How can I move out when I have nothing?

[Unregistered]

Hello,

I made a post on here when I was 16 (http://bulletinboards.1800runaway.or...nt-to-run-away), and I'm 19 now. I decided against running away and chose to live with my parents until I graduated college. Things have been bearable up until recently... I feel depressed again, but this time I think it's much worse. I wasn't ready to mention this in my first post, but I was sexually abused by my father when I was younger. For the last 7-8 years I kept this to myself and tried to pretend it never happened. I was too afraid to go to the authorities or tell one of my relatives/a trusted adult. I told two of my closest friends about this just a couple of days ago, because I couldn't handle bottling everything up anymore and pretending I was okay.

I want to leave, but I don't know how. My parents pay for my college and my cell phone. They pay for everything I have really. I don't have a car or a job; I don't even have my driver's license yet, so I feel stuck. I thought about asking my friend if I can move in with her, at least until I can find somewhere else to stay, but I'm scared to tell her about all of this and I don't want to be a burden to her and her family. I don't really feel comfortable asking a relative for help, as I don't want them to find out about this. My entire family will be torn apart if they know what happened. I just want to leave and start my life over.

I'm conflicted about leaving, because I will no longer have any financial support if I do leave. I'm not sure if I should just stay with my family until I can afford my own car, house, etc. I don't know what to do. I'm also worried about not having medical, dental, car etc. insurance if I leave, and I don't really know how to go about getting them.

Sorry if this was all over the place; I'm very overwhelmed right now. How can I get out of here with practically nothing? I don't want to be out on the streets, and I'm trying to avoid going to a homeless shelter as much as possible. Advice and any resources to help me move out on my own (or with a friend) would be greatly appreciated. I live in California.

Thank you.

[ccsmod6]

Re: How can I move out when I have nothing?

Hi there,

Thank you for writing to us here at National Runaway Safeline (NRS) online forum. It sounds like you have endured a lot in the past that seems to be coming up again now that you're 19. You mentioned some depression and a traumatic experience that has been clouding your thoughts lately. We are sorry you have experienced some painful and difficult situations. You didn't deserve to be mistreated or harmed. You're now feeling conflicted with leaving or staying because of your financial situation and other things going on. We cannot really say what you should do. It sounds like you've thought of some options such as going to a friend. It may help to figure out how much time you are allowed to live with your friend and to identify what steps you need to take in order to provide for yourself as well as obtain your own insurance. Often schools have work study programs and insurance plans you may qualify for depending on your status (full-time vs part-time). Perhaps you may get in touch with the financial aid department to learn more about your financing options as well as obtaining work on campus to cover some of your expenses. If you would like to talk more about your situation or explore some options and resources that may be beneficial please reach out by phone or chat so that we can offer you support.

We hope you reach out soon.

Best,

NRS