Employment
Everyone knows you can't work when you are homeless. Homeless people couldn't hold down a job if you gave them one. You'd have to supervise them all the time. They have no skills. They're probably illiterate. They have no moral values. If they did, they wouldn't be homeless.
Nonsense. What does it take to convince you to set aside what everyone knows? Homeless people come from all parts of society. They become homeless by choice or by circumstance. They have all levels and all kinds of skills, and homelessness has nothing to do with moral values.
Being homeless does not mean you are disabled. It doesn't mean you can't hold down a job. Holding down a job may require that you camouflage your homelessness, though, depending on what kind of work you do. If you are a white collar worker or a service industry worker, you must keep your secret hidden. Here is a brief prescription for maintaining the illusion of a home.
Read and follow the advice in the section on hygiene. The foremost giveaway of homelessness is bad odor.
Have work shirts laundered and pressed at a dry cleaner. Best is to hang them on a hook in the backseat of your car, but you can also have the laundry fold them and place them in boxes. They will have extra creases if you get them boxed. Take them in just three at a time, and get them out in groups of three. This will help you to keep them crisp. The dry cleaner will become your closet. Don't let anything stay at the cleaners for more than 30 days. Keep your cleaning tickets in your glove compartment, where you can find them.
Fold slacks flat and place them where they will not get rumpled. I usually kept them in my car's backseat. You don't need as many of them. Two or three pairs of pants will take you through a work week. People don't notice how often you change your pants. They notice your shirt.
Socks and underwear can be stored in a pillowcase, and even used as a pillow. Undershirts, casual shirts, and casual pants should be folded in half lengthwise, rolled, and also stored in a pillowcase. This is the most efficient possible use of your space.
Get a cheap pager, and use it as your home phone. Tell prospective employers that a page is the best way to reach you because otherwise members of your family may fail to give you messages. When you can afford it, generally after you've found some employment, move up to a cell phone.
Get a mailbox at a UPS store or similar establishment, and use that as your home address. Don't get a post office box. PO Boxes are dead giveaways, but a commercial mailbox has a street address. The address will read 1234 Anystreet, PMB123. PMB stands for private mailbox. When you give your address substitute a pound sign (#), or Apt. Never write PMB. This will not affect delivery of mail.
Okay, now you look like the rest of the housed world. Keep clean, wear a smile, and market the skills you have. You can add finishing touches to your look by keeping a nice haircut, and getting a $6 manicure at your nearest nail salon. Yes, men, too, can and should get manicures. Clean nails and hands convey the impression of wealth.
posted by Mobile Homemaker @ 2:41 PM
42 Comments:
This really is amazing material ... like a trip to an exotic world where you must leave your stereotypes at the portal. Thank you! (and thanks for your link to me!)
I knew you were serious sbt this blog. But somehow this post makes it even more palpable.
Once again, you've taught me something new. Until now, my perception of homelessness has been one of poverty and panhandling. I asked the question about money after your last entry with the assumption that I would always be able to tell by looking if a person was homeless. They all have long, unkempt hair and a week's stubble, right? Well, I guess not.
For a long time, I was eager to apply the "homeless" stereotype to anyone who lived on the streets or in a car. I'm a little ashamed of my ignorance. Thanks again, Michael.
I'd be interested in reading more about "fringe" employment or alternative ways to make money as mentioned in a previous comment.
What a fantastic blog - consider me a regular reader
just found ur blog has very interesting topic and find it very useful especially if you are in USA. ever have a thought of give some guide who is staying outside USA? maybe have specific places for a particular country? just my 2 cents comment.
Homeless people also work under the table too or at jobs where they might not need to wear dress clothing. A lot of the homeless aren't homeless all the time- they get a place for a little bit and work. Somehow things fall apart or they begin abusing substances again and they go back to the street.
I volunteer with an outreach van and see this sort of thing.
In Japan where homelessness is widespread a good share of the homeless are working people. Especially apparent at Tokyo-eki, the main railway station. Six in the morning in the bathroom you'll have six people lined up at the sinks, three of them in worn clothes and three in suits and your guess is just as good as mine as to which of the suits is homeless.
Moving into an apartment is simply too expensive even if you do have a job.
I work at small manufacturing company, my boss don't mind that I order stuff online and have it delivery to my work, it's more safe than delivery at home. I switch my bill into paperless where I go online to make payment.
Hair and Nail Care
If you have a Technical College that teaches Cosmetology or a Cosmetology school in your area you can get hair cuts and manicures very cheap. I have received a good hair cut (including getting it washed) and a manicure for less than $10.
CASINOS WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH FREE FOOD, SHELTER, AND CASH.
TO ACHIEVE THIS FOLLOW THE FOLLOWING STEPS:
1)OBTAIN A FEW COMP CARDS, THESE ARE CARDS THAT ARE INSERTED INTO SLOT MACHINES THAT RATE CASINO PLAY
2)SIMPLY STICK YOUR CARDS INTO MACHINES THAT ARE BEING PLAYED BY PATRONS (MOST OF THE TIME THEY DON'T EVEN KNOW YOU ARE STICKING IT INOT THEIR MACHINE); OR STOCK YOUR CARDS IN MACHINES LIKELY TO BE PLAYED (AT THE FRONT OF THE CASINO); OR ASK PATRONS WHO ARE PLAYING IF YOU CAN STIOCK YOUR CARD IN THEIR MACHINE (MOST PEOPLE WILL NOT MIND BECUASE THEY ARENT LOSING ANYTHING).
3)ATTEMPT TO DO THIS IN HIGHER DEONMIMATION SLOTS BECUASE THEY GIVE YOU MORE POINTS (E.G. DOLLAR MACHINES INSTEAD OF .25 MACHINES)
4)SIMPLY ASK A CASINO HOST, OR GO TO THE SAME PLACE WHERE YOU GOT THE COMP CARD, OR GO TO AN ELECTRONIC KIOSK(IF AVAILABLE) AND PRINT OUT A FOOD COMP, CASH COMP, AND ASK IF YOU QUALIFY FOR A COMPLIMENTARY STAY. STAYS ARE EASY TO OBTAIN M-TH IF YOU SHOW A 1,000 LOSS OR A FEW HOURS OF PLAY. BY PUTTING MULTIPLE CARDS IN MACHINES YOU WILL RACK UP POINTS QUICKLY AND IT LOOKS LIKE YOU ARE LOOSING A SMALL FORTUNE AT THEIR CASINO. THEY WILL WANT TO KEEP YOU AROUND WITH FREE GOURMET MEALS, FREE STAYS, SHOWS, AND EVEN GIVE YOU CASH BACK AND COUPONS TO ENCOURAGE A RETURN TRIP.
5)ALSO KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE FLOOR AND IN COIN TRAYS YOU CAN FIND DISCRDED AND ABANDONED CASH.
6)ALSO LOOK AT THE METER MARKED "CREDITS" ON THE SLOT MACHINE. MANY PEOPLE ABANDON THESE CREDITS WHICH CAN BE CASHED OUT. EITHER THE PERSON FORGETS, IS TOO STUPID TO REALIZE THEY WON 20 CREDITS (SLOT MACHINES HAVE MANY DIFF. PAY LINES) AND SOMETIMES PEOPLE ARE DRUNK OR ON DRUGS AND JUST LEAVE BECUASE THEY ARE DISORIENTED).
THE KEY TO SUCCESS IS SHOWING PLAY BY USING MULTIPLE COMP CARDS SO HAVE MANY OF THEM PRINTED AT A TIME. IF YOU LOOSE TRACK OF THEM JUST HAVE MORE PRINTED AND TELL THE CASINO EMPLOYEE THAT YOU FORGOT THEM IN A SLOT MACHINE. IF THEY ASK WHY YOU NEED 3 OR 4 CARDS TELL THEM YOU PAY MULTIPLE MACHINES AT ONCE, THEY'LL LOVE YOU. AFTER A SOLID 8 HOUR SHIFT SEE A "SLOT HOST" AND ASK IF YOUR PLAY QUALIFIED YOU FOR A FREE STAY AND WHAT TYPE OF MEAL. TELL THEM YOU NEED FOOD FOR 3 PEOPLE AND THEY WILL GIVE YOU A 100 COMP. YOU CAN EVEN TURN AROUND AND SELL THIS FOOD COMP TO CASINO PATRONS ENTERING THE RESTRAUNT FOR HALF OFF. YOU GET 50 CASH AND THEY GET A HALF PRICE MEAL, YOU BOTH WIN.
ALSO REMEMBER TO DO THIS COMP CARD HUSTLING AT NIGHT (PREFERABLY) BECUASE THATS WHEN THE CASINO IS BUSY AND YOU WILL HAVE MORE CHANCES TO STICK YOUR CARD IN MACHINES OR ASK OTHERS IF YOU MAY PUT YOUR CARD IN. AT NIGHT TIME YOU WILL ALSO BE LESS DETECTIBLE. THEN AT 3AM YOU CAN GET YOUR FREE ROOM AND SLEEP UNTIL THE NEXT SHIFT IN COMFORT WITH FREE ROOM SERVICE, WHILE ACCUMULATING A CASH BACK REWARD.
LET ME KNOW IF YOU NEED A FOLLOW UP AND WHAT YOU THINK OF MY FIRST BLOG ON HERE EVER.
KEEP HUSTLING THE BILLION DOLLAR CASINOS - THEY CAN PROVIDE A GREAT LIFE FOR YOU WHILE MAKING THEM THINK YOU ARE A SUCKER WHO IS LOOSING ALL YOUR MONEY AT THEIR CASINO.
You're talking about scamming at a level that goes beyond the fringe, Stainless Steel Rat approach that I am describing. Where my effort has been to live in a low cost, low profile fashion, your casino hack is really, in a sense, a theft. The casinos are promoting slot play, and you are using the promotion without engaging in the play. It is not fair, and at some level it offends me.
Of course it is hard to feel sorry for casinos. They are designed to take from the weak.
Because it is a kind of theft, casinos are on the lookout for this kind of hustle. My feeling is that casinos are barely better than knuckle-breaking bag men for organized crime, if they are better at all, and they tend to have some very dangerous people in their employ. I will not be attempting this casino scam, and cannot recommend it to my readers, but to each their own.
Nevertheless, thank you for your contribution. In the future, consider the CAPS LOCK key an optional feature. :)
I always worry about becoming homeless. Why? Well I was a volunteer for 15 years in my alturistiv youth. I got burned out and went to graduate school. I am now teaching English in South Korea. I am able to save a bit and pay into a small pension. I have little Social Security..they tell me if I worl till I am 65 it will be about $500.00 a month. I would make more off of SSI. I am 52 now and will work until they wont let me anymore. This is possible. So I get major anxiety attacks about being unempployed and living off of 500.00 a ,month (if it is there when I am older????).
How do "old people" survive when they are homeless? I t would be hard to get a job and they probably have impending health needs.
I have been living in my car for several weeks now and am considering renting a private, commercial mailbox. The rental agreement I read says that the street address one submits will be verified, but I have no address locally other than my POBox and don't want to involve others in this. I was going to use my old apartment's adress but of course if they verify it the whole thing will blow up in my face. Any thoughts on this? Does the submitted address actually get verified?
The address one uses is generally not verified. More important is your concern over getting caught. What is the consequence if it "blows up in your face"? You don't get the mailbox. That's it. In that event, you go to another commercial mailbox company and try again. Don't worry about lying, get comfortable doing it, and when caught, simply move on. Most people won't put you much on the spot even if they catch you, because it embarrasses them as well as you.
Hi. I'm in New York City. I thought that your advice about using a UPS Store mailbox over a Post Office box made a lot of sense, however, when I did a price check, the nearest UPS Store to me charges $240 for a mailbox for a year (3 months free) whereas the Post Office charges about $48.00 for a year.
If you're in this type of situation, cost is probably going to be an issue, so even though your advice about this particular situation is probably right on the money (no pun intended) it's not very practical price-wise, unfortunately.
Please don't misunderstand - I'm not a troll and I'm not trying to give you a hard time here. I actually like this blog very much. I read every post here last night and most of the comments as well. I just wanted to let you know what I found out and see what you have to say about it.
Your point is well taken but off the mark. The real purpose for getting a mailbox is to have a "real" address. That is, you need an address that can receive mail that appears to be a place that you live. The box is more important as camouflage than it is as a delivery point, so comparisons to PO boxes are irrelevant. A POB will not perform the same camouflage function.
I didn't miss your point at all. I fully understand your theory of how the appearance of having a "real" address is an important factor when it comes to seeking employment. I thought I made that clear in my comment.
However, we are talking about someone who is homeless, therefore, how much something costs is very relevant, IMHO.
Anyway, I guess in the long run, the benefit of having a UPS Store address would far outweigh the cost. Good luck with your blog.
For alternative avenues of employment, what about checking out the local university hiring centre? The one close to me offers short term employment possibilites, and I believe that many of them may even be cash jobs.
We are using a mail service which will forward ALL mail, periodicity controllable via internet, to us here in Europe. The mail service address is a normal address, not a PO Box. You could, of course, have a mail service forward mail to a P.O. box, as one step further. They also allow you to control what is sent or not sent, via the internet, which controls post cost. Im not sure of the cost analysis of this, but for anyone recently out of a home and address, this may be of benefit to you in some functions. We have had it for one year, and it is fairly reliable and the function of trashing junk mail via the web, is powerful. The one TRUE advantage of this service is that it will receive mail from all over the world and redirect it to where ever you wish, and is changeable via the internet. remote control mail, how fun. We also have all of our banking functions online, so there are many emerging services through the internet. Yes, they cost, but most are anonymous, remote controlled and give you the ability to control things from a distance.
Many homeless are depressed or otherwise mentally ill. Why is there an assumption about owning a car, when it's clear that thousands of homeless sleep literally on the street? To own a car would be a luxury to many of them.
Many homeless people are/feel isolated, need community, let alone money. Are there any tips that apply to them as well? Getting a manicure may not be in the immediate vicinity of action of the thousands of homeless who live in filthy, depressed and despairing conditions. Too bad that what is otherwise a good blog, is actually too high-end for the most in need.
This blog gives the impression that homelessness is cool and alright. But that's very subjective, and isn't at all, at all, to thousands of homeless people, including some who are single mothers.
In a way I find it tragic when people come here and say things like "Wow!, Awe!! Cool!", when homelessness is often just as bad as they thought. Talking about manicures and cell-phones may be misleading in that respect.
Of course this is a personal blog, but some people may get the impression that "wow, homelessness is actually pretty cool". Well, it's not, some people die in the streets, ill, alone and isolated. In other words, many homeless literally go through what is many people's worst nightmare in terms of losing all basic security.
No offense, just a viewpoint.
To understand why this post assumes you own a car, please read The Importance of the Car Cover.
Your point that many homeless people are incapable of using this guide is well taken. I am not writing to them or about them. I am writing to people who are at least minimally competent, depressed and desperate or not. I am writing about my experiences, and how I survived them. Homelessness was not always pleasant for me, but neither was it always dismal, desperate, and without joy. If that offends you, read something else. I would hate for someone else's truth to intrude on a complete and otherwise content world view. I know how unhappy people can become when exposed to the idea that a homeless person may not be desperate, miserable, cold, unstable, depressed, mentally ill, and filthy.
I should add that I feel tremendous sympathy for the incompetent, desperate, and mentally ill homeless. I wish that I knew how to help them. Unfortunately, I don't know how to effectively help them, and it is not the task that I've taken on. I'm tackling a problem faced by thousands of reasonably healthy students and working people every year, a problem faced by the poor and the middle class, a problem for families and single people. I'm tackling one of many American social problems. Certainly the indigent, incompetent homeless suffer far more than they ought to in America, but so do competent people, and the competent ones are the ones I know how to advise.
Perhaps others can write about how to solve some of the problems of the destitute mentally ill. Maybe you can.
I live near University of Michigan, and when the students are in school, there always seems to be some survey or something that pays cash for your participation...
I understand the point of your blog completely. It is about freedom. I have been homeless twice. I am female. I have no children. My second period of "homelessness" was caused by a desire to be low profile.
Here are some ideas:
(This is considering you are not choosing homelessness to be lazy. These tips mostly include some work.)
1.) Intentional Communities (Communes) - Give them notice you are coming to visit to experience their community. They will provide shelter, food, (somethimes clothes) and bathing. In exchange you will do some work - but mostly stuff YOU choose to do. I chose to farm (mostly), clean, bake cookies for everyone at midnight (people come out of the freakin' woodwork, take them in huge quanities, and they're usually gone by the morning...SO GOTTA MAKE MORE COOKIES!). There was a # of hrs. you were asked to work per week. You could work when you chose to...and in slow motion (ha!). The land can be beautiful and quite vast. Ask for a map of trails or find one hanging on the wall. (It's possible, you could disappear deep into the woods, create a shelter, and with the right survival know-how stay undetected for a long time. The community would think you had left if you pulled it off.) Take a walk at night during a full moon. You were given some money each month (but only had to spend it if you had something special you desired). Beware: The people might not talk to you because they see so many visitors (so what?), Don't have sex with them (lots of STDs at these places), You may not be able to use your car when you are there (it's inequality, some places say, but you have the right to move on whenever you wish!), last but not least: They may have compost toilets. Poop in the toilet; Pee outside (or into a large glass jar in your room) Empty it when no one's looking. Or when everyone's looking (who cares, Everyone pees!) No contracts! Make up a name, it's fun. All communes are different. Just follow the rules, and you can stay there for quite a while.
2.) Also includes farming. Willing workers on organic farms. (WOOFING). No need to officially sign up. Get the list of farms that need "apprentices" online. It's a long list. Contact the farm yourself by email or phone. Must provide your own transportation to these farms (car, bus). They will give you room, board, and a small wage. Beware: Find a place that has good shelter (ask specifically about your living quarters: barn, trailer, in the home?). If they take advantage of you by working you too hard (based on your opinion) just leave. If they are mean to you, leave. If they don't feed you sufficiently, Move on!) Once again, No Contracts!
3.) Medical studies. You get paid pretty well, and some provide money to cover a hotel, food, and travel expenses. Beware: you are a mouse, they may give you drugs (if you're not into chemicals in your body).
4.) Get access to 24 hour storage unit. You can stay there in your car all night. (you're moving stuff into or out of your unit, right?...you have a right to be there anytime you want to. There's usually people there, but they leave you alone. Some bands practice in larger units. But, ya might have to pee behind the dumpster or something.)
5.) Brand new home developments. Empty homes, usually unlocked if not almost done or sold, Porta-potties (when ya gotta go, ya gotta go.) You may have to wake early, but if it's raining the workers don't usually show up.
6.)Not the best option, but go to a hospital. Maybe just stay in the waiting room, use the bathroom. If you want an extended stay, say you are suicidal (this garuntees an admission), have lost all hope, vaguely describe physical symptoms. During the admission process when they ask you all those questions, just react slowly and act confused. Once you get to the floor, do some puzzles, color, read, act a fool, play with the heads of the other people there (i'm kidding), bother the nurses (usually ends up by them giving you more traquilizers), don't participate in all the scheduled stuff (except for eating) because this indicates you are not doing well and results in a longer stay. Well, maybe go to Art therapy. If you refuse their treatment (meds), they will kick you out. Important Tip: go to library, study a psychiatric disease. One book to look at is the DSM-IV. (bipolar disorder is a fairly safe one - people on the BP floor are fairly normal, not too violent, or dissociative identity disorder or multiple personality or schizoaffective disorder) and its symptoms.(know your story, but don't show in any way that you know the name of your illness in the emergency room. Don't worry, they'll figure it out for you.) Unpaid medical bills are usually written off on taxes by the hospital, if not paid. It won't effect your credit score (bonus!), if you use your real name. Beware: You're locked in. They will do a strip search, but not a cavity search. They take any stuff you bring in with you except for clothes with no drawstrings. They will watch you shave. They will take your wallet (Leave everything except cash and some clothes in the car, Leave id in car, if using a different name). They will put everything in a safe deposit box, and they will return it to you when you are discharged. I promise.
IN GENERAL:
If anyone ever bothers you anywhere, ACT INSANE! Bug out your eyes, Shake, Chew your shoulder, Say you don't know who you are, that you are disoriented, confused. Act like you're about to THROW UP (people tend to move away from you). And, yes, honk your horn. It all depends on the situation.
*Most of these are considering you have a car and some money.
Here's a book that might help written by a privacy expert, "How to be Invisable" by J.J. Luna
Sorry such a long comment....
To the fellow living in South Korea and others who have a small income from Soc. Sec. etc.: You can live a great life on the coast of Mexico when you retire on $500/mo. There are safe places where you can camp out for free or rent a palapa for $15 a day including food (rice and beans) or if you can afford a little camper, you can drive around and visit Mexico. Or you can try beautiful Ecuador, where you can rent an apt. for $150 a mo. and they have good and cheap medical services. Should we start a blog about these kinds of alternatives?
Re: Casinos
While it's admirable that this blog operates within the confines of the law, I just wanted to chime in my two cents on "scamming" Casinos, which is a little like "threatening the health" of the smoker at the table next to you. Casinos ARE the scammers, so as far as I'm concerned, there should be no moral ambiguity as to trying to "get away with" something like what that poster described. But, to each his peach. Just bear in mind, no matter how morally justifiable you figure yourself to be, that won't necessarily stop Vinnie the Goon from kicking you out and/or breaking your thumbs if he takes a mind to.
That being said, the casino in my area is open 24/7. They offer free, self-service soft drinks, and I've heard that the waitresses will bring you free mixed drinks as long as you're gambling at one of the tables (I don't know how true this is, or if so, whether there's a limit). It can be a fun way to spend an evening, sipping a free soda and sauntering nonchalantly past the slots, looking for coins (or, more commonly, cash vouchers) left in the trays of the machines.
I did this on a couple of occasions during my "caveman" phase, and snagged about three dollars' worth of loose change in the space of an hour, cashing them in at hassle-free machines (rather than having to endure the icy stare of the cashier). I also got a couple of free Cokes and I watched a few minutes of poker tournaments and table games. There's also usually a band or two playing in open areas.
It was gratifying to actually come out of the casino with more money, and not a bad way to occupy an hour or two. If your local casino has shows, maybe you could figure a way to get in there. From some of the Vegas shows I've seen on the Travel channel, they sometimes hand out free admissions when they're trying to promote a new act.
Anyway, it's just a thought. As to employment itself, might I suggest joining the ranks of illegal immigrants who work undocumented every day? Show up at your hardware outlet's parking lot at 6AM, maybe the contractor who pulls up in a pickup needing five guys will prefer the one who speaks English. I dunno.
An additional option is the orange- (and other wares) selling trade, again partially inspired by these hordes. With a cheap cooler, a 99-cent bag of ice and marked-up bottles of water, you can clean up at an outdoor event on a hot summer day (air shows, fairs, flea markets, etc). Pre-packaged snack foods, candy, whatever...people buy on impulse at these things.
You could even be one of these creeps who sells roses at bars and clubs. I doubt that those people have much of a problem cutting the owners in for a slice, and, again, it's not like they're going to want you to fill out a W-2.
Alan Bumm
That homeless guy would be better manicured than I am.
I already tried writing and got no answer, maybe my questions seemed pointless to you, or maybe I'm just impatient... Anyway, I still want to thank you for all the helpful info I found here, a lot of it. One week remaining before it gets useful. Like you say, having no car will make things more hard, but I guess if other homeless people do it, even in winter, I can do it too. I'm still figuring out how to pack as light as possible, and unfortunately, I have to cut a lot on clothes and layers.
Also, getting employment right now isn't really in my possibilities, for many reasons not even related to homelessness, so unless you have some good advice related to that, I'll probably rely on my harmonica to pay the meals...
If you can help further more with some of my concerns, that'd be very appreciated, otherwise, thanks again !
galactia.libre@hotmail.co.uk
This is very useful if I ever become homeless (which I highly doubt) but it is still useful to know just in case
I REALLY want to second the notion of selling drinks/snacks out of an ice chest. This is one of the few times people will actually be happy to see you, if anybody gives you trouble, you can pack up and leave in a matter of seconds.
Even cops will likely leave you alone when greeted with a cold drink after a ride in the hot cruiser.
In Paris, I've seen people selling small umbrellas at the subway exits on rainy days, a true goldmine. Adapt to your location I guess.
This stuff is amazing. Excellent material!
I used to work for an R&D company in the Boston area well known for its technological innovations and the eclectic mix of people working for them.
Many of them had residences that were beyond normal commuting distance. Their solution was to get an "RV" and live in the company parking lot during the week, going back to their residence during the weekend. Others "worked late" and stayed in their office after hours.
The company had a gym with showers so hygiene was never an issue.
After I left said company, I also found this arrangement elsewhere.
In the "high-tech" career field there are plenty of "homeless" people. They call it a "nomadic lifestyle", and it is not considered abnormal, especially among consultants who travel from job to job across the country.
Just my two cents worth.
Check out "fulltiming" or "fulltimeres" - this is a lifestyle of living in an RV and not having a home. I became involuntarily homeless in 2002 and ended up buying an RV from a guy for $500. That introduced me to the RV 'lifestyle', and after changing to a better RV, I love it. I've been 'voluntarily homeless' in the sense of living in an RV pretty much ever since. And yeah, that included a stint working in High tech for decent money - heck, I've founded a school in India during that time.
Re anonymous and the ugly comment that nobody should write positive things here about any sort of alternative housing - they're classic examples of the mentality you run into. Many fulltimers are what are called 'highliners' - people who sold their homes as retirees and bought an RV. Usually they have a very, very nice RV. Yet these people get the same mentality. Once I was parked near a highliner, Xtians came by and knocked on the door, offering me free socks. I had a job at the time, I didn't need charity, and said so. They went next door and did the same thing to these obviously wealthy people.
fulltimers favorite conversations are about their family's insisting they sleep on the sofa instead of their own bed when they visit.
another couple short comments -
re checking into the mental ward -
Be very careful - if they find out you are homeless they can keep you essentially forever. Each time you come up for release they'll trot out that you were homeless/living in your car. I've helped people get outta hospital, and that's a trick they use. I'd discourage the whole mental hospital thing, there are other, better alternatives. Nonetheless, as a person with an alternate lifestyle you're at risk to get taken if you want or not, so the rest of the advice is good.
I've been in the high tech field a lot in silicon valley, and while people are pretty open to alternatives in a lot of ways, I've never seen living in an RV as part of the subculture the way the other poster describes. But yeah, calling yourself a 'nomad' and making it sound cool will acutally make it a lot more acceptable in the high tech industry.
has anyone posted this website yet? http://workamper.com/ it seems to be highly recommended. you can get paid to work AND get a place to stay for free!
Mobile Homemaker, it's me again, MzM, I posted originally on the Introduction Page. I'm the one that has been living the lifestyle for over twenty years. First time blogging, so hope I'm doing it right.
It seems you have more then one audience. Those just starting out with nothing but the clothes on their backs, and because of your blog, now have some basic supplies or money and then there are others a little further down the road, including being mobile.
So, if it's the homeless nomadic lifestyle for several months, that's one direction. If one decides, like me, that I'm not going back to the way it was, that is another.
I have the UPS mail addy and cell phone. Check Wal Mart the Trac Phones are $9.99 and the Net 10 phones $29.99 but comes with 300 minutes. No contract, cxl at any time. I'm on a plan for $15.00 month for 150 min, if need more can add at $5 for 50 min in between.
I use Net Spend Visa or MC debit card (Ace Check Cashing and other outlets like Safeway, Fred Meyer etc are reloading centers.) Set up account by buying a $3.95 card. An aside, if a family member also has a Net Spend card, you can transfer money for free between accounts, that means no Western Union fees. Many employers have gone to direct deposit and a debit card is a necessity.
If I'm in a metropolitan area, using all of Mobile Homemaker's tips on how to present yourself for a job, I hit a temp agency. I show up every morning when they open their doors, presentable, with bright smiley face. There is always someone calling in sick and I've always been dispatched.
Temp agencies gives me the opportunity to see what's out there and the employer an opportunity to see what type of worker I am. Many of the large company's do this because they don't have to worry about firing you if it is not working out - you are not their employee - but the temp agency's and they only need to say don't send them back.
The time I worked for over a year, I choose the company because I could work three 12 hour shifts on the weekend, paid for 40 hours and no management on site. Sweet!
Used the money I earned to upgrade and improve my living conditions. During the week days, I used my state park day pass to enjoy all amenities including RV dumps, showers, laundry facilities and water fills. Also, the fun stuff, bike riding, nature hikes, bird watching, swimming and just chilling.
At night, drove to small shopping mall a mile up hill and parked on the back side to sleep. In morning, went to gas station, brought coffee and newspaper and was at park entrance when opened. Ka-Ching!
I've also bartered and worked for cash and parking space, when I worked on a ranch. Even got a horse to ride.
Became a paid white water river guide on weekends and camped during the week at one of the federal parks "free" campgrounds, which are not listed but you have to inquire about with the Superintendent of the District. They are primitive- but the view - like being on a private reserve. Also, BLM land is free or small fee camping.
Have always thought outside the box and have had some incredible work experiences, when needed, that does not interfere with my nomadic lifestyle. It puts money in my pocket, but if you grow some of your food, stock up and hunker down, and stay in place for several weeks it cuts down on expenses.
Hi I am going to be homeless in the next few days. I don't have a car but am willing to work for a place to stay and some food. I am currently in New York City. Do you have any suggestions?
About Ryan's comments earlier, referring to the casino scam and the multiple comp cards getting him free rooms and meals? Please, PLEASE do not do this. At ANY time of day or night. Yes, IF you get away with this, all of what he said you receive comes to you. But the price of getting caught is not worth it.
Casinos look for this kind of behavior, and doing stuff like will this only get you arrested. They have many ways of catching you do what he mentioned, and they go out of their way to make their paying casino players comfortable-at the much too high expense of those that need to do this.
Plus they have private security that always feels like they can get away with more hassling and strong arm tactics that the actual police. It's because they know that they can.
Bri, you are totally right-it is called theft, in the casino's eyes, and although the casinos can afford to lose money, they will not tolerate their guests feeling like they are being cheated or stolen from...or even bothered by those that feel compelled to do this.
I tried this, so I know from experience. I was homeless last year in Arizona-a guy had left credits in a machine and actually left the casino! It was a busy night (like Ryan mentioned to do this during), and so I took the credits from the machine and went to the cashier to cash them out.
Why not, right? He didn't seem to know about his money being there, and he did leave too. The amount was $100 and change. When I tried to cash the sheet that the machine gave out, the security people immediately took me into the office and the police were called.
The entire while there, I was completly polite and cooperative. The police were nice to me-but the security would have given me the death penalty if they could have.
Luckily they (the police-the security people were very nasty to me), took pity on me and just made me leave, but I was given a court date and spent time in jail for "theft of a device". The player that left got his money back (they knew who he was fron the sky cameras) and he was even offered the chance to sue me for even more than I "supposedly stole". He didn't and I had nothing to give him anyway.
So it's not worth it, folks. You might as well walk into a bank, say your homeless and need money and then show off a gun, for the trouble it brings. Nothing is worse than being homeless more than causing yourself more trouble in the name of desperation.
Liek I said they look for this kind of thing and will make your life as bad as you can imagine. Please trust me-I know it's tough out there-I was homeless too and I always know it could happen again. I know desperation and what it makes people do. I never would have tried this, otherwise. I regret that I did.
as i read all of your ideas and options i've noticed that many of which are for stationary homelessness, but what if one were to want to travel through the country or even other countries what would your options be, i've found that owning a car is useful, but gas is expensive, hitchhiking is risky, but i've met people who have done it, i have my own theories on traveling in box cars of trains or finding a way of getting onto or in the back of a semitruck and traveling with the cargo, but my ideas on going from one country to another are sketchy, so if you know about any ways of immigration i would be glad to hear it
I only write what I know. I have never been truly nomadic. I'm sure some of my methods, for instance on hygiene, could be adapted to traveling. Other methods not so much. Good luck. It's just not my field of expertise.
I would have to disagree about a PMB working as camoflage. These days it takes nothing more than a few keystrokes and an internet connection to find out if an address is a home or business.
Lots of people have PO boxes and also have homes.
True. But the important thing is to have an address. PMB's work fine. Never use the PMB before the unit number. You don't need to advertise.
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