Aah yes, it is even more complicated – as I expected.
I see a real sense of hopelessness and depression. In spite of that he seems willing to work himself out of this perceived black hole.
The GOOD NEWS is no alcohol – he has been dry since late summer. The goal is to give reason and encouragement to stay that way for a lifetime. As near as I can tell, drugs have never been an issue. He smokes when he can but claims to be willing to give that up also. I think my “gag-reaction” to any cigarette smell had the desired effect.
He is married(?) and separated or divorced? It isn’t clear what or which. There is a 2-year old daughter that he assumes is his. He says he signed some notarized papers – I’ll find out what eventually.
He is under court ordered 12-step and antibuse program that he hasn’t started.
Driver’s license suspended for 3 years (and the last time he had a driver’s license was three years ago).
He has to meet with a parole officer once a month and pay $50 or go directly to jail (State Penitently for three years). His day-labor job barely pays his weekly motel bill, how can he possibly comply. I had him write out permission for me to speak with the parole officer. I’ll call and fax that now.
It is clear to me that he has no idea of the legal system. He can’t distinguish between a prosecutor and a public defender – he just “goes with the flow” and is being taken advantage of. That is going to stop! I know enough legal talent to go to the US Supreme Court. I’ll find one of my friends to review the files. Any volunteers?
He worked for a concrete company for 12 years getting paid cash so no withholding, SS or unemployment contributions. I went over IRS SS-8 with him and clearly he was a full-time
employee the entire time. He only made $12-14K each year so I suspect he will only have minimal tax liability. He has never in his life filed a tax return until maybe ‘05. In 2005 he worked for a different contractor (same skilled job) and was an employee with withholding, SSI contributions, etc. His “ex” supposedly filed a return (and kept the refund).
The good news about this is there are SS and other contributions on record (hopefully). This will qualify him for some important benefits. If necessary I suspect he can re-file ’05. I’ll get some of my CPA friends involved.
No health insurance; not even signed up for Medicaid or CICP and has no idea where the free clinics are. I gave him a list of all the clinics and hospitals that will see him for free in the short term.
After a many days on phone trees and terminal hold with various agencies, I found quite a few helpful people. (I think mostly because I was a knowledgeable adult friend helping and not a “client.”) I can tell this process (dealing with agencies) is not for the weak of determination.
I found a very helpful person at the IRS (yes, it is true) that got me pointed in the direction of forms and what year to have him file and what years to not. This will then activate Social Security, unemployment and a bunch of other services. He needs to apply for disability determination which will open up another bunch of avenues.
The county Department of Human Services was also very helpful. This will provide the access to the alcohol abuse treatment and follow-up, medical care, transitional housing, transit pass and more. The good news there is he went in and got an appointment for this Thursday and I’ll go with him.
This week the mission is to get proper ID. He will need his birth certificate and get a Colorado ID (since he doesn’t have a driver’s license). He “thinks” he has a Social Security card but that isn’t difficult to replace as I still have his SSN. The court file will also provide suitable ID.
I took him to lunch Sunday. He ate and we talked for three hours
I’m not going to give or lend any money. I my plan is to get him situated so he can survive. Today I gave him some services:
I gave him a phone card so he can call me and others.
I gave him a bus pass so he can get to the day-labor job without walking 1 ½ hours each way.
I gave him a $50 grocery card and he bought some coffee, ½ gal milk and toiletries; with $38 still on the card.
I gave him eight first-class stamps, some envelopes, paper and a pen.
I gave him some groceries from my house:
- 6 apples
- 6 oranges
- Loaf of good bread
- Peanut butter and jam
- six cans of soup/pasta
- six tins of tuna & ham
- large box of Cheerios
This should start to get him some proper nutrition.
The flop-house motel is at least clean. He has a small frig and microwave. The proprietor seems unable (or unwilling) to give him an itemized bill indicating charges, payments, fees and taxes. That too will change. I can see too much opportunity for improper charges.
With proper ID he can then get a normal job. If the alcohol treatment is working, I may get him and my contractor friend together and make sure everyone understands all the issues. He says he can have him with a shovel for $12/hr, $20+ as a finisher and more when he can qualify for the company’s auto insurance and has a driver’s license.
Please continue with suggestions, encouragement or criticism. All are greatly appreciated.
Best,
Grady
Situation like this makes me proud I paid millions in taxes in business and personally. This is what is called society. The shame is too much goes to war and waste.
Here is a somewhat related kid thread I posting on:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?threadid=316852
G.