I totally understand the reason people get fustrated at the people who get on public assistance and milk the system for everything, but I'm not one of them so please don't judge or sterotype me. I went to my local public assistance office recently and asked them to help me with my first months rent and security. They had agreed to help me before and the landlord rented the apartment before she got the money from them and when she did she promptly sent it back to them. Now I found an apartment for the same amount of money and they don't want to help me. I don't know what to do because I need the apartment to get my kids home. They're currently in foster care. I have met all the requirements of the foster care worker except for having a house. I have applied for several jobs and I just need a little help to get on my feet until I get to work, but I don't know what to do. Please any advise would be helpful. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

First, what happened to the apt they helped you get previously? Where are you living now? Second, why is public assistance refusing to help?

There are other charities that might help, check local church groups.

Normally the emergancy help for rent and utilties ( at least they way it works here in our county) are based on very strict rules as to the number of times within a certain period you can qualify during certain times. ** many of my renters get this assistance.

Also there is normally a couple of week processing time. From the time you apply, although many landlords will accept the voucher from them instead of cash and wait for the payment.

There is an appeals process, you can file a appeal but it will be longer period

First, what happened to the apt they helped you get previously? Where are you living now? Second, why is public assistance refusing to help?

There are other charities that might help, check local church groups.

I explained in my question what happened. They said they would help me get the apt. sent the landlord the check and she rented it to someone else before she got the money for me to have it. She sent them the check back and now that I have found a house they are saying they don't want to help me. I am currently staying with my mother who is not supposed to have guests for more than two weeks. As for why they are refusing to help me, I don't know seeing as they were going to help me with the last apt. I don't see what the problem would be this time. I requested a conference but don't know how long it is going to take to get one, and I'm working on a time line for foster care. I don't want a hand out. I just want a leg up so I can get started. Like I said I have applied for several jobs and I am in a training program so I can get a better paying job to take care of my family. I just don't know what to do or where to go from here. Thank you for taking the time to read and reply to my post. I greatly appreciate your time.

I'm sorry I missed that. They have to give you a reason why they won't help. You need to push them for a reason or the conference.

I'm doing that now. Thank you for taking the time to respond to me. I'm just pressed for time and really don't know where to go from here. I have court next month and I'm worried that I'm going to lose my kids for good.