This topic is about someone who is facing a tough situation. After spending nine months in the hospital, they are now living in a shelter and dealing with the high costs of ostomy supplies. Without a stable address, their insurance-covered supplies are being returned, and they are waiting for disability benefits and housing. To make matters worse, their medical records were lost, and they are unsure why they have an ileostomy. A lawyer is helping them retrieve their records and apply for disability. The financial burden has led them to start a GoFundMe, but the stress of shelter life and growing debt is overwhelming.

Here are some helpful suggestions:

1. Consider renting or using a P.O. Box for receiving supplies. Most carriers and insurers can deliver to a P.O. Box.

2. Reach out to the manufacturer of your ostomy bags. Explain your situation and ask if they can provide free or emergency supplies, as many companies have relief programs.

3. Utilize the United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA) emergency resources list, which can be found at https://www.ostomy.org/emergency-supplies/. This page offers phone numbers for major suppliers with emergency-supply options and links to UOAA Affiliated Support Groups. You can find a nearby group and see if a member can bring supplies to you.

4. Be cautious with crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe, as they might raise suspicion in public forums. Instead, try to rely on the established assistance channels mentioned above.