Hello all. Assistance is needed, please.
I am attempting to help a friend of mine get re-homed (they are technically homeless, but couch-surfing with me). A big issue we're running into, is that he is mostly Special Needs (severe Fetal Alcohol Syndrome) with learning disabilities (can barely read, etc.).
I don't believe he has any past rental history; he lived with his folks 'til his dad passed unexpectedly. From what I've heard from him and witnessed, the rest of his family has basically written him off, and have been severely abusive and manipulative of him and his SSI & SNAP benefits in the past and he does NOT want to go back to that situation.
I have him set up with SNAP and have been helping him to get medical care (Medicaid) and have been trying to help him learn how to be self-sufficient and be "on his own".
I have gotten him signed up with Housing, but it is taking freaking FOREVER for his name to move along (he's still in the 800-1000's range of applicants after several months and it does not feel like he is moving up or down the list at all).
I myself am trying to plan an Out of State move and suffer from FAS as well (high-functioning) and I cannot take him with me. I have asked my landlord if I can take on a roommate and it would require a move to a 2bd as mine is 1bd, so the answer's been "no".
He is on SSI but is not working (unsure if he is capable).
Is there ANYWHERE we could try applying that would not charge him his full SSI payment every month in rent??? He doesn't get much at all, and needs to think about food, bills, clothing and he HAS to have at least a little bit left over after rent to live on and some basic enjoyments -- internet at the very least.
I'm honestly stressing over this issue because of how stupidly expensive Montana has gotten and I'm incredibly worried about him.
He's a really, really good guy. Severe abuse has absolutely left its mark on him. He is in his 30's and he is definitely going to need help or assistance with life stuff and really, really needs help just caring for himself. He has a really good heart, good-natured. He struggles badly with reading and basic care. He does not smoke, drink or do drugs. Neither of us are party guys. He loves his video games!!
I believe he can live alone but he definitely will need outside assistance from time to time.
He doesn't really have any other friends here but me and I've hit the limit of what I can do for him myself with my own abilities.
We have tried rapid re-housing but they said "No" as he would literally need to be on the streets for several days/weeks and I do NOT want to subject him to that as I don't think he would understand.
We have also attempted to speak with the folks at the Mental Health Center (getting him established with therapy) to see what they can do and we immediately ran into a brick wall and still aren't sure why that is -- it sounded like they could, and then it just immediately fell apart and they couldn't really tell us why.
I don't know where to turn or who else to talk to.
I'd like to make my move come spring and get on with my own life. But I can't leave until I know he's okay for absolute certain.
Are there ANY options that won't leave him completely broke month-to-month with access to assistance, medical care, bus routes and within walking distance to grocery stores?
I am genuinely scared and worried for my friend and I won't be able to rest until I know he's safe and okay, and taken care of.