Homeless: How do I survive? I have a car and a storage unit...?

Question

I need a place to SLEEP. Someplace temperature controlled.

But I can shower at the gym.
Clean my clothes at the laundramat.
Food is not such a problem, I do have SOME money.
I've got a P.O. Box.

But I have a medical problem where I can't do manual labor.
I've got a series 7 and series 63 license, but I suck at sales.
I've got a security guard license with loss prevention - NYS.

What can I do that will get me at least $875 a week? Even if it's gross or a little dangerous - I need money, because I'm not gonna die out here! But I need help.

I still have a job, but my company is moving from the east coast to the west coast - that's why I have a computer. And the job is sales - at which I suck.

And alot of things I get for free:
The gym at my alma mater.
Computer at the library.
Unemployment is no good because I'm in a commission job and we don't get unemployment.

And I need $875 a week to live - that's my monthly bills, plus what I'd need for a crappy place to live.

Answer 1

Oh sweety go to the salvation army. You can also visit a couple of churches. Hope your situation gets better.

Answer 2

You are educated and smart. You have proved to be very resourceful, using the computer at the library (smart!), showering at the gym, doing your laundry, keeping your job...nice going! You have some financial background and you are just going through a tough time...don't freak out, just stay level headed and continue using the resources you have. I have worked as a temp when I have been between jobs, contact some temp agencies through the phone book. What's best, just dress your best, put on a suit if you have one (you probably do) and make a list of as many temp agencies as you can (maybe visit 5 or 6 in one day), they usually have position waiting to be filled the same day or the day after. Most of the positions are for a couple of weeks or a couple of months, many times just for a couple of days, but they can certainly get you something quickly. Plus, since they make a profit on your hourly rate, they will try to get you as much as they can maybe $15 to $25 an hour with your experience...usually they are not less than $12/hr. I am sure you will be fine, just remember all you have done and continue to do...you are some clever guy!!

Answer 3

If you have a Series 7 and 63 - there are plenty of non sales jobs within the financial industry . Most customer service positions , in Asset Management firms - require at least a Series 7. Also, several firms need people to teach Series 7, 63 , 6 etc prep exams and courses.

Also, your "injury" - which bars you from maual labor, does not effect your ability to work within the financial industry and a workmans comp wouldn't be worth it - beacuse in NY State - if you ahve an ability to do non manual labor (customer service) you cannot claim, due to your Series 7 and 63 licenses (which are viable employment credentials).

Answer 4

How do you have computer access? Wow, sounds like your luck is down right now. Sorry man.
Sounds like you could use 2 jobs right now but did you try applying for disability because of your medical problem? That will get you some cash on the side while you are looking for something that will pay well. Here's a thought, look for a job that includes housing. Residence directors on college campuses, apartment managers usually stay on site and I have even seen storage facilities that have positions where you can house there too. This will save you in rent money and then you can do something else part time possibly, maybe work from home!
Good luck man!

Answer 5

Project managers, need computer literate skills, the obility to over see manual labors and give and take directions...Larger Real estate companies pay to have some one individual to watch over and govern empty properties, no labor involved, or sales...ie:sometimes they pay well just to keep the lawns well watered....Sounds like you would do well as a grounds keeper... sometimes lodging is included on the premises....Please pray and use your imagination a bit, remember the law of attraction...Temp agencies are a perfect place to find clerical jobs...Typing manuscripts for doctors pays about two thousand a week depending on the workload or how far behind they are on collecting from the insurance companies...One is contracted for a percentage of pay outs....Driving seniors to and from to the doctors , or starting a grocery delivery service are noble jobs as well....Have fun meeting your needs, as the world is your oyster your are only limited by your own thoughts....Have more faith in the things that you cannot see.........Go get 'em...tiger.....

Answer 6

Dude, you need to settle for less than $875 a week if you're that desperate. Just take any job you can get. Even if you suck at sales, do it anyway, just to have some sort of income. A little is better than none at all. Find a cheap place to live within your income. Get government assistance if necessary. And I really hope you are using a free library computer to access the Internet.

Answer 7

[People can't think outside the box. Libraries have computers. Anyways.]

I lived out of my car for some time. You may not be able to do "manual" labor, but what is manual again?? Like, construction, or can you not stand for long periods? Sorry... just curious.

I don't know your particular condition, but from personal experience, your best bet is to get a minimum-wage job (less than $875 a week, but hey... it's better than nothing!), work at that for as long as it takes to save up some money... Then go from there.

Most likely, you won't die out there. And most likely, you'll have to sleep in your car, at least for a little while.

Park in an inconspicuous place, preferably one that doesn't have signs all over it about ticketing overnight parkers. I preferred parking in a different place each night, so no one would notice me. Try remote parking lots, places that look deserted, etc. If an officer approaches you, most all they can do is tell you to go somewhere else, unless you're doing drugs and they catch you or something like that...

Hunker down in your car, put up shades around the windows when you bed down, so no one will see you.

If it's cold where you are, buy a "foil" blanket from Wal-Mart's camping section. Only about 4 dollars, and it will keep you TOASTY.

If you're warm, keep your windows down, break one out if you have to (say they don't roll - mine didn't, you can patch it with trash bags for the rain), park in the shade during the hot parts, sleep at night when it's cooler, job hunt/work in the daytime...

But seriously, right now is not the best time to try to find your perfect job that will make you near a grand a week. Right now you should just focus on getting a job that will give you steady income. You're not really spending that much money, think about it. Just a little here and there on food, laundry, gas in your car...

There's actually benefits to being homeless. You're not paying out the butt for an overpriced apartment or house. No utilities, such as gas/electric/water/sewer/garbage/pest control/cable/internet/phone. No renter's insurance or homeowner's insurance. Basically, all you have to pay for is your car insurance (if you even do that - I skipped out on that for awhile), maybe your registration/tags if that's coming up.

But every cent you make, you should throw to savings. About a month of this lifestyle, and you should have enough money saved up to get a cheap place to live.

It may be difficult now, but it WILL get better. Just stay strong, find some easy work that will get you some steady income, and you'll be back on your feet before you know it.

Personally, I was homeless for 5-6 months. But that was actually by choice. I liked the freedom. :)

Job suggestions:
Fast food chains - you can work counter or drive throughs, drive and deliver pizza, very limited "manual labor" I guess.
Convenience stores - you can stand there all day and sell gas and cigarettes. VERY easy job.
Newspaper Route - drive around and toss papers at houses at 4 in the morning.

Answer 8

You should be inspired by Chris Gardner
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2005/10/10/DDGVLF4AI81.DTL

He went from a homeless man to a millionaire. He was EXACTLY the same position as you but without a series 7. You have to get your act together in sales if you want to stay off the streets.
http://www.chrisgardnermedia.com/

if you need health care, get a part time job at starbucks. They will cover your health care costs.The next job you should get is being a waiter. You make about $12-$20 an hour with tips at a good restaurant.

Open a bank account. Avoid check cashing companies that skim $$$ off every paycheck. You need to get your finances in shape. You also should apply for food stamps if you can.

Also, make sure you check with churches to see what assistance they can help for homeless people. some places with help with temporary placement. Chris Gardner had a lot of help from church homeless programs.

Don't sell your computer. But set up a gmail account so you can network and stay in touch. Having a working email is just as important as a PO box these days. Also if you can scrape the funds, get a cheap pay as you go cellphone (you can recharge them at the gym). Having a phone number will help you get a job. If you can't have one, ask if a friend or employer can help with answering calls. You might get answers for cellphones...just google. Example...http://www.shelteralliance.net

Publicize yourself on http://Monster.com or http://www.linkedin.com. Get networking.

Answer 9

I know that there are computers people can use at different spots, so I won't insult you like that.

I would try the homeless shelters like someone else suggested. You are fortunate to have a vehicle. A lot of folks don't. You may have to comprimise your pay rate for a while. That's where I am at right now. I only work 18 hours a week, but do okay.

The shelters often have actual employment programs as well.

Answer 10

Your not too bad off if you have the ability to use a computer. If you are homeless why do you need $875. a week? That is 42,000 year. The national average is under $30,000. Lower your expectations, and go work at Wendy's.

Answer 11

How come you have access to a computer then if you are living in your car?

$875 a week, aren't you being a little unreasonable. Work at McDonalds for $6.00 an hour. You're lucky to get a job nowdays and asking for so much money is not going to land you much success.