Dear Gwendolyn: I applied for public housing and finally my name got to the top of the list. I qualified for everything. And then I was denied because I had a balance owed on a previous apartment. This is what happened. I was renting when I was laid off after working at a company for eight years. They downsized and moved the company out of the country for reasons of cheaper labor. As a result, I could not pull the rent alone. I was evicted, but I never gave up so I moved in with my parents.

I did not want my sons to see me down. I wanted to turn out strong men. My boys are grown and have their own place now, but did what they could to help at my most crucial time of need.

Gwendolyn, what can poor people do when they get knocked down at every turn?—Beverly

Dear Beverly: They get up. Let me tell you this: I e-mailed you some questions because I wanted to know more about you. You answered informing me that you had taken and completed a valuable course in the medical field. You indicated that when searching for a job in that field, employers wanted to hire people with ‘hands on’ experience. Therefore, you stopped looking and accepted employment in the secretarial field. Well, I wish you had contacted me at that time. I would have explained to you to keep looking and accept nothing less than your training. Someone is always willing to give you a chance. So you see Beverly, you started yourself on the downhill rollercoaster of your life.

As to your need for public housing, contact your council- person. When politicians seek election, they are in your presence. Now it is time for you to be in theirs. Do not let him (or her) give you the ‘I’m not concerned’ attitude. Be persistent until someone helps. As to your parents, if you are 53, then they must be in their late 60s or 70s. When people reach that age, they are tired—real tired. I do not doubt their love for you, but you did what others do. When you were working, you did not look out for that “rainy day” old people used to refer to.

Beverly, think about it. Get yourself together soon. What if mom and dad were gone? Stop talking about a struggle like it’s a disease. Life’s struggles help people—to overcome and survive.

(Got a problem? Write to Gwendolyn Baines at: P.O. Box 10066, Raleigh, N.C. 27605-0066 (to receive a reply send a self-addressed stamped envelope) or e-mail her at: gwenbaines@hotmail.com or visit her website at: www.gwenbaines.com.)