people or any communal efforts to support one another at any stage in life? Never. And y’all have had plenty of administrations to do different. The systems do not work. How many more terms do you need before you realize that?
@cathyhuddle1769 Biden.is no Superman, but This is a decades old problem
Not true. This has been going on for over a decade.@@cathyhuddle1769
@@cathyhuddle1769 It is absolutely not "this administration." It has nothing to do with it.
Someone asked if I got my life together. I replied, " I have my life together. It's all the outside things that mess it all up. I'm in her situation, low money, things go wrong - no heat in van with Temps down in the 30s and 20s, using candle power for heat, bad tires, passenger doorbroken and not opening and door handle broken on drivers side so I stuff a paper into the locking part and close it so it doesn't lock shut. That way i just pull the door itself open, Replacing old battery that was dead, vet bill for shots for dog, etc. I hope she can find food banks and senior or community centers that will offer programs like NACOG that offer free lunches to seniors over 60. I'm 77, diabetic and balance challenged from a stroke which is how i was found to be diabetic...
This is bull shit. You deserve place to live everyone does. You could fall and that it is definitely dangerous. My mom fell at home and had compound fracture in arm. Then she passed out in her bedroom. Fortunately my brother was with her. You have serious health issues. That she doesn’t have. You need place to stay. I don’t know where you are. I am in Illinois.
prayers..i lived in a truck after a stroke for 5 years..i sold my belongs from a storage unit..my truck got water eletrical damage so had to sell it for $500...i endeded up in a rooming house..faith God's help charitible people ..so may God bless this woman.
The first step is to get rid of the massive caravan that needs towing. You don''t need it and/or the myriad mod-cons. A largish van serves all your needs and can be LEFT PARKED overnight (at least) in just about ANY street. I lived in a Ford van for 38 weeks after my house burned down and was never questioned once.
Same here. Van life in a stealthy manner.
Good advice. Also think about a camper that fits into the box of a pickup truck.
BUT HAVE U PRICED THESE VANS..THEY ARENT CHEAP...EVEN THE USED ONES..
@@marshamckee2479. True. Vans are $$$. I would store RV. Live in truck while looking for reliable Subaru Outback or Dodge Caravan type SUV. She needs something good on gas but that can be stealth, and roomy enough to have cot, solar run fan (summer) n vents (Japan has some cool vent fans than run on usb jacks) a small fridge, toilet (take seat out or cut one put in small toilet) etc etc. Gyms for shower or use battery shower pump n bucket. (I live in RV n use one, they work great, we use jug water due to water freezes-we high in mountains long winters) anyways, way I see it and being low income w medical senior myself she needs to cut gas costs, find better means stealth living, keep access to transport to n fr Dr etc.
That sadly is bad area. It’s very hostile to homeless and nomads etc.
@@marshamckee2479 Nothing's cheap these days; (but keep in mind that it's going to get MUCH worse as money becomes less and less 'valuable')*. My 'Econovan' with just under 100k on the clock set me back $4,250 about 10 years ago (after the standard haggling process!). Manageable, but not cheap back then. (Here in Oz.) What decided me was that it was a dual-fuel unit, which would keep me on the road MUCH longer AND cheaper if the indicated (now) SHTF events arose as was an obvious likelihood even back then, given my long age-perspective. Also remember that there are ALWAYS alternatives from the 'normal' view/status. Keep in touch if you wish: it often helps to pick the brain of someone who's 'been there done that'.
*For the ultra-example of the devaluation of money and concurrent increase in ALL prices (and I heard all about it from from my family-members) search the internet for 'German Hyperinflation 1921/23.' That's when the currency HALVED in buying power in an afternoon, among other goodies. My own response is to spend virtually ALL my money on PHYSICAL things that will retain their USEFULNESS and will always be NEEDED. (Note the gold, bank-cheques and such other crap fit NEITHER of those criteria.) Take care.
My heart breaks for you and all of us who live below the poverty line. 💔
Most of the world live in worse poverty than this but when it happens to one's own it's a big deal.
Hi Carol. I will keep Kat in my prayers and my condolences to her. 🙏🏼. Thank you Carol for sharing.🙏🏼
Prayer is the most powerful gift of all!
@@gloriouslifeonwheels3621 a
I can understand her struggle. I fortunately have an apartment. But I cannot afford the electricity so I pretty much apartment camp. I use extremely low amounts of electricity. I use solar lights for lights around the apartment and only have a microwave to cook with. And i'm on disability so I don't get a whole lot either. Prayers go out to this lady and her family.😊
When my mother in law moved into low income assisted living. The complex she moved into put her in program to help with her electric bill. She was insulin dependent without electricity. No insulin they don’t seem to get. You can’t afford your electric bill. Which means internet to look is not happening. When my grandma was alive. She couldn’t see so I would look for her. Then call her or my mom with information. Help is not just you have place to live. You need help with utilities. I live in Illinois I don’t what state you are in. I understand that I am strange woman that you don’t know. So may not feel comfortable telling me. But I do have have electricity and internet. I would look to see if I could find you some help.
@angelaschaefer5883 Thank you so much for the offer. I live in wisconsin but I just got accepted to an apartment building that will change all of this for me. I move on May 1st and I will no longer have to worry about the electricity bill. But I do appreciate the offer. And this move is definitely a God sent.
I feel so sad for her I’m 62
The young will get old they forget we are human beings with feelings just like them except we are old frail and sick. 😭 and scared and having to deal with cancer on top of all that
Praying for her
This is a strong strong woman
I am 51 years old. So just little younger then you. You are still human being that deserves dignity and respect. You are here for reason I assume that you probably have kids. I have one son he is 26 years old. He still needs me just in different ways then when he was little. You probably like I do have grandkids. Next to being Joshua’s mom the other privilege is being Evie’s Mimi. My mom is 77 years old. She still is important part of my life. Yes there will be people who will judge you. Those are not people that have walked in your shoes. They make lots of assumptions with out knowing all the facts. Lacking any knowledge about your life at all. You don’t need their negativity. Try not to let them bother you bother you. Don’t let them make you feel bad about yourself. This is not your fault. You did what your were supposed to do. My husband asked me after he was diagnosed with dementia. If I blamed him was he was burdened. I told him that dementia is not something that you did to cause it. It something that happened to you. That I wasn’t going anywhere. Different set of circumstances. You didn’t do anything to cause you not having place to live. It is something that happened to you. So you need help just like my my husband does.
This is absolutely ridiculous. We should be taking care of our own citizens who are suffering. Instead, we spend stupid amounts of money on other people. We sure do have things backwards in this country nowadays...
What do other people have to do with this?? Immigrants didn’t raise the rents so high. Greedy landlords did. Immigrants didn’t get rid of the eviction moratorium that we had during the pandemic either. Republicans did they also didn’t kick A bunch poor sick kids in Florida off Medicaid either. Republican governor owns that. People sleeping at the police station in Chicago that immigrants. Aren’t going to cut social security Republicans will. Federal spending Social Security and Medicare. Comes out of separate funds. The immigrants definitely won’t be responsible for my husband. Myself being out on the street Republicans definitely will.
Thank god some one shows the reality of how tough it really is out there
Life can be tough. That is why we live our adventure now 👍
Sad and scary.
I live in SC in a small town on a couple acres in the woods and id share my land with her. Split the electric bill and help pull weeds in my garden. My elect bill last month waa 69$. I do live in a small 12x20 cabin. I'm 55 female and had to downsize back in 2010. I had to pay for my back surgery after they called it inpatient Surgery. If in hospital under 12 hrs they only cover $5,000. I had to already pay 5,000 before they would operate. So it seems preplanned on their part. Noone told me there was a possibility of it being inpatient. I left right before 12 hrs and had to go to emergency room that night to get a catheter put in so I could pee. I had 34,000 to pay, got laid off shortly after and put tenants in my condo on the lake while I moved into a camper on a couple acres I bought. I bought it to build a log cabin on. Lost deposit to the cabin company but luckily land was paid for. 12,000$ I live in that camper for 5 yrs hauling water in 55 gal drums and using a transfer pump before I put in a well.. I used a camping toilet. I had to sell condo after 3 yrs because renters wouldn't pay. I live below poveety line for SC as well. But i paid for everything i have. Nothing fancy or new but paid for. I worked hard for what I have. God put opportunities in my path and I did my part. County made me pull permits after being here for 7-8 yrs. Said I couldn't live in camper as a residence on my own property. I had to pull permits and put in septic, electric instead of temp pole and run water lines to cabin. That cabin was originally built to keep my furniture in. Like a storage space. I now live in a small rough sawn cabin. My bills are nothing. I lost everything but gained even more. Freedom, happiness. I'm content and thank God daily for my situation. Most would say how do you live on that little bit. I am on no welfare or assistance. I don't work full-time because of back pain or other pain and I just don't want to give my LIFE away anymore. I work too hard sometimes. But I live more now. I have time to spend with others. Do things that give me joy. Even if it's laying in the hammock with my pets and listening to the leaves. I'm glad her story is on the internet so otheel people can reach out. We all need help from time to time and with her story getting exposure something good will happen for her. Well wishes to her. She is a good soul. For people saying she should of planned better, you never know someone's situation from a few sentences. Even these lost souls on drugs out there. People don't usually do drugs because they're lives are so great. They are escaping. Escaping from feelings. They don't want to face reality. They are lacking faith as well. I know. I've been clean since 1986 and I can't imagine how things would've turned out for me had I still been using and lost my job, got stuck with debt and lost 3 family members and a beloved pet in just 3 short yrs. The world can get rough out there but we always have our father in heaven to cry out to. Faith can do amazing things. It may not change the things around you but it will change you and how you perceive and react to things.
I really do wish her well. She has light shining from within.
It's got nothing to do with making good decisions in life. You can make great decisions in life and still in this situation. Our system is broken. Rich getting richer, average folks keeps getting poorer. This is why I tell my children to not have any kids in the future. It's too hard to survive.
Thank you for saying that. One serious medical issue or accident can wipe.out a lifetime of savings and good decisions!! Additionally, some folks have worked their entire lives but never made hig incomes and barely had enough to pay for necessities much less put any savings away. So many people.now are finding that they have to work two or even three jobs just to pay rent and buy groceries. This is about the ever-increasing cost of living and wages not keeping uo!
Like I said to my husband when he was diagnosed with dementia. You being without place to live. Is not something you caused. It is something that happened to you. Now you need help like he does. Just for different reasons.
I hope and pray that the city of Ocean Side can help find a parking solution for Kat. Maybe a business owner can offer a spot, I would imagine her presence in a business property would provide an aspect of security. Maybe it could be a mutual relationship where they allow Kat to park there, and in return she’s there to observe and report. That doesn’t mean she has to walk around or confront someone unauthorized, but if she sees or hears something she can call 9-1-1 or the owner/manager of the business.
That's a fantastic idea!!
I am sure there would be a law that would prevent that from happening. I think they stopped allowing people to barter a long time ago.
You are thinking outside the box--that's terrific!
Too much liability. Won't/can't happen. Nice idea but...will *never* happen.
@@catdooley4616 It's even more than bartering: It would be a huge liability for property owner--will never happen. Take this off the blackboard.
I sympathize. I lived as a solo nomad for two years. Location is so important. She could do well in another state. Everyone has their reasons. It also costs money to move to another state. I now am back working fulltime, off SSDI, and rebuilding my life from scratch. I hope I never have to go back to being a nomad. I am 61 too. I pray she can get healthy, healed, and achieve a new income source. She is a strong lady!! I just want to add, that Oceanside cost of living is 142% higher than the national average. If she could make some connections in the NortEast Texas or Arkansas area, they do have great doctors in Longview, TX and Texarkana. Cost of living is well below the National ave. If she could just move, she might begin to get some traction with her finances.
She can’t afford to move. What about that do you not get
Even if she could her vehicle might not make it. Willful ignorance or denial?!?
She lives there because she wants to.
Her income won’t allow her to get ahead enough to move and find new doctors
@luannkelly5071 I am wanting to get a little RV but where to park it, is the thing that keeps us in the car. You say it's all about location... please share locations you found to be good and inexpensive places to live. How did you make it? Won't you share? I got Longview and Texarkana... was your RV older than 10 yrs? Thank you in advance for any information you can share. I'm in DFW area of North TX.
She lives there because she see no way out. If her healthcare is Medicaid... it's hard to move... it doesn't move with you. I moved and lost it because I can't prove homelessness. I havee to live at the shelter so they can vouche but the car is way better than the shelter. Whatever... if you have any information to share please share... if you're here just to judge without knowing all the facts... please go away.
Thank you for sharing this. Here is my absolute outrage...the first thing people go to is blame, and then to advice, which is an addendum to blame. Can we not hear her compassionately and decide if there is anything each of us can do to help? thank you for allowing me to vent.
I have to give these people credit for doing what they are doing, it is hard for any person to live alone especially as a nonad struggling each day just to make ends meet. I give much respect and honor to the senior nomads doing there best to make it work. God bless you on your journey through life, and thank you for enlightening everyone to this issue. Good luck to all nomads out there.
Very True. At the moment, we are trying to live on approximately $1400 a month and 2 side gigs due to having to retire early because of physical problems. We had to choose between living in a sticks 'n' bricks and our 12-year-old RV. Sadly, we decided to try to live in a house because the RV has so many problems that just fixing it up to sell will be expensive. Hopefully, choosing the house won't break us as just taxes and insurance is over $6k a year (4 months income). Yes, being seniors and trying to do it on your own is hard. We pray that God blesses Cathy hugely as she needs it even more than us...Amen...
You have to plan. You’re getting disability if you can’t work anymore.
Carol, is there any way Cat could qualify for a van through HOWA? That way at least she could move it or perhaps stealth camp a bit more easily? Does she have a social worker or someone who might help with getting her on a list for a section 8 housing voucher? Didn’t she at one time have transportation through Medi-Cal to doctor appointments? Can she continue with that program so she doesn’t have to use her own gas money? Has she checked with RV parks to see if perhaps she could work out an arrangement with them for an RV site in exchange for maybe a few hours per week doing things like answering phones, etc? Just trying to think of some possibilities for her situation that might ease the burden some. I’ve also heard of food pantries and blessing boxes that offer dog food as well as groceries. What about area churches? Thanks for sharing her story and bringing her situation to light.
A van may not work for someone with a broken back, unless it is a sprinter van of some sort. Lots of standup vans are for sale though. Living in a city likely means she is too far from BLM land too.
This could happen to anyone in their senior years. No matter how well you plan, No matter what you think the government is going to give you or help you with. God bless this poor woman. She needs help.
Conclusion: When you are working save 20% of your income and ALWAYS take out life insurance to financially protect your family if the worse ever happen.
TRUTH
This is very sad that she's going through this. Is she able to park at Walmart? I wish and pray for her. She's strong and very brave. What a amazing example of courage and not to give up. 🙏
Cat is a remarkably strong woman.... smiling while struggling.... Creators speed to stability.
@@user-vk6oh6wz5s well, this video wasn't about ALL of the folks living like this for years, was it now.....not sure why my comment triggered you so bad....Cat is full of grace.... Creators speed to grace for you.
So sorry for your loss, October 27th it will be one year since my husband passed from brain cancer. We too were married for 40 going on 41 years he was 68 years old. Your story helps me appreciate my blessings which isn't always easy to do.
So sorry for your loss
Man, aside from financial, physical hardship.. the mental stress, the worry.. I can’t imagine. If I ever get a chance to go back to the US.. I’ll help when I can
I wish this lady lived in same country as me... I'd definitely offer her a room and help... she deserves a peaceful and stress free life ❤
I wished she lived near me too. I do live in the US. But I left California when my husband retired from Navy. We came back to Illinois my husband. Moved in with his mom. Myself and our son moved in with my mom. We didn’t have jobs in Illinois so it took awhile. She has cancer the same type my Dad had. So she needs to stay close to her doctors. Which is what my Dad had to do too. I pray she goes into remission like my Dad did too.