Forced Out by Unsafe Housing—Asking for Help

Well, it’s 2026. We made it… I guess. Things don’t really feel like they’re heading in the right direction.

Within the last week alone, I’ve separated my shoulder, sprained my foot on the same side, suffered a concussion, and bruised my ribs. Vasovagal syncope and seizures are brutal, and the ongoing stress from my landlord and our living situation is clearly taking a toll on my health.

At the moment, there isn’t much to update on the legal side. We completed intake with legal services and are waiting to hear back. The landlord has stated they will allow us out of the lease, so that’s at least something.

The building itself is continuing to deteriorate, and it’s becoming more obvious by the day. Our downstairs neighbor currently doesn’t have a functioning stove, and significant gas line work is needed. Their plumbing barely works. There have been serious water intrusion issues—while the deluge has been slowed temporarily, it hasn’t been fully resolved, and water still appears when neighbors use plumbing in their unit. The building needs major renovation.

Trying to move in Minnesota at the start of winter is daunting, especially with a less-than-ideal credit score and very limited options. Finding another place that won’t be just as bad—or worse—feels overwhelming.

This is what I’m struggling with most right now: figuring out how to find new housing and actually get into it. If anyone has advice, resources, or ideas that could help my wife and me, I would truly appreciate it.

A few important notes before suggesting options:

• My VA disability payments disqualify me from federal aid, HUD, and most low-income housing programs.
• Local veteran housing assistance programs have told us they’re unable to help due to lack of funding. We’ve already contacted every organization previously suggested, and most have declined assistance for the reasons above.

What we’re ideally looking for:
• Two bedrooms
• At least one and a half baths (two toilets is important)
• A bathtub is medically necessary

My wife is in end-stage liver cirrhosis caused by an autoimmune disease and is on high doses of diuretics, which makes bathroom access essential.

Additional context:
• No children
• No pets
• I am in the process of obtaining a service dog
• Current rent is about $1,350

I’m struggling—plain and simple. I’m trying to navigate housing, health issues, and legal uncertainty all at once, and it’s a lot.