Forty-year old FIP Having Problems Coping

Dear Michael B,
I am 40 years old and recently been released from prison after serving 27 months. I am running into roadblocks and don't know where to turn. I'm specifically having housing and employment issues. I'm currently living with family who does not welcome my stay. I'm working full time for a company that is seasonal, so I expect to be laid off come September. I am trying to restore my drivers license, while trying to pay the massive court imposed fines and restitution owed. I will soon be homeless and am afraid to ask for assistance through state parole, for fear they will lock me back up, or stick me in a shelter. I've applied through social services, but am not considered eligible because I have a full time job. I don't know any resources available, if any, and would appreciate any information forwarded. Thank you for your time.

Dear B,
You have at least 2 months before the end of the summer season to keep looking for another job and/or assistance.
You need to sit down and write out a "plan of action" for yourself. Layout where you are and what you must do to get where you want to be.
You also must talk to the Parole Officer about your situation. they might surprise you and try to assist you. People, usually, do not get locked up for parole violations simply because they are going through hard times. Your Parole Officer must be aware already that your job is seasonal and will end with the summer. The expectation of parole is that you be able to show that you are doing your best to get another job.
If you are unable to pay the fines you must tell the Parole Officer and work out a payment plan that works for you. (Remember that after you are out and doing well you may be able to petition the courts to suspend or lessen your fines.). If you don't have a job the Parole Officer probably does not expect you to be able to make payments on fines.
The problem - meaning violations - comes in when you do not communicate with the Parole Officer and stop payments and stop reporting and stop doing all the things you know that you are supposed to be doing. Communicating with the Parole Officer is the most important part of your plan because, it is going to be to little too late for excuses once the Parole Officer puts a warrant out on you. Fear of being locked up by the Parole Officer is not an accepted excuse for violating parole.
You say that you are "currently staying with a family who does not welcome you stay". That may be true, however, for whatever reason you are still there right now with a roof over your head and a place to think and plan. You best do what you need to do to make these folks feel better about you being there. At least for a little longer until you can get yourself a room or apartment.
If you are having difficulty, that is pretty much how it is going to be for formerly incarcerated people, such as yourself. You'll have to work that much harder. Whatever time you have free from your current job and other responsibilities should be spent searching for what you need. If you do not have a computer to go online to search for a job and resources in your area, go to your nearest public library and use the computers there for free.
If you do not want to go to a shelter or become jobless than you will have to make sure that it does not happen. Make the right decisions and do not panic It is not going to be easy but you can do it. Just never give up and think positive. See yourself with a newer better job and your own place in 2 months, instead of seeing your self jobless, homeless and on your way back to the joint. Good luck. Do Good! Mb
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