Hello to all the fourm members here. I am new to the board and would like give a brief introduction before I "jump right in" with my problem and questions...

I am a 33 year old single father of two boys. They are 10 and 6 years old. I have had full custody of my 10 year since he's been 3 months old and I currently have 50/50 custody of my 6 year old. They are from the same woman, which I know sounds weird but I can elaborate more on that later.

I was searching the net for any kind of help or advice because I am in a very serious perdictament and I have found no solutions.

I reside in Los Angeles, California and due to a severe back injury I have been off from work since Decemeber, 2006. I had to use my disablity insurance and savings to stay afloat while I was under doctor's care for my injury. But as of June 2006 my disability has been exausted and my savings have been used up also, and because I am unable to return back to work, I am having serious finiacial problems. I have tried all avenues to locate any programns that could help my sons and myself, but I have been unsuccessful. I currently live with a family friend whom has told me that I need to start looking for another place to stay and that has been diffucult because I do not have the means to move at this time and I am fearful that I along with my sons will end up homeless. I had fell on hard times before and had to search for shelters but was repeatedly told that men are not allowed in shelters with their children, it's only set up for women with children. As a man I have pride and it is a very shameful feeling to call around to locate assistance only to be turned down over and over. My questions to others here is do you know of any programs that could maybe assist me and my family? I've tried the local salvation army, red cross, churches and any other places. Thank you and I hope to maybe add to other topics of the board where I can. It looks like a very good site.

I would set on the church steps if I had to..When kids are involved Im not sure how much pride is going to help you, man or woman..if these churches are worth their salt and can do so they will help you.there has to be clinics and medical facilities that will aid you. I bet california is expensive with a good job...Lots of luck and prayers...

I have looked on the net, there are programs you just have to sift through a lot of stuff to find them.
http://www-scf.usc.edu/~jour556/people/frank.shtml
http://upwardboundhouse.org/index.php
http://www.at-la.com/@la-kid.htm#fam
Also I would look into getting on SSI/SSD if you are no longer able to work.

Hi Proud Father,

My username is RachelsDream. I just wanted to give you encouragement, and let you know I am praying for you. Also, I am self employed....I had a "Miracle" from God the other day regarding bringing in Revenue. I cannot say much right now....(it's very legal) but,getting everything in place.

If you have a computer.....it might be your answer. Just hold on, do what you can on your end, and feel free to email me anytime. What I thought of, is not a scam, it's helping small businesses via the internet.

Ok, God bless you, stay strong....God has not forgotten you, or your children.

Rachel

Girl for security reasons I wouldn't post your email on a forum, just telling you before the Mod's do is all

Where I live they have "Public Housing".A friend of mine stayed there when she was hiding from an abusive husband and another friend got an apartment there when they were kicked out of where they were staying and couldn't afford anything else.I not sure if they have that where you live or not but you can check at the department of human services and they should be able to help you out. Good luck,I hope you find something soon.

You know what? I also work from home, in my case it wasn't that unrelated to what I was doing before but it helps to take care of the little one, All I do is seat in my chair and work the phones and the computer. It also gives me time to read and post messages here...lol

Thank you all very much for the information and encouragement. I checked out most of the leads you all posted but there hasn't been any that could assist me and my boys. I will continue to search for some type of assistance but I have to admit it becomes frustrating because so many people tell me that there isnt much assistance avaliable for single fathers. Thank you all again for your advice.

I feel for you Proud father, i am in similar boat recently recovering from broken neck but thanks to will power and the love of my son i am healing slowly, i not sure how states do thing at all but there are disabled networks that may be able to point you in right direction for financial and housing aid i will have nose around and post back here. Life can be difficult stay strong dude fatherhood has it strengths being a sole carer gives you just as much rights as women but you must understand some places are mostly female placed where it unsuitable for men to stay which is why your having problem. Stick at it Ill do my best to source some help.

Our hearts and prayers are with you