As I sit here at my desk (okay, fine — it’s my bed), typing up this blog with my fellow unemployed sidekick (my 2-year-old daughter), I can’t help but feel lucky.

I’ve got a roof over my head. My rent isn’t as crushing as it is for some people. And I’ve got this little tornado of love keeping me company. But feeling lucky also reminds me just how unlucky things can get — not just for me, but for so many of us.

So here’s the truth, and I need you to hear it:

I am not ashamed to use any benefits available to me — and you shouldn’t be either.

You’ve worked too damn hard for too damn long to feel guilty about using the support you’re entitled to.
Food pantries? Use them.
State unemployment services? Use those too.
Help with your electric bill, rent, diapers, formula, whatever? Yes, all of it.

We’ve been taught to feel shame for needing help. Like we’re supposed to tough it out on pride alone — but pride doesn’t feed your kids. It doesn’t pay the light bill. It doesn’t stop eviction.

You’re not taking advantage. You’re surviving.

💸 And while we’re at it: Use your damn savings. Use your 401(k). Swipe the card.

Do not — I repeat, do not — listen to anyone who says you should never touch your 401(k), your savings, or your credit cards to get by.

The first thing you should always protect is your ability to eat and have a place to sleep.

What’s a “nest egg” for if not for the moment the nest is on fire?
What good is an untouched savings account if you’re losing sleep, rationing food, and spiraling?

Yes, long-term finances matter. But not more than your basic survival.
You can recover credit. You can rebuild savings. You can’t un-lose your home or un-go hungry.

Survival comes first. Always.

🧰 Resources to Help You Right Now (No Strings, No Shame)

🍞 Food Assistance

• Feeding America – Find your local food bank. No judgment, just food.

• SNAP (Food Stamps) – Apply through your state.

💵 Unemployment Help

• CareerOneStop – Federal site for state unemployment offices, training, and job help.

• Benefits.gov – See what you qualify for across programs.

🔌 Utility Assistance

• LIHEAP – Help with heating and cooling bills.

🏠 Rent & Housing

• National Low Income Housing Coalition – Find rental help in your state.

• 211.org – Find local help with housing, food, utilities, and more.

👶 For Parents

• Childcare.gov – Find and afford childcare programs.

• WIC Program – Nutritional support for women, infants, and children.

You are not lazy. You are not a failure. You are someone doing everything they can in a system that doesn’t always play fair.

Take the help. Use the tools. Stay afloat.

If no one else tells you this today:
I’m proud of you for surviving.