Dear WheepingWillow,
I read your entire post, twice. It sounds like the phone call you received Oct 08 was from a bonafide shyster. I suggest you gather all of the letters from him and turn in as much information as you can about him to your local Consumer Protection Agency; consider it an act of public service.
Also, maybe you could send that same info to your local news channel that does investigative reporting - our local is called Channel 2 wants to know - they can get just about any guy to do the right thing, but if not they at least run the him out of town by letting everyone know what he's up to. It may never result in you receiving the $35,000 in needed home repairs, but you may help protect someone else from his underhanded tactics. A lot of people in your situation would be so eager to get some help that they would ignore the warning signs, that is if they ever even saw them.
Check out this website to see what assistance you may be eligible to receive.
http://www.govbenefits.gov Click the benefits tab and complete the anonymous questionnaire - you just might be surprised by the results.
I read you have been in your home for 33 years, however; that doesn't necessarily mean that you qualify as a senior citizen, but if you do then your local senior resource center will connect you with services that can assist you in your situation. If you don't qualify as a senior, then contact social services for your area. There is help available, but you must seek it out, just keep this old saying in mind "Pray to God, but row towards shore."
I like your handle, WheepingWillow. Did you know the Weeping Willow has the ability to absorb standing water, and when planted near trouble spots where water stands in puddles, they disappear. And even though Weeping Willows are often found near rivers, lakes and wetlands, they can grow just about anywhere, demonstrating tolerance to drought. Also, did you know that almost all Biblical references to this group of trees are associated with joyfulness and fertility. Oh, one more thing, the roots of the willow tree will spread out much farther than any other tree to find the water they need.
You chose a name that is highly symbolic, and I guess the point I'm trying to make is...that you my dear are stronger and far more resilient than you probably ever imagined. I will keep you in my prayers. YOU WILL FIND the help you need, and YOU ARE the miracle worker that will change your life for the better. In the meanwhile, keep posting because that helps you to release some of your stress and letting go of stress is always a good start for healing. I mean it, keep posting, I would like to hear back from you before the end of June. June 2009 that is.
Take care,
I'm sending lots of
healing love your way,
Jamie