On The Edge Of Being Homeless

as told to me by Laurie Jewell

Three weeks ago, a woman named Laurie Jewell reached out to me on Tell Me Your Story. The first few lines of our chat conversation went like this:

Laurie: In need of a place to live asap, I’m disabled.

Me: I am sorry, I can’t help you with that.

Laurie: Ok. Your headline says tell me your story; I did.

Me: Oh, now I understand. Sorry, I thought you were asking me for help in finding a place to live. I do apologize!

We chatted for quite a while. As it was late, I promised to get back to her the next evening. Unfortunately, life got in the way, and I never finished our conversation. Yesterday, Laurie reached out to me again….the following is her story:

Not long ago, Laurie ( a woman in her mid-late 60’s) was told that she needs to leave her home of many years. The people who own it, in Springtown, Texas, have decided to sell. By July 30, everything has to be packed and her house has to be vacated. Today is July 16 and Ms. Jewell has nowhere to live.

At the age of 55 or 56, Laurie was diagnosed with Torticollis. According to John Hopkins medicine this is what the condition is:

“Torticollis, also known as wryneck, is a twisting of the neck that causes the head to rotate and tilt at an odd angle.” (To see more go to: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/torticollis-wryneck).

Her neck lies on her shoulder. When asked what the doctors did for her, I was told, “They gave me a neck brace made out of foam and I got a big blister from the heat”.

The life this woman once led has changed drastically.

Years ago, before Laurie had Torticollis, she would walk 9 miles to and from her job. Working the third shift at CVS, she would be on her feet all day. No longer can Ms. Jewell run or play with the grandkids. The easy mobility once known, has disappeared: the top of Laurie’s spine is crooked, her leg goes numb and she loses her balance a lot. A walker helps her move around.

Laurie told me she does very little in life anymore, but cry… Her landlord, said something to her children two years ago and they haven’t talked to their mother since; when she calls they hang up. The person who will soon be selling Laurie’s home, has known her for 32 years, yet will not even help to take her to the doctor.

Soon Ms. Jewell will become homeless. She is in need of subsidized, affordable housing, with access for her walker. Springtown is about a 35 minute drive from Fort Worth, TX. If there is anyone reading this story, who might be able to help Laurie in anyway, please message me and I will help you connect with each other.