People are very supportive (yay) and enthusiastic (mmmm.... less yay?) about my getting out of PADS, which I really appreciate, and kind of understand. But, I kind of don't completely understand it (the enthusiastic part) either. I mean, I've talked about some less than great things about being homeless and in PADS, but I think in general, I've been pretty positive about things. I mean, as long as I don't focus too much on the negatives, I generally remain at least so-so about the whole thing.
The reason I'm trying to be patient about it, is because I DO NOT WANT TO RETURN! I've seen so many people leave for a new place to live, and then they return, sometimes just weeks later. And that depresses me. So, I want to make sure I have not just a couple of months of savings saved up, but over 6 months, and preferably, more like a year's worth. And remember, I have NO IDEA currently what that means: I don't pay for a place to sleep, and I pay for a few meals a week. So, I'd REALLY like to work with one of the groups that pay a portion of the rent, for a couple of years, allowing me to continue to save money while living "my own place."
I've always felt that way, but it became so clear to me (again), because my van received new brakes for the holidays. My savings account was decimated, between the brakes and (very limited) gifts for my nephews. This is part of what makes me CERTAIN I have to save more, before I start looking for someplace to live. Because of that, I've been able to see first hand how a debit card is affected by use at a motel. Apparently, the motel puts the cost of the room "on hold", which - fair enough, I guess, though it sure would make more sense to just bill the amount of the room. I have never charged anything additional to the room, so when I leave, apparently they cancel the hold, and then apply a new charge.
The problem is that the cancel doesn't actually cancel for 5 to 7 days, on a debit card. So, my current available balance is $54 less than what it should be. Because of the issues with hotel costs, and because I have very limited credit history, I decided to get a secured card. I found one with no annual charge and a bit of annual cash back (doubled, after year one.) I'm hoping that careful use of the card - for a couple motel rooms a month and to pay for gas, generally, will give me a decent credit score, while I continue to save money.
I need to send the secured money to the company within the next two weeks. They will accept anything from $200 to $2500. If I sent money right now, it would be between 2 & $300. I will probably be able to add about $100 after my next check. I'd like to start with the secure amount between $700 and $1000, if possible. I completely understand if you can't contribute - it's far from an emergency, though I see the strengthening of my credit history as vital to my getting a place of my own. If I send $300 to start, I'll slowly increase the amount in the secure account, each month.
My Paypal can be reached through my email address: sheddhead@sbcglobal.net - Thanks again, and thank you for your help in the past, and thanks as always, for your thoughts and wishes and comments.