Shirley;

How are you?

Shirley: I'm so sorry for the situation you're in. I am 60 and although it sounds like my situation is not as dire as yours, it is bad just the same. I invite you to join our thread started by me: OMGWhoAmI. I have encountered several people there that I can be completely honest with and they have been offering me encouragement. At this point, I'd love to get you in that discussion. Because I often FEAR that I will be exactly where you are in 10 years myself. I hope you will join our thread. Maybe we can all help each other?

Shirley, I'm sorry you feel so overwhelmed right now. I'm very new to the clean up process, so my advice might not be the best you'll receive. My advice to you is to just start. Start bagging stuff up and taking it to the trash. Clean around your exits, clear kitchen surfaces. Do what you can for a set amount of time and then take a short break. Just as long as you start. Also, are there any organizations in your area that can help? Maybe some people you trust from your church?

Shirley, I'm sorry you feel so overwhelmed right now. I'm very new to the clean up process, so my advice might not be the best you'll receive. My advice to you is to just start. Start bagging stuff up and taking it to the trash. Clean around your exits, clear kitchen surfaces. Do what you can for a set amount of time and then take a short break. Just as long as you start. Also, are there any organizations in your area that can help? Maybe some people you trust from your church?

I am desperate. I have no money. I am living in squalor. I smell when I leave the house even though I shower. There is feces, urine, roaches everywhere. I cannot sleep inside. Code enforcement has Issued A Violation And Have Not Even Entered The Premises yet. If they do, I will surely be on the evening news. My neighbors surely must know, but others may not. I serve on A city advisory board, am an advocate, am a food ministry partner, and cook for the homeless. My water pipes are broken but I CANNOT have anyone come onto my property. I am horrified, humiluated, disgusted, and completely ashamed.