Latest posts for the thread "So, I'm homeless."

So, I'm homeless.

Cannerus_The_Unbearable — GMT

Not enough income, unsuccessful job hunting for several months and consistent car trouble have lead to me being evicted. Any one else been in the situation? What's the best way to go about things? I can get a motel room after a week when I get paid again and I have a running car for the moment. I'm going to call a few friends and see if I can't borrow their couch for a night each til I get paid. Advice? I could sure use some.

Re:So, I'm homeless.

metallifan — GMT

Well, you could always go on a 3 month stint doing volunteer work in a crappy country. Most of the humanitarian companies that operate such efforts run a camp or boarding house for volunteers, and they'll operate a cafeteria or else just give you a food budget while you're there. You won't get a paycheque in your pocket, but it's something impressive you could put on your Resumé, it's a roof over your head and food in your gut for a few months, and you're helping people who would consider even your current situation better than their own.

Plus, you'll often get a day or two of free time to explore, so it's a way to see the world on the cheap/for free

So, I'm homeless.

FITZZ — GMT

Sorry to hear about your situation Cannerus.

Do you perhaps have any family that could take you in until you get back on your feet?

If not then,even though it can be a huge pain in the rear,try places like Labour finders,they provide day labour and will at least give you enough money for a room and some food until you can work something out.

Re:So, I'm homeless.

reds8n — GMT

That's rough indeed, I hope things pick up.

I can only really echo the friends/family route and suggest getting in contact with your local DSS/similar, see if they can offer advice or point you towards a hostel or something.

Regardless of what happens, eat properly man, I'll keep'em crossed for you.

So, I'm homeless.

LunaHound — GMT

I heard those multi month fishing ships are always in need for deck hands. And they pay really well too.

So, I'm homeless.

FITZZ — GMT

LunaHound wrote:I heard those multi month fishing ships are always in need for deck hands. And they pay really well too.

I've done this sort of work before,and the pay is quite good,not to mention you have a place to stay and food to eat while your out on the boats,and when you get back to dry land you have a size able check waiting for you.

However,does Cannerus live in a region that has offshore opportunities?

Ahh,I see he lives in Texas,so if he's anywhere near the Gulf Coast then yes,there are plenty of offshore jobs.

So, I'm homeless.

Cannerus_The_Unbearable — GMT

Thanks for the suggestions! Definitely have some things to think about. I've got a place to crash tonight so it's a start. If anyone remembers my car insurance/registration argument from a few months ago, I got that worked out at the expense of rent. I really, really hate this though >.< It's only half as glamorous as they make it seem.

So, I'm homeless.

Kilkrazy — GMT

I don't think being homeless was glamourous even when George Orwell wrote "Down And Out In Paris And London".

It is a time when it is good to have some good friends.

So, I'm homeless.

FITZZ — GMT

Kilkrazy wrote:I don't think being homeless was glamourous even when George Orwell wrote "Down And Out In Paris And London".

It is a time when it is good to have some good friends.

Agreed.

I did quite a bit of "squatting" back in my late teens and though at times it was' Interesting" and I look at the time as "life experience",for the most part it became a big pain in the backside quick,thus motivating me to become as self sufficient as possible.

So, I'm homeless.

LunaHound — GMT

FITZZ wrote:
LunaHound wrote:I heard those multi month fishing ships are always in need for deck hands. And they pay really well too.

I've done this sort of work before,and the pay is quite good,not to mention you have a place to stay and food to eat while your out on the boats,and when you get back to dry land you have a size able check waiting for you.

However,does Cannerus live in a region that has offshore opportunities?

Ahh,I see he lives in Texas,so if he's anywhere near the Gulf Coast then yes,there are plenty of offshore jobs.

I know! and some one thought i was trolling Cannerus lol

How long was your stay on the seas? and what were you catching?

So, I'm homeless.

FITZZ — GMT

LunaHound wrote:
FITZZ wrote:
LunaHound wrote:I heard those multi month fishing ships are always in need for deck hands. And they pay really well too.

I've done this sort of work before,and the pay is quite good,not to mention you have a place to stay and food to eat while your out on the boats,and when you get back to dry land you have a size able check waiting for you.

However,does Cannerus live in a region that has offshore opportunities?

Ahh,I see he lives in Texas,so if he's anywhere near the Gulf Coast then yes,there are plenty of offshore jobs.

I know! and some one thought i was trolling Cannerus lol

How long was your stay on the seas? and what were you catching?

I was a Deckhand aboard the research vessel "Tommy Monroe",we would leave port into the Gulf Coast and go about 20 to 40 miles out,our primary function was to facilitate Marine biologist studying migratory patterns/mating of various species of fish.
On average we would be off shore for two weeks and return to port for two weeks,I believe I was at my happiest when I was doing that sort of work.

Re:So, I'm homeless.

Albatross — GMT

Ahh,I see he lives in Texas...

So... Frazzled, the ball is firmly in your court - do you have room on your couch for a bisexual Lady Gaga fan? Now THERE'S a sitcom!

Chin up Cannerus, the trick is to just keep smiling and don't let it get you down. Something will turn up, it always does.

And if, by some twist of fate, you find yourself on this side of the Atlantic, Casa Albatross has a spare room with your name on it, mate. NO 'Poker Face' after 11pm, though!

Be lucky!

Re:So, I'm homeless.

DarkAngelHopeful — GMT

My girlfriend's roommate lost her job and went on unemployment for a time period until she found a place. It allowed her to pay the bills and eat.

So, I'm homeless.

Chibi Bodge-Battle — GMT

Man! Am really sad to hear this piece of news Cannerus :(
Was in a position where I had serious financial problems but scraped through partly because my landlords were very patient.
Can only guess how gakky it is and hope that things turn up for you.

fwiw, I was told by my debt adviser that paying rent is the first priority. Pretty good advise for any one in a similar situation.

Re:So, I'm homeless.

FITZZ — GMT

Albatross wrote:
Ahh,I see he lives in Texas...

So... Frazzled, the ball is firmly in your court - do you have room on your couch for a bisexual Lady Gaga fan? Now THERE'S a sitcom!

Chin up Cannerus, the trick is to just keep smiling and don't let it get you down. Something will turn up, it always does.

And if, by some twist of fate, you find yourself on this side of the Atlantic, Casa Albatross has a spare room with your name on it, mate. NO 'Poker Face' after 11pm, though!

Be lucky!

That's right..he is in "Frazzled Country."

Well then,it's only proper for Fraz,as a well respected member and MOD of the Dakka family, to offer some assistance.
Perhaps T-Bone could use a personal assistant?

So, I'm homeless.

Cannerus_The_Unbearable — GMT

Ha, thanks for the warm words. Song of the moment:

Chibi Bodge-Battle wrote:Man! Am really sad to hear this piece of news Cannerus :(
Was in a position where I had serious financial problems but scraped through partly because my landlords were very patient.
Can only guess how gakky it is and hope that things turn up for you.

fwiw, I was told by my debt adviser that paying rent is the first priority. Pretty good advise for any one in a similar situation.

It's an even split between car stuff and home for me. If my car doesn't run then I can't work which screws me too. At least I've got a shot this way

DarkAngelHopeful wrote:My girlfriend's roommate lost her job and went on unemployment for a time period until she found a place. It allowed her to pay the bills and eat.

I've never been able to get unemployment for some reason. Most of my previous employers would give me a shining review as well.

So, I'm homeless.

mattyrm — GMT

Move to England, we give homeless people more money than tax payers!

On a serious note, id go for some work away from home too man.. that whole fishing thing soudns good to me.

Or move in with Frazzled.

Re:So, I'm homeless.

Kid_Kyoto — GMT

metallifan wrote:Well, you could always go on a 3 month stint doing volunteer work in a crappy country. Most of the humanitarian companies that operate such efforts run a camp or boarding house for volunteers, and they'll operate a cafeteria or else just give you a food budget while you're there. You won't get a paycheque in your pocket, but it's something impressive you could put on your Resumé, it's a roof over your head and food in your gut for a few months, and you're helping people who would consider even your current situation better than their own.

Plus, you'll often get a day or two of free time to explore, so it's a way to see the world on the cheap/for free

Usually you have to pay your way to get there though.

So, I'm homeless.

focusedfire — GMT

What kind of skills/training do you have?

What kind of work that you are not trained for do you think you would enjoy?

So, I'm homeless.

metallifan — GMT

mattyrm wrote:Or move in with Frazzled.

And live with his murderous wiener dog?

You'd have a better chance of survival if you covered yourself in sheep's blood and jumped in a cage full of Komodo Dragons

So, I'm homeless.

Chibi Bodge-Battle — GMT

Talk about Catch 22.

Crash at Frazzled's gaff.
The weiner dogs might enjoy pretend being fox stoles

So, I'm homeless.

Kid_Kyoto — GMT

Cannerus, I'd really try for public assistance, esp unemployment, I mean you've been paying for unemployment insurance your whole career, it's not a nice thing, it's your entitlement. It's there for this sort of situation.

Food stamps too, your taxes paid for them, they are there so people can stay fed, look into them.

Same with medicaid.

Good luck man, a couple of my friends were in that boat after school and it's never easy.

So, I'm homeless.

Cannerus_The_Unbearable — GMT

focusedfire wrote:What kind of skills/training do you have?

What kind of work that you are not trained for do you think you would enjoy?

A little bit of college, been trying to get back in for a couple years now but wanted to at least be somewhat financially stable at the same time. I'd like to go into Phlebotomy which they have one year programs for and seems to be a decent career starter from people I've talked to.

I'm about to enter negotiations with the mother and stepfather as we speak, so everyone brace yourselves.

So, I'm homeless.

FITZZ — GMT

Best of luck Cannerus.

Re:So, I'm homeless.

metallifan — GMT

Like I said... World aid, man. There're ~6 billion people on this planet. At least 3 billion of them need your help

So, I'm homeless.

focusedfire — GMT

Cannerus_The_Unbearable wrote:

A little bit of college, been trying to get back in for a couple years now but wanted to at least be somewhat financially stable at the same time. I'd like to go into Phlebotomy which they have one year programs for and seems to be a decent career starter from people I've talked to.

I'm about to enter negotiations with the mother and stepfather as we speak, so everyone brace yourselves.

Plasma centers might hire you as one of thier clerks and would give you an in to the phlebotomy career. I take it that you have no interest in a career in criminal justice(Texas is always hiring prison guards ) but, "How do you feel about the military?".
Also, what kind of connections does your family have? Is there anything they might be able to do in the way of business introductions/connections?

I'll check around and see if anyone I know in the area is hiring. I will, also, check with friends near Houston to see if there are any jobs down there. Whatever happens, until you get more stable, don't go any where near Harry Hines Blvd. Don't even drive across it for fear that your car breaks down and strands you there. (Just a dark humour joke to try and lighten your mood)

Best of luck with the family

Re:So, I'm homeless.

KingCracker — GMT

That really sucks man

My oldest brother can totally sympathize with ya. Hes got 2 degrees in psychology, been in the marines MSG program for 4 years, and has great credit. He is literally a shoe in for the jobs in his fields, BUT he had to move out of his apartment, as well as let his student loans go into that thing where you dont have to pay on them for now. The poor guy lives at my parents house again, trying to ride this out until he gets one of the many jobs he has applied for.

The only real difference is he DOES have employment, but I dont think working 10-18 hours a week at barely over minimum wage counts lol.

Chin up man, itll work out, it always does. It just sucks hardcore going through it

So, I'm homeless.

Cannerus_The_Unbearable — GMT

I have employment as well, but it's exactly what you said. My boss can't decide if I'm part time or full time and I get 2d20-5 hours every week. I've been seeking a second job forever it feels like

I'll check out the plasma centers again, I did a while back and they wanted experience and a certification.

So, I'm homeless.

Ahtman — GMT

Are you old enough and fit enough to join the military?

So, I'm homeless.

Cannerus_The_Unbearable — GMT

Call me unpatriotic but I have no earthly desire to join the military. The idea of a bunch of random people determining my fate in what literally could be life or death for myself or others for causes that I probably don't give a crap about is a risk I just don't want. I'll stick to reckless activities/jobs of my choosing. I know it's a "good option" but i don't even know if I could kill somebody if it came down to it.

So, I'm homeless.

focusedfire — GMT

Cannerus_The_Unbearable wrote:Call me unpatriotic but I have no earthly desire to join the military. The idea of a bunch of random people determining my fate in what literally could be life or death for myself or others for causes that I probably don't give a crap about is a risk I just don't want. I'll stick to reckless activities/jobs of my choosing. I know it's a "good option" but i don't even know if I could kill somebody if it came down to it.

Not trying to argue with you or to push you into such. Just want to point out that there are non-combat medical careers in the military that will never require you to lift a hand or weapon against a fellow human.
I do understand about not wanting to become a piece of property that is owned by the state and it is a real good reasonto not join if you feel it would be an issue.

So, I'm homeless.

Cannerus_The_Unbearable — GMT

I can appreciate that the government is "looking out" for it's people, but I can also appreciate that it's looking at it's own self interests too. I've heard a lot of good stories and a lot of bad ones which makes it hard to trust at all. Got a few friends who did a medical route and came back really messed up so it kind of scares me :( Anyone else care to weigh in on this?

So, I'm homeless.

Monster Rain — GMT

Cannerus_The_Unbearable wrote:I can appreciate that the government is "looking out" for it's people, but I can also appreciate that it's looking at it's own self interests too. I've heard a lot of good stories and a lot of bad ones which makes it hard to trust at all. Got a few friends who did a medical route and came back really messed up so it kind of scares me :( Anyone else care to weigh in on this?

I did four years in the USMC and I wouldn't say it was bad at all. It set me up with some fat cash for college and the VA Loan is fething awesome.

I went to a lot of cool places and made some really great friends. It's hard, but worth it. Interestingly, I myself went to Iraq and so did a lot of people I know and I wouldn't describe any of them as coming back "messed up." At least no more messed up than before we went. To be honest, I didn't think Iraq was all that bad. Compared to 29 Palms, CA at least.

So, I'm homeless.

Warboss Imbad Ironskull — GMT

I lived in Washington state for a few years and had the oppurtunity to go up to Alaska to work on a Salmon boat and that kind of work does pay well but it's not just easy money. I don't know what kind of fishing industry they have down in Texas (probably shrimp or tuna).

But as was said above you do have to pay to get yourself there and while you can get good money from it it also depends on if you meet your ships quota plus it's very hard work. I mean it's not to the level of Deadliest Catch but it can get intense. And with fishing companies losing money due to this oil spill in the gulf it might be hard to find that kind of job right now. If you want you can try it but I just want to give you a freindly warning not to put all your hope in that if your interested in it but it can still be worth it.

Also you could look into being a survey taker, yeah it's not the most exciting job but they usually pay well and all you need is a vehicle. They give you gas money to.

Hope things get better for ya

So, I'm homeless.

dogma — GMT

Cannerus_The_Unbearable wrote:I can appreciate that the government is "looking out" for it's people, but I can also appreciate that it's looking at it's own self interests too. I've heard a lot of good stories and a lot of bad ones which makes it hard to trust at all. Got a few friends who did a medical route and came back really messed up so it kind of scares me :( Anyone else care to weigh in on this?

If you aren't interested in the military, then either Americorps or the Peace Corps may interest you. Its nowhere near as profitable, but they will give you some money for college on exit from the program; though the amount varies according to which program you're in. Americorps will allow you maintain a greater degree of freedom, in most cases, while the Peace Corps is very regimented.

So, I'm homeless.

heacy hitter — GMT

maybe the salvation army could help you. I'm looking for other options. wish I could do more.

Re:So, I'm homeless.

Xyz'r'Xaz'r'Xuz — GMT

Cannerus if you're in Texas then surely there's gotta be a cattle drive somewhere you can hire yourself to help out in...

Srsly, though...if you've paid taxes then you've earned your piece of the action, so start signing up.

Maybe take a look at the Coast Guard? Big presence in the Gulf there...

So, I'm homeless.

Da Boss — GMT

Yes, if you can get on unemployment do it.
Hopefully talking to your family will get you some results. Keep us updated, and good luck.

So, I'm homeless.

Wrexasaur — GMT

dogma wrote:
Cannerus_The_Unbearable wrote:I can appreciate that the government is "looking out" for it's people, but I can also appreciate that it's looking at it's own self interests too. I've heard a lot of good stories and a lot of bad ones which makes it hard to trust at all. Got a few friends who did a medical route and came back really messed up so it kind of scares me :( Anyone else care to weigh in on this?

If you aren't interested in the military, then either Americorps or the Peace Corps may interest you. Its nowhere near as profitable, but they will give you some money for college on exit from the program; though the amount varies according to which program you're in. Americorps will allow you maintain a greater degree of freedom, in most cases, while the Peace Corps is very regimented.

I looked into Americorps a while back and had a hard time finding any solid opportunities, so I stuck with school instead. It certainly isn't a sure thing but when you have no other options you may as well take a look into it. I wouldn't invest too heavily in the concept of guaranteed support, it is worth the look though. This page is a good starting point.

Another thing.

What are the application deadline dates for members?
There are two deadline dates, one for the fall cycle (which typically falls on April 1st) and one for the winter cycle (which typically falls on July 1st). However, members are encouraged to apply early, because selection is continuous and the class may be filled before the application deadline date. Sometimes these deadlines may be extended. Please refer to My AmeriCorps for accurate listings.

About the Peace Corps, which I never really looked too far into.

Serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer means 27 months of hard work. It takes determination, flexibility, patience, and a sense of humor. And while applying to the Peace Corps is easier than being a Volunteer, the qualities that make a good Volunteer will also come in handy during the application process. Yes, applying to become a Volunteer takes some time, preparation, and effort. But as with volunteering, the rewards far outweigh the difficulties.

That is an absolutely massive commitment.

Look into programs like these while trying to not rely on them as opportunities. If you don't have enough food to eat and are eligible, get food stamps. If you are eligible for unemployment (and I actually doubt you are Cannerus, as you currently have some level of employment), get it. Relying on friends and family will put a consistent strain on your relationships unless you happen to have a REALLY cool personal safety net, which I would call something more along the lines of a trampoline.

Good luck though, don't let the dark days get you down.

So, I'm homeless.

dogma — GMT

Wrexasaur wrote:
That is an absolutely massive commitment.

Its also not the easiest thing in the world to get into, as they have enough applicants to be fairly selective.

So, I'm homeless.

Guitardian — GMT

I have been there before. I was lucky enough to be in the pacific NW where the weather is tolerable yet livable year round, if a bit rainy. What I learned was first, that lots of people who are on streets are not crazy but just also in unfortunate circumstances. You need friends, and you need a base. We slept under a bridge and used the city park in downtown Portland as a living room where people could know where to find us.

You got a car? good. Use it as your storage unit. Find things like the Salvation Army, they have lists of free food places like church feeds and such, they also have lists of potential jobs, cheap housing, and other such stuff available. If you use their services, throw in some time volunteering in their kitchen too. They notice. It opens a lot of doors for potential future employment, or even just referances and contacts.

The more people you get to know, the better off you will be. Use the public library for computers, keep a backpack with your absolute essentials like a blanket, change of clothes, a book, notebook, phone numbers, etc. on you wherever you go.

Things that are your friends: backpack, blanket, extra clothes, toilet paper (or napkins, whatever), a water bottle, and a good knowledge of the area you are staking out to stay so that you can always have a backup squat if the cops start harrassing you at your site.

Trust me on all of the above I spent 3 years homeless while I was waiting for my I.D. to finally get processed (immigrant, this gak takes time for those bastards).

Make friends with 'houseys' as well as with the train-hopping 'kids' and transient hippie types as best as you can. A housey is good for a shower and you can wash your clothes in a bathtub, and maybe get a decent nights sleep on a couch when you absolutely need one (like the night before a job interview for instance.)

transient hippie types often know the best free-food places, or, like we used to do, the best dumpsters behind restaurants to find free food that just got thrown out. One of the best is food courts at malls, where people never finish their stuff and just leave it there.

Hold your head up high. If my punk little ass could make it all those years I'm sure you can make it until a paycheck or two. Just gotta stay smart, alert, and not feel too down on yourself, as well as finding out who you can use as a resource. Again, a couple of housie friends, community outreach places like soup kitchens, sally army, city missions (just remember to get them back by volunteering a bit... its a karma thing).

Good luck. my thoughts and luck go with you on this adventure.