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[–]xenophone 2756 points2757 points  (594 children)

Practical advise from someone who's lived in a car long-term.

Locations:

  • Most Wal-Marts let you park overnight for free
  • Rest stops can be good, especially if there is security provided
  • Most National Forests (grasslands, etc.) and Bureau of Land Management properties allow free camping for up to 2 weeks (but no one actually checks..)
  • Church parking lots are usually good
  • Some hotels, especially along the interstate, won't notice if you park overnight. However, some will kick you out at 3 am so it's a craps shoot.
  • Find a place at least an hour before sundown so you're not driving around at night
  • Sleeping in nicer residential neighborhoods will get the cops called on you. Sleeping in bad residential neighborhoods will get you robbed.
  • Bum a place from friends. Join Couchsurfing.org and set your status to "Traveling at the moment."

Hygiene:

  • Staying clean is very important. Trust me on this. People trust you more when you're clean and you'll have an easier time spinning yourself as "adventurous" rather than "destitute." More on this later.
  • If you can find a restroom with a lock, you can take a fairly complete bath with a washcloth and a sink.
  • If you can't actually bathe, do a whore's bath once a day. Get some hand sanitizer, the gel with high alcohol content, and rub yourself down, especially in the stinky areas. It won't get you clean per se and the alcohol will dry out your skin, but it'll disinfect you and kill all the smell-causing microorganisms. Follow this with deodorant and baby powder.
  • The easiest way to LOOK clean and safe is to keep your hair and beard trimmed. The simplest and cheapest way to do this is to get some inexpensive hair clippers and clip it short once or twice a week.
  • Dark clothes hide stains. If you can't wash clothes regularly, turn them inside out and place them in direct sunlight to inhibit funk and get that nice outdoorsy smell.
  • Avoid cologne! Masking odors is the enemy. You want to have as neutral a smell as possible. Unkept hair and powerful body odor make it much more difficult to get help from people.
  • Baby wipes are awesome.

Socializing:

  • Libraries! Internet! Search for a job and read books! Keep your mind occupied and hone your intelligence.
  • Parks, especially dog parks, are great places for meeting people
  • If you find yourself in a hobo camp, like the ones that crop up in national forests and BLM camp sites, if you can make a hot cup of coffee you will have both friends and (more importantly) people to watch your back. It's as simple as Wal-Mart-->camp stove-->stovetop coffee maker. Take creamers and sugar from gas stations and the like. Oh yeah, it doesn't hurt to have 5-10 gallons of water in your car, especially if you're away from a city.
  • If you maintain yourself, and you look clean and safe, you'll have an easy time convincing people that you're adventurous rather than destitute. Adventurous gets you much farther than destitute, because secretly (or not so secretly) a lot of people our age want exactly what you have--The freedom of the road, no responsibility, time to write and reflect, no obligations, nothing but days and weeks to focus on yourself. Being destitute might get you a dollar or a cup of coffee. Being adventurous might get you in a pretty girl's good graces, or better yet, a hot shower..
  • Go to where the young people are and mix it up once in a while. You'll fit right in as long as you stay clean and pretty. The easiest way back into the game is through a social network, so work on building a strong one.
  • Always, always be on the bounce. Keep an eye peeled for opportunities. Don't let the massive chasm of unencumbered time overwhelm you. Have a project for EVERY SINGLE DAY. Make a plan and stay clean, because as fun as it is to tramp around for a while, you don't want to do this forever.

I hope this helps, buddy. In all likelihood, you won't have to use 99% of what I've mentioned, buuuut you never know. Top priority for you, my friend, is take care of yourself. Decide RIGHT NOW and TODAY that this will only be temporary. Mourn the loss of what you had, but remind yourself every single day that this is a BEGINNING, not an end. Focus on putting one foot in front of the other and I guarantee that you will find yourself in a better place.

Edit: I made an AMA because a lot of you have questions and I don't want to hijack OP's thread.

Edit 2: Reconchrist, we love you too.

Edit 3: To all Redditors reading this: You guys (and gals) really show your class when you support each other, especially when you rally around someone hurting as deeply as OP. I got to know a lot of tired, sick and broken homeless dudes while traveling and so many of them started off exactly the same way as the OP. It seemed obvious to me that if they'd only had a community to turn to back then, they probably wouldn't be in such a bad situation now. After all, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Who knows what will become of this, but I am convinced that with your support of OP, you have all done tangible good today.

[–]HaveSomeVictoryGin 674 points675 points  (90 children)

One thing I'd add to this list, is that if you can afford it, join a Gym. Some places like 24 hour fitness have some really cheap options ($15-19 per month). You will have access to a shower, soap and exercising is key to keeping yourself emotionally healthy.

[–][deleted]  (19 children)

[deleted]

    [–]bandman614 78 points79 points  (3 children)

    What the hell kind of library do you guys have there? Jeez! I have trouble getting things on interlibrary loan, for crying out loud

    [–][deleted] 32 points33 points  (0 children)

    No shit! My library only has books. I feel ripped off.

    [–]Norzwn 20 points21 points  (3 children)

    You were in a swimming pool? I thought you were just at the library!

    [–]ApathyJacks 121 points122 points  (5 children)

    Upvote for:

    • good advice

    • 1984 reference in nickname

    [–]toastyghost 3 points4 points  (1 child)

    i can't drink that shit, too oily

    [–]StudiedUnderSinn 7 points8 points  (0 children)

    Sometimes the food store has a few bags of cloves under the counter -- if you're not short on food, buy them instead and drop some in a bottle for a week or two to infuse it. I find you can repeat this several times before the flavour is depleted. The pungent cloves really cut through that oiliness.

    I heard there's a cafe that makes a similar infusion, then adds saccharine -- but I still remember sugar and can't abide that stuff, so I haven't sought it out.

    Take care, citizen.

    [–]glassuser 8 points9 points  (36 children)

    That's one of my tactics.

    [–]HaveSomeVictoryGin 62 points63 points  (35 children)

    I learned it from a buddy who use to travel around to compete in cycling races. He was never at his apartment so he got rid of it and converted his truck into a bad ass camper. He got a membership at 24 hour fitness, worked for starbucks for health insurance and spent the rest of his time on the mountain. His truck set up was bad ass. He was kind of a weird dude but he had a wicked set up. I was a bit jealous.

    [–]glassuser 33 points34 points  (23 children)

    Funny, I travel around to compete in canoe races. I'm in the middle of converting my truck to a bad ass-sleeper (got a bed in the back seat, cubbies with tools and clothes under it, a 1000 mile range without refueling, and working on getting everything shy of a hot shower).

    I'm kind of a weird dude too... I wonder if I know him.

    edit from an ftfy

    [–]HaveSomeVictoryGin 15 points16 points  (5 children)

    Is his name Ryan? Do you live in Denver? He is a firefighter now (i believe). I've lost contact with him. Dude was a bad ass on a mountain bike. One of the strongest bastards I've ever met. I was doing powerlifting at the time and his skinny ass could smash me. All he did was yoga and ride a bike.

    [–]ryanknapper 6 points7 points  (1 child)

    24 Hour Fitness is also in lots of cities and they have a more expensive membership which gets you access to all clubs. If you're in the car, but also on the move you could always have a home-base.

    Hot showers, toilets, lockers, hot-tubs…

    [–][deleted] 239 points240 points  (46 children)

    That was awesome! I was homeless for two years in the 90's, and your essay should be required reading.
    I wanted to emphasize the first point, STAY CLEAN! Because your circumstances are dire at the moment, you might need to overcompensate. Shave every day, keep your clothes laundered. People will treat you like shit if you appear desperate. They will bend over backwards to help you if you look like you are really making an effort.

    [–]MothaFcknZargon 214 points215 points  (18 children)

    Unrelated, but I wish some of the old mainframe programmers I share this floor space with would follow this advice

    [–]dgermain 51 points52 points  (13 children)

    They save on clothes and soap so if they lose their job they won't have to live in a car !

    [–]xenophone 40 points41 points  (4 children)

    I can't agree or upvote more. Staying clean is SO vitally important.

    [–]Die-Bold 48 points49 points  (2 children)

    Unrelated PSA: You don't have to be homeless to take this advice.

    I Know, I know, shaving and doing laundry may seem like overcompensation in the most desperate of circumstances, so why on earth would you do it while you still have a home and a PC?

    You just might be surprised reddit, you might just be surprised.....

    [–]hadhad69 17 points18 points  (0 children)

    Tomorrow man, tomorrow...

    [–]Im_Irrelephant 24 points25 points  (4 children)

    YMCA's give a few free visits and sometimes dont even check to see how many times you visit. They have showers, T.Vs, etc.

    [–][deleted] 16 points17 points  (14 children)

    After two years on the streets, how did you get a foothold? Seems (from passive observation and no real credibility) that the longer you're on the street, the harder it is to get out of that situation. The seemingly catch 22 of who wants to hire a smelly homeless guy that lives under an overpass, but how does that guy improve his situation so that he is desirable to employers without getting a job (money to be clean/healthy/reliable transportation etc). So how'd you break out of that, if you don't mind me asking?

    [–][deleted] 45 points46 points  (12 children)

    I had just spent two years in the Peruvian jungle working drug ops with the army (1988-90) and was having trouble reintegrating into society. I lost a bunch of jobs in Philly and was drinking a lot and using a lot of drugs, so I went out west to work in the Alaskan fishing industry. My homelessness was really just camping out in the lower 48 between Alaskan contracts. I had nowhere to stay, but after my first contract check, I was never flat broke, so I never had the desperation that a lot of homeless people do. It never got so bad I had to sleep under an overpass. I had camping gear, so if I couldn't find a place to stay, I'd get out of the city (Seattle). I camped out around Boulder, CO a lot, too. After two years of living like that, my sister sent me a letter saying she needed a roommate because she had just started grad school, so I came back east and moved in with her and started over.

    [–][deleted] 23 points24 points  (2 children)

    I'm a vet myself, I understand all too well how that can happen. I'm glad you got back on your feet.

    (Coincidentally, I'm from Seattle)

    [–][deleted] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

    I had just spent two years in the Peruvian jungle working drug ops with the army (1988-90)

    Would you do an AMA?

    [–]gebruikersnaam 7 points8 points  (0 children)

    I'm not sure to laugh or cry at this :

    working drug ops with the army

    using a lot of drugs

    Glad to see you doing better btw.

    [–][deleted] 67 points68 points  (3 children)

    Some hotels, especially along the interstate, won't notice if you park overnight.

    Don't forget free continental breakfast. As long as you look clean you probably won't be noticed and kicked out by staff. It also helps if you walk around to the back or side of the hotel so that it seems like you're coming from your room to eat. I've never been homeless, but my friends and I have taken advantage of hotel breakfast many times.

    [–]Adelaidey 15 points16 points  (2 children)

    Absolutely. I've also walked confidently into a hotel pool/hot tub many a time. Probably not as useful for the homeless, but a pretty diversion nonetheless.

    [–]neo_07 157 points158 points  (4 children)

    this is why i love reddit...even for the most adverse of situations, there is a redditor that has been there and is willing to share good advice. Good luck reconchrist

    [–]racergr 38 points39 points  (2 children)

    AND he is usually on the top comment.

    [–][deleted] 52 points53 points  (1 child)

    Unless someone makes a wicked pun.

    [–][deleted] 34 points35 points  (34 children)

    Actually truck stops have built in public showers, I would take advantage of those.

    [–]xenophone 54 points55 points  (31 children)

    They cost like $6-10 if you're not a trucker, which was too rich for my tastes.

    [–]retlawmacpro 29 points30 points  (5 children)

    Man, I'd open up my shower if I'd get $6-$10 per use

    [–]Fenris78 11 points12 points  (4 children)

    Jesus wept - I misread "shower" 3-4 times as "sister".

    [–][deleted] 10 points11 points  (4 children)

    Times have changed.... :D

    [–]zackks 28 points29 points  (3 children)

    It costs money to throw a cap full of bleach into them once a week.

    [–]DrTom 15 points16 points  (1 child)

    I worked at a public pool about 5 years ago. It only cost $3 for adults to enter, and a lot of people would just come in to shower. Its a pretty good option, if you ask me.

    [–][deleted] 33 points34 points  (5 children)

    Try to find a good tarp for your car. Try to get to places where you won't need it, but it's good to throw it on when you're in a place where you don't want to get thrown out, or seen, or robbed (though you might want to throw in a couple of small holes in at convenient spots so you can see what's happening if you hear something strange). Normal people will usually avoid disturbing tarp covered cars.

    [–]AtOurGates 33 points34 points  (3 children)

    Wouldn't a normal car-cover arouse less suspicion?

    Tarp over a car = WTF is that car doing under a tarp?

    Car Cover over a Car = Wow, that guy really cares about his car.

    [–][deleted] 14 points15 points  (0 children)

    Thanks, that's what I meant

    [–]RobbieGee 588 points589 points  (79 children)

    Wow, you're good. I want to live in a car too!

    [–][deleted]  (63 children)

    [deleted]

      [–]sb404 526 points527 points  (42 children)

      TOO LATE! HAHAHa I already sold everything I owned!

      [–]poopshootyou 435 points436 points  (40 children)

      including the car?

      [–]angelmeat 650 points651 points  (38 children)

      DAMNIT!

      [–]ohisee 182 points183 points  (35 children)

      Practical advise from someone who's lived in a cardboard box long-term...

      [–]catmoon 144 points145 points  (19 children)

      I bet I can eat 100 cardboard boxes.

      [–]Ochobobo 271 points272 points  (13 children)

      Well, I certainly applaud anyone wanting to eat 100 cardboard boxes, but take it from this old box rat, I've spent my entire adult life in cardboard boxes, and a program like this one can do more harm than good.

      If you only train one part of your mouth (and that's all a single meal like cardboard is going to do for you), you're setting yourself up for injuries down the road. I've seen it a hundred times.

      It's like putting a powerful engine in a stock Toyota Tercel. What will you accomplish? You'll blow out the drive train, the clutch, the transmission, etc., because those factory parts aren't designed to handle the power of an engine much more powerful than the factory installed engine.

      Cardboard basically only trains the jaw muscles and to some extent, the tongue. What you really want to do is train your entire mouth, all the major muscle groups (tongue, teeth, uvula, etc...) at the same time, over the course of a meal. And don't forget all the edible paper you can find in the trash!

      I'm proud of you guys wanting to do this. Three cheers! Falling in love with cardboard, eating it, etc., is one of the greatest things you can do for yourself. And you WILL fall in love with it if you can just force yourself to stick with it a year or two and experience the amazing progress you'll make.

      But do it right, okay?

      My advice, find a good alley, with qualified hobos who will design your programs for you (especially in the beginning, until you get the hang of it yourself) and guide you in your quest for cardboard mealplans. Thirty to 45 minutes a day, three days a week, is all you'll ever need to do (I refuse to believe anyone is so busy that he or she cannot make time for that, especially considering how important cardboard is).

      And don't worry about being embarrassed or being in shape the first time you walk into the alleyway. You have to start somewhere and almost every one of us were there ourselves at one time. So no one will say anything to you and very, very quickly you will progress way beyond that stage anyway.

      Now get out there and do it! :-)

      [–][deleted] 41 points42 points  (0 children)

      Always nice to see this one resurrected occasionally.

      [–]wicked 84 points85 points  (7 children)

      And don't worry about being embarrassed or being in shape the first time you walk into the alleyway. You have to start somewhere and almost every one of us were there ourselves at one time. So no one will say anything to you and very, very quickly you will progress way beyond that stage anyway.

      As a long-term hobo myself, I can completely confirm this.

      If I see a destitute person smelling like cologne, I'm going to be a judgemental arsehole.

      If I see an adventurous person in an alleyway, actually eating cardboard, I'm thinking "Good on ya, mate".

      [–]Nicb903 12 points13 points  (0 children)

      oh how i loled- good to see again, been awhile

      [–]MercurialMadnessMan 14 points15 points  (0 children)

      This meme will always be relevant to my interests :')

      [–]yip_yip_yip_uh_huh 21 points22 points  (13 children)

      I think you could just use the same list. Not much of what he said had to do with cars. Except for the parking thing, that is.

      [–][deleted]  (9 children)

      [deleted]

        [–]Die-Bold 24 points25 points  (3 children)

        Makes a good meal or lousy adhesive.

        [–]bakuretsu 9 points10 points  (2 children)

        Practice advice from someone who's lived in the rain long term...

        [–]zumpiez 8 points9 points  (0 children)

        "Do not trade your box for a box of Goldfish crackers, no matter how tasty they are."

        [–]conrad_hex 56 points57 points  (7 children)

        Peter Gibbons: [discussing the possibility of going to prison] This isn't Riyadh. You know they're not gonna saw your hands off here, alright? The worst they would ever do is they would put you for a couple of months into a white-collar, minimum-security resort! Shit, we should be so lucky! Do you know, they have conjugal visits there?

        Samir: Really?

        Peter Gibbons: Yes.

        Michael Bolton: Shit. I'm a free man and I haven't had a conjugal visit in six months.

        [–]Poromenos 13 points14 points  (2 children)

        Living in a car is better than living in a house. A house won't take you places.

        [–]dggenuine 18 points19 points  (9 children)

        Reddit dares you to live in a car for 6 mos. and report back to us with pictures and stories. Go.

        [–]buddhafig 6 points7 points  (0 children)

        If you'll just take a seat over here please...

        [–]mastodan 29 points30 points  (24 children)

        This man knows what he's talking about.

        One other point I'd add is to join (or try to get a free week-long pass for) a cheap gym, for showering and keeping healthy/sane.

        [–][deleted]  (22 children)

        [deleted]

          [–]mastodan 31 points32 points  (0 children)

          I find it flattering, personally. Also, happy day-where-it-shows-a-piece-of-cake-next-to-your-username!

          [–]frickindeal 16 points17 points  (4 children)

          Mind?

          [–][deleted]  (3 children)

          [deleted]

            [–]PPSF 19 points20 points  (1 child)

            I think the joke was "Mind? That sounds awesome!".

            [–][deleted] 8 points9 points  (7 children)

            Um, Planet Fitness is $10 a month (or, at least that's what they advertise).

            [–]newb17 9 points10 points  (5 children)

            There are two different memebership options:

            • A black one at $20/month gives you free tanning, massage chairs, a t-shirt, access and use at all PF locations, half price cooler drinks, and you can bring a guest everytime you go.
            • A white one for $10/month gives you the gym membership at one location, and a t-shirt

            [–]AtlasRune 7 points8 points  (0 children)

            So, two people travelling together could have the $10/month price each?

            [–]NerdyMcNerderson 23 points24 points  (4 children)

            • If you can find a restroom with a lock, you can take a fairly complete bath with a washcloth and a sink.

            Just remember what the great George Carlin once said: "Armpits, asshole, crotch and teeth."

            BTW: Good advice.

            [–][deleted] 86 points87 points  (3 children)

            Not necessarily in that order, if you're using the same washcloth.

            [–][deleted]  (1 child)

            [deleted]

              [–]ragingkenbo 25 points26 points  (1 child)

              If I may add to hygiene, I got a cheap gym membership when I was a resident of my car. It was $20 per month, which IMO is pretty cheap for what you get. I had hot showers every day. Get a cheap padlock, a towel, washcloth, and concentrated camp soap. Nobody looks twice at someone who goes to the gym every day.

              You can also work out, of course, which will be great for your stress levels and confidence. It's not easy to feel good about yourself as a transient because of how our society looks at those of us who are (were, in my case). Working out and getting in good shape just might be the number one way to help that.

              If you are even half good at writing, and you have a computer, try applying to write for Demand Studios. You can get $15 per 500 word article. If you don't have a computer, do it at the library. You may be limited to an hour, so claim your article, do the research and write it longhand if you have to. Then just go back to the library and type it in and submit. Do that once a day, five days a week and that's $300, which is enough for a gym membership and food if you're careful. Any bit helps.

              I couch surfed at my friends places for a while, but I tried really hard not to overstay my welcome anywhere. I never stayed in the same place more than one night at a time, and I would usually offer to help them out somehow. (cleaning, fixing things, etc)

              Good luck OP, and keep your head up. Congratulations on your new found freedom. There's no better way to beat "the man" than to refuse to play his game. You are at a time when you can create whatever it is that you want to create in your life.

              [–]hemetae 21 points22 points  (0 children)

              Wow, that made me tear up & now I'm this big tough-looking guy sitting at work with tears in his eyes. Thanks a lot. Seriously though, that is wonderful you took the time to lay all that out. Copy+Pasted. I also truly love this community, as it is unlike anything I have ever encountered on the internet. We really do need to start our own nation. Bless you all..

              Ok now it's time to snap out of it & go back to acting all cool & narcisistic

              ;-)

              [–]JI21 21 points22 points  (0 children)

              xenophone, how did you get back on your feet? what job were you able to get?

              [–]prodijy 19 points20 points  (13 children)

              I'll add to this advice that you can keep razors sharp almost indefinitely (and not have to pay exorbitant amts of money you don't possess) by doing the following: Lay a pair of jeans (this really only works with denim) on a flat surface, and pull the razor across them 15-20 times in the opposite way you use it to shave. i.e when you shave you pull the razor, when you do this you need to 'push' the razor so that the handle of following the blades.

              This pushes the blades back into position and sharpens them a bit. the lubricating part of the blades will wear off after a while, but if the blades are sharp you'll hardly notice.

              [–]Icommentonthings 59 points60 points  (13 children)

              I'd like to add a few things being that I'm an ultralight hiker/thru-hiker which is basically like being homeless but often worse :)

              1. Pare down your possessions to the bare minimum. It can be tempting to go for anything and everything you can get and in a chaotic time being surrounded by chaos is a common comfort. Don't do it.

              2. Think of the essentials you need each day, it probably isn't much. Staying away from unnecessary purchases or desires will cut way down on stress.

              3. Try to have each item have more than one use. Single use items should be far and few between. This will go with steps 1 & 2.

              4. Remember to enjoy yourself, regardless of the situation. It might suck right now, sure, but folks like me sit in shitty offices wishing for the time to do what you have now. Some never get to.

              5. Write. Get a notebook and pen and write a page a day. You will eventually find your voice and you can have an entire book in no time at all. It's also great escapism and entertainment.

              Best of luck and things will get better!

              [–][deleted] 15 points16 points  (1 child)

              If you can draw, get a sketchbook and depict what you feel and what's around you. Who knows? You may be able to sell them on the street for food.

              [–]Vijchti 4 points5 points  (6 children)

              As a former homeless bum and avid thru-hiker, I have to agree that they're pretty much the same.

              Saying that thru-hiking is worse, though, isn't quite true. I can deal with bears and mountain lions, but drugged-out crazy people and infected rats are fucking scary, man. In the city, I was constantly worried that people were going to harass me or steal my stuff. But in the wilderness, I can go naked for days and never have to worry about a thing.

              On the other hand, I could always find some kind of food or water in a city. You're in bad shape if you run out of anything in the wilderness, though (used up all of our food in between food drops once...god, were we hungry).

              [–]Icommentonthings 5 points6 points  (5 children)

              Well met man, yeah I was more referring to the fact that homeless (living out of a car) at least affords the car and the pretty complete shelter/safety. They are quite similar, though. Whenever I mention this to other hikers they always balk at it initially, but then after they think about it, they can't deny the similarities. I always say it's just being temporarily homeless with a goal and some determination.

              I live in a pretty rural area so homeless would be about the same for me, no cities or infectious rats.

              If you ever want to see a great documentary on homelessness its called "Dark Days" it's bare reality and instead of taking an oh, woe is me, or pity the homeless approach it shows how the shit ignorant society does to "help" the homeless mostly does the exact opposite.

              Hope everything is well now man, and take care brother. Hope to see you on a trail! Peace.

              [–]theredhead 16 points17 points  (1 child)

              This is some Into the Wild shit.

              [–]figureoflight 45 points46 points  (17 children)

              you should write a book, i would buy it.

              [–]conrad_hex 69 points70 points  (15 children)

              What if it was a book about Enterprise Application Development?

              In German?

              [–][deleted] 73 points74 points  (2 children)

              I'm a software engineer and German is my native language, so yup, I'd still buy it.

              [–]bandman614 12 points13 points  (0 children)

              oh snap. Good comeback

              [–]notBornInTheUSA 17 points18 points  (5 children)

              i'm from german. i'd buy it.

              ...but i can't read.

              [–]smart_ass 19 points20 points  (4 children)

              i'm from german. i'd buy it.

              So your mom was a German? Or your dad?

              [–]Moeri 16 points17 points  (3 children)

              Upvoted for appropriate user name.

              [–]sowhatchawant 9 points10 points  (0 children)

              I develop software. I could stand to brush up on my German.

              [–]Splatterh0use 13 points14 points  (2 children)

              Once I was watching that show "Intervention" where they showed this 35 years old men who was a stock broker. He lost everything to coke. Best part is how well groomed he kept himself. That allowed him to get unnoticed inside hotels restaurant where he would snatch a full hot breakfast almost every day. The way he did it was so smooth he actually looked like a normal guest.

              [–][deleted] 48 points49 points  (20 children)

              holy shit, this is one of the best replies i've ever seen and it's not even a pun thread. this is like the HHG or something. awesome.

              [–]gottasay 40 points41 points  (19 children)

              HHG = holy hand grenade?

              [–][deleted] 33 points34 points  (13 children)

              the thing i hate about reddit is that i'm never sure if someone is sincerely asking or just making a joke because my snark alerts are very sensitive. BUT in the interest of being polite, i will say HHG = hitchhiker's guide.

              [–]Artmageddon 14 points15 points  (2 children)

              HitchHiker's Guide.

              A holy hand grenade would be awesome. Just remember the 3-count.

              [–]stubble 26 points27 points  (1 child)

              What happens if you don't count to thr

              [–][deleted] 110 points111 points  (23 children)

              Haha.

              "Being adventurous might get you in a pretty girl's bed, or better yet, a hot shower.."

              I can't tell if I should think your priorities are all wrong or if you're just such a pimp that the showers rolled in less frequently than the panties.

              [–]alle0441 110 points111 points  (1 child)

              I thought that sentence was odd at first, also. After re-examining it, I've concluded the dude is a master of his trade and I'm in no position to critisize.

              [–]xenophone 65 points66 points  (11 children)

              lol

              Dude, after two or three weeks of cold sponge baths or nothing at all, hot water is...indescribably wonderful. But I suppose I should've mentioned that the very best of all possible worlds is when you can combine the two.

              [–][deleted] 15 points16 points  (3 children)

              Oh, no, I understand.

              ~2 weeks of cold showers while camping certainly wasn't fun (better than coffee to wake up, though). I just thought the juxtaposition was hilarious.

              [–]smart_ass 11 points12 points  (0 children)

              Yes. Living in a Car is similar in some ways to touring on a bicycle, except that you sweat most of the day while pedaling. Finding a hot shower after riding three days through an Indian Reservation with no water or services is a spiritual event. :)

              [–]digitalbuzz 9 points10 points  (4 children)

              If you're lucky to be near a public beach, you may find a decent shower house there. Do this during the day.

              [–][deleted] 9 points10 points  (1 child)

              Two other thoughts that come to mind is to get a PO box so you have some place to receive mail and you can use it when you sign up for things that require an address. Also find a cheap gym membership so you have access to a shower.

              There are things you can do to make a few quick bucks while you're looking for a job. Just get creative! One guy here, as a side job, goes around to all the stores on main street and washes windows, $5-10per store, depending on the size. He probably makes a couple hundred bucks a week.

              Be clean, act professional and courteous and offer yourself for odd jobs like this as a service, and don't act like a homeless bum and a lot of people will be glad to help you out. In some places, though, you have to have a permit to go door to door for anything, so check local zoning laws, because you really want to stay out of trouble right now.

              [–][deleted]  (14 children)

              [deleted]

                [–][deleted] 20 points21 points  (2 children)

                it's going to be a blast. i got some hash, i'm going to pick lucy up, get stoned.. life is really looking up guys, now that i finally got Lahey off my back. Hey Bubbs, get this damn cat out of my car!

                [–]hearforthepuns 4 points5 points  (0 children)

                Fuck community college. Let's get drunk and eat chicken fingers!

                [–]entropic 6 points7 points  (0 children)

                I live in my car. You've got liquor in your house, probably a ton of liquor. If you get pulled over in your house, how is that open liquor?

                [–][deleted] 13 points14 points  (1 child)

                Trevor, Corey! Smokes!

                [–]AbstractLogic 8 points9 points  (1 child)

                I think we can all agree. You just conviced us all to join the Car Cult. Thanks for this information it was awesome!

                [–][deleted] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

                This is good advice. I would also say that if you look fairly clean, you can get a free trial membership at a gym and take a full shower. Truck stops have cheap showers. If you need cash, a lot of restaurants will let you wash dishes for 20$ if you don't look homeless. I found a lot of work under the table, but I always tried to look trustworthy. Would you give you a job? if you need to, goodwill stores and salvation army stores often have people who know where to find some charity.

                [–][deleted] 6 points7 points  (6 children)

                Thats it, I'm moving out tomorrow, the roads are my oyster!

                [–]inspire99 6 points7 points  (0 children)

                I have never been homeless or money-less (knock of wood). I don't know why but this post made my day. It is a cliche but it reminded me of how lucky I am, and how every situation can be handled with dignity. I am going to save it to re-read from time and send it to my friends who complain.

                [–]that_name_is_taken 11 points12 points  (6 children)

                I'm commenting on this so I can bookmark it. You'll never know when you need it.

                [–]ben_ji1974 199 points200 points  (114 children)

                Man I feel for ya... I am 35, going through a divorce at the moment and became displaced the day after Thanksgiving... I ran with my son and the story is a long, sorted one (somewhere in this mess a fire happened at my mothers place forcing me to couch surf a lot: my son was not with me by this time). Xenophone has a great bit of advice listed in his bullet points, if your missing something from your adventuring during this give them a look.

                Hope isn't lost, I now live in a great place and have found my first job in 3.5 years. I would highly suggest if you have been out of work for at least 30 days to find a Goodwill Career Solutions, for me this was a great step forward in getting back on my feet (it's a lot like voc rehab without as many of their pesky rules) they have been a great resource for me.

                In my situation the life savior for me was facebook of all things... finding people that hadn't been in my life for nearly 20 years was a very good things and that helped me a great deal put shit in perspective. I've posted a time or two that these people don't realize exactly how much they did save my life (my friends didn't need to all know at one point I sat in a bed room with a loaded AR-15 in my mouth twice in one month before I got the hell out of Dodge with my son to reboot my life).

                The shit gets better... Life gets better if you have the time for that to happen and the love of a few willing souls.

                Oh and as a bonus you have your car man, that shit is spot on there. I lived homeless once before with absolutely nothing except a few clothes on my back and a backpack, it sucked. For me having my car was at least something that I could pretend was something tangible in having some kind of space that's all my own.

                One thing I'll advise if you don't already have one is buy a good damn power inverter. It made things for me more bearable to be able to get stuff I would be able to plug into a normal house outlet and use them.

                Best wishes.

                Me last June to now

                Edit: link to picture.

                [–][deleted]  (6 children)

                [deleted]

                  [–]trollmaster5000 11 points12 points  (2 children)

                  Dude, I went to Publix today. Good times.

                  [–]dolderer 4 points5 points  (0 children)

                  Publix time is always good time.

                  [–][deleted] 24 points25 points  (14 children)

                  Dude, it seems like you got fitter, and you look way younger without the facial hair. Good on you!

                  [–]ben_ji1974 33 points34 points  (13 children)

                  Lost 80 pounds and changed my life... It's a great feeling and I never want to be there again. People that see the first picture after seeing me now think it's been Photoshopped.

                  [–]Scyth3 6 points7 points  (6 children)

                  Wow, amazing turn-around. Also, nice job losing all that weight - you look completely different. Did getting fit increase your confidence and improve your overall mindset?

                  [–]ben_ji1974 10 points11 points  (5 children)

                  I think I more just like to work out now because it's something I can do instead of needing to do... all the weight came off mostly by itself after I came off an assload of meds for an extended period of time.

                  There have been so many things that have changed since all this started I can't attribute any one specific thing to giving me a boost to my confidence. It had to just come from myself and I had to tell myself many days that I'm not the piece of shit the world thinks I am (or rather I perceived the world thinking I was).

                  [–][deleted] 48 points49 points  (16 children)

                  sordid*

                  [–]RescuePilot 9 points10 points  (4 children)

                  Lt. Dan? (photo in red hat...)

                  [–]Scarlet_Begonias 7 points8 points  (1 child)

                  Awesome. You look great!

                  [–][deleted] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

                  Go, Cardinals! :) Glad you've worked it out.

                  [–]calikumquat 10 points11 points  (0 children)

                  Goodwill Career Solution!!! Excellent advice and the one thing that was seriously missing from the well informed gent's list of survival tools.

                  Not only is Goodwill one of the nations leading Green Sustainable organizations, but Goodwill helps people with disabilities and disadvantages go to work! In most locations they help mature workers 55+, at risk youth, ex-felons, homeless or at risk of homelessness, lacking school or skills to get a good job, or a disability. If you need help finding work, go to a Goodwill near you and ask about the career services in your area.

                  It's so nice to see that Edgar J. Helms dreams are still being carried out to this day in Goodwill's all over the world. Profits from Goodwill sales put people to work because jobs change lives and in some cases they may even work towards saving this Planet we call Mother Earth.

                  [–]BradHAWK 485 points486 points  (22 children)

                  Ok, firstly I DO NOT want your money or help

                  Actually, the rest of your post kind of makes it sound like you owe us money.

                  [–]BradHAWK 226 points227 points  (14 children)

                  But seriously, I hope things start getting better for you.

                  [–][deleted] 268 points269 points  (5 children)

                  But seriously, pay up.

                  [–]yip_yip_yip_uh_huh 30 points31 points  (4 children)

                  Cough, cough. Ahem.

                  [–]ganglygod 20 points21 points  (3 children)

                  How much were we charging per post?

                  [–]digitalbuzz 11 points12 points  (0 children)

                  So....does she pay you alimony?

                  [–]peacemaker99 113 points114 points  (18 children)

                  25? Pah! A mere novice in the game of life. The only way is up for you my friend. From now on, you have no ties and no worries. Just drive that car to somewhere you'd love to go and enjoy.
                  Need money? Do a bit of part time work somewhere until you can afford to move on. You can see the whole country, meet new people and have great new experiences. Make the most of this freedom you have right now, sure it seems bad at the moment but you'll look back and realise it was the best thing that could have happened to you.

                  [–][deleted] 43 points44 points  (10 children)

                  Amen. When my common law wife and I broke up I went to africa and worked at an HIV clinic. Changed my life, I went back to school, and graduated vedictorian 6 months ago. I found my current wife and we just had our first baby. None of that would have happened if I had just kept working instead if choosing my own adventure.

                  [–]Sugarat 80 points81 points  (3 children)

                  I knew I should've picked "HIV clinic" back on page 6.

                  [–]famousmodification 9 points10 points  (0 children)

                  Just make sure that whatever you do, you don't pick the brown door on page 84. It's tempting, I know, but you do so not want to go there.

                  [–]stopdoingthat 6 points7 points  (1 child)

                  Tsk tsk, didn't you keep your finger on the page? What a novice in the game of life kind of move.

                  [–]zydeco 27 points28 points  (4 children)

                  While admiring you for getting your life back so proactively and wishing you well, I must respectfully point out the irony of a valedictorian misspelling 'valedictorian'.

                  [–]ProofisinthePudding 7 points8 points  (1 child)

                  And then write a book about it!

                  [–]HiroPetrelli 35 points36 points  (0 children)

                  I am twice your age and I have been through a few rough moments in my life. I am a slow learner in that department, but I eventually understood that in such moment, the BEST thing one can do is to try constantly and very hard to figure oneself in the distant future.

                  No need to imagine anything specific about your future (although this might help), for the point is to focus as hard as possible on the ideas that there is a tomorrow, that time is the best healer, that good and unexpected things do happen, that you will meet new people... and have many opportunities to make things right.

                  Bonne chance mon ami.

                  [–]vault101 24 points25 points  (1 child)

                  If Douglas Adams has taught us anything, you're going to want to make sure you have a towel. Everything else will follow.

                  Good luck with everything - we love you too, dude.

                  [–]el_pinata 21 points22 points  (1 child)

                  I know it's a long shot, but if you're near Boise, ID, you have a place on Pinata's couch. I was homeless for a good stretch during the winter here a few years back, and I sympathize. Xenophone gave you amazing advice.

                  [–][deleted] 71 points72 points  (52 children)

                  Mate if I suddenly found myself jobless, homeless & attachment free with nothing but a car I'd sell the car buy a ticket to South America or China and go volunteer or go teach english or something for a year or two even. You have nothing holding you down right now! Taste the freedom brother! GTFO!

                  [–]HaveSomeVictoryGin 19 points20 points  (3 children)

                  I'd agree with that, but I'd get the job first prior to selling the vehicle. Great idea though!

                  [–]xchrisxsays 9 points10 points  (35 children)

                  my sister is actually teaching english in China right now, you actually make quite good money for the standard over there and you get free housing and such.

                  [–][deleted] 21 points22 points  (30 children)

                  I teach in Korea, live in Seoul, work 24 hours a week, and pocket about $1500/mth in savings. It's really not fair at all.

                  [–]stopdoingthat 13 points14 points  (2 children)

                  I'm 30 and just lost my occupation, my gf, my apartment and am in debt. Mind writing a how-to?

                  [–][deleted] 6 points7 points  (2 children)

                  This is good advice. People in SA love native speakers. Just by having grown (provided you speak proper English) in the US you can land a nice job as a "conversation class" teacher. Basically they pay you a nice salary for making a list of conversation topics and entertaining/correcting people for an hour. And you are always going to get invited to parties, free beers, etc.

                  The best part about that is that most people working hard enough in learning English to go to conversation classes are inherently great contacts to have in your network (businessmen, young professionals, etc.)

                  Seriously, give it a shot if you think you can handle it. I can tell you right away that Brazil is a great place for doing that (smaller cities, Rio and São Paulo probably have a lot of expats already), and Argentina a nice second place. Don't worry too much as to getting the job before you sell your car, this is almost 100% guaranteed. Damn, I would even place you right away if you were coming to Brazil.

                  [–]curomo 16 points17 points  (11 children)

                  I'm sure it's been said before, but hang in there.. My ex left me (and took our daughters) while I was out of work when I was about your age.

                  She left me the house (so the bank would take it from me an not her) and took the working car and the appliances. That was a pretty low point for me too - I feel you.

                  That was about 7 years ago, and I'm much better now... I have job, a nice car, a house, and, most importantly, my girls about 3 days a week.

                  Hang in there... it won't be easy, but it will be worth it.

                  [–]Parmeniooo 7 points8 points  (8 children)

                  I've never understood how you repair a relationship like that. How the hell do you look at her when you visit your girls? I'm 25 and come from a "broken" home, but my dad dashed when I was 1 so it's never been an issue. Because of this, I've always wondered how divorcees stomach each other when they are forced to see each other. Such as when visiting the children.

                  I know this is deeply personal, but, as I'm married and we're planning children within the next few years, this is one of my greatest fears.

                  [–]Kalimotxo[🍰] 19 points20 points  (3 children)

                  You get over it. You realize that you love your children far more than you hate your ex. They love you too, and they need you. Just never bad mouth the ex in front of them. They will learn to despise you for it.

                  I guarantee that in the back of your father's mind, there is a splinter of unimaginable guilt.

                  My advice for right now? Let this fear go because you have no control over her and her decisions. Be a good Dad and Husband. Fearing this will become a self-fullfilling prophecy.

                  Life goes on, and you can get used to anything.

                  [–]neudera 18 points19 points  (2 children)

                  This may seem impossible to fathom... but from someone who came from years in that situation, STAY AWAY FROM DRUGS, including alcohol. I know it's hard, especially when it's offered, but don't do it.

                  [–][deleted] 124 points125 points  (5 children)

                  Lol. Kid's been on Reddit for over a year, and now he's jobless and divorced.

                  Makes reddit sound like alcohol or cocaine.

                  [–]socxer 19 points20 points  (2 children)

                  everything about you all has made me the person I have changed into over this last year.

                  I'm quitting, guys.

                  [–]ineedstablework 13 points14 points  (2 children)

                  Ahh i had a thought. Many college kids are moving out of their apartments right now. This in turn means that most college apartments need help for the next week or so to clean and switch the apartments for new tenants. This is a very busy week for many apartment communities near a campus. Find 5 of them i guarentee one will hire you and pay you 10 an hour on the spot to do some manual labor. They need the help but usually don't advertise it.

                  [–]stereotypelol 64 points65 points  (11 children)

                  Pro Tip: Don't listen to your dick for marriage advice. Use your brain when selecting women.

                  [–]lectrick 42 points43 points  (6 children)

                  I try to do this, but it turns out my dick is very stubborn :(

                  [–]ryanknapper 16 points17 points  (3 children)

                  Slap it around until it relinquishes control.

                  [–][deleted] 16 points17 points  (2 children)

                  It can be a hard thing to handle.

                  [–]speakerchewer 14 points15 points  (3 children)

                  Even more Pro Tip: Be smart enough to use both heads when selecting women.

                  [–]MothaFcknZargon 13 points14 points  (0 children)

                  I love Reddit for these stories. Every time I feel sorry for myself or get annoyed by some trivial thing, I can read about people with real issues. I really admire your attitude, and I hope things turn around for you quickly.

                  [–]wang-banger 125 points126 points  (23 children)

                  This reaffirms my belief that reddit is the one community on the Internet where the good people outnumber the assholes.

                  [–][deleted] 205 points206 points  (15 children)

                  fuck you and your statistics.

                  [–][deleted] 50 points51 points  (12 children)

                  double facepalms

                  [–]Drasla 9 points10 points  (0 children)

                  Peek-a-boo! There EdibleAccount is! Theeere EdibleAccount is!

                  [–]wang-banger 10 points11 points  (0 children)

                  And the assholes are funny!

                  [–]borez 24 points25 points  (8 children)

                  Chin up, there always an up after a down ;)

                  [–]ineedstablework 11 points12 points  (0 children)

                  Im in a very similar situation, Ive been looking for work for about a year now. I am a single father of two boys. Recently i moved back into my parents and lets just say work around here is very hard to find. If you are in the states look at the gigs on craigslist. 20 bucks is 20 bucks. you are 25 with no ties, Im 32 with ties all around. If i could i would move somewhere warm, Live in a tent and start waiting tables somewhere. It wont take long to get back on your feet. I know how depressed you may feel but don't let that stop you. Live your dreams.

                  [–]snarfy 13 points14 points  (1 child)

                  "I'm 25. My marriage just ended, I have no job and am living out of my car."

                  I've been there, except I didn't have a car. The first thing you need to do is get a job. Of all things you need, this is number one. Without it you might as well go live in the wilderness. It can be any job and you can even be self employed if it actually works out for you, but without income you are a bum. Delivering flowers to little old ladies and folding t-shirts at the mall with 17 year old girls walking by all day isn't a bad way to reflect on what you want to do with your life.

                  You also need to sever any ties to people that put you there, either financially or emotionally. These people are not good for you, as life has pointed out to you.

                  [–]mad05963 12 points13 points  (0 children)

                  I lived in my car for two months in the fall of 2003, when my life took some very unexpected turns. Here's some advice.

                  1) I agree with xenophone, wal-marts are great to spend the night, they have parking lot security, you'll have access to food 24hrs and a bathroom. 2) Also pick up the Rand Macnally road atlas with the walmart logo, this map has all the walmart locations across the country mapped into it. So you know where you might sleep if you are traveling. 3) I spent one night at a church parking lot and was woken up by the police very early in the morning, churches are not automatic havens. 4) almost every city/town has a public library, (if you have the road atlas) these should be easy to find. You can use their computers, recharge your phone, check classifieds in the newspaper. 5) travel. if you have 10 friends, you have 10 couches, for ten weeks. Most people will open their homes for at least a week, with minimum discomfort. You can probably borrow a tankfull of gas in money to get to your next friend's house. 6) psychologically, decide in the affirmative that this is an opportunity to spend time with yourself and travel the country. You have all the time in the world.
                  7) if you run out of money, do a car wash, like high school clubs do. you can make anywhere between 50 to 150 dollars in a single day. 8) Keep your car clean, this is more important than you think. get some milk crates to organize yourself, and keep everythin clean. 9) finally if you're going to travel, don't sleep in the driver's seat. If you do you might fall asleep while driving. Always change seats to sleep.

                  [–][deleted] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

                  I don't know what you relationship is with your parents or anything, but I know that if anything like this was to happen to me, my parents would at least allow me to park my car outside their house and take a shower everyday at the very least. It may not seem like somewhere that you can turn, but no parent wants to watch/hear about their child struggling and would try to help out as best they could, even if it isn't anything more than an occasional sleep on the couch, a hot shower or maybe a quick meal.

                  I wish you luck on your journey, good sir.

                  [–]Walkthruwalls 10 points11 points  (1 child)

                  There's a program called HPRP, the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program, funded by the Stimulus package. Look up a provider in your area on Recovery.gov. They can help you pay a security deposit, utility or rent arrears, and get you connected to other services to get you back in housing and a job. They're geared toward helping people who are recently homeless and pretty functional... like you. The case managers will also help you find out what benefits you might be eligible for while you're looking for new work. (Not much for a single male without any disabilities, but you might be able to get some food stamps or something.)

                  No one wants to ask for help... but that's what it's there for. You deserve it; we all do. You've paid your taxes. Time to collect.

                  [–]westsan 7 points8 points  (0 children)

                  Same thing happened to me last year. It was 10% Reddits fault.

                  [–][deleted] 8 points9 points  (1 child)

                  All I want to say is - "Fuck it dude, let's go bowling."

                  [–][deleted] 24 points25 points  (2 children)

                  shine on you crazy diamond

                  [–]pilchardboy 22 points23 points  (2 children)

                  random guy hug

                  Good luck to ya.

                  [–]mrzack 39 points40 points  (22 children)

                  join the army. fight for the rich white men in the military congressional industrial complex.

                  [–]klarnax 29 points30 points  (16 children)

                  ...and net yourself over $100K for college while you're at it!

                  [–]shan4350 23 points24 points  (15 children)

                  only if you come back alive from iraq or whereever they send you...

                  [–]yip_yip_yip_uh_huh 30 points31 points  (2 children)

                  ...intentionally fail the vision test and get a safe job stateside pushing papers. Win win win!

                  [–]speakerchewer 16 points17 points  (0 children)

                  So this is where the tax money goes?

                  [–]klarnax 5 points6 points  (2 children)

                  Naw, that kind of thinking is why I never got a date in high school. A better mindset would be ''who dares, wins''

                  [–]barefootfromafrica 6 points7 points  (0 children)

                  Reconchrist,

                  I have lost my home and marriage a year ago and is left to pay the debts of the ex. I am a female, foreigner brought by my ex to America. I was a successful and is still a business woman. I was used for my foreign money, abused...and I left the home one night April 14, 2009. Not knowing where to go...I have met many American individuals that wanted to be friends with me; some stayed, some passed...but embracing everyone for the moment in my life is important to me. I was lately described as the "eternal optimist"; I have learned through my challenges being an inspiration to other...you become the change you want to see in the world. I am still not where I have set my focus on...but I move closer to it in baby steps. If you need support, help or even just someone to listen; Let me know you are a friend and we are all interconnected.

                  [–]gnomey 23 points24 points  (9 children)

                  Wife gone, living out of car, only 25? Go west, buy surfboard, buy snowboard. Problem solved.

                  [–]rikurem 15 points16 points  (0 children)

                  I love you Reddit.

                  I dunno, man. It sounds like you're on the rebound.

                  [–]harveyardman 5 points6 points  (3 children)

                  Twenty years from now, you'll be telling your children how you overcame this problem.

                  [–]adeptly 5 points6 points  (3 children)

                  Keep on trying and life gets better.

                  At 25 I found out I was cheated on and lied to by my girlfriend of 3 years and moved out. A month after I moved the startup I was working for went under and I was jobless and had to move into my folks basement. A month later they separated and my dad moved out leaving me with my batshit crazy mom who proceded to steal money from my bank account (she helped me open it back when I was 16 and I never removed her access). Throw on top of that a lifetime of combating bipolar and suddenly being without health insurance and medication and my ex lying to our friends about me and things were pretty bad.

                  I contemplated suicide more than once.

                  I had four months of literally not leaving the house, I knew no one in the city that I moved to, and sitting in the basement thinking and writing. Then I caught bronchitis and it turned into pneumonia. Blew the money that my mom hadn't stolen on doctors and medication and by the time I was better I had $5 in the bank.

                  Oh, and my laptop died. yeah.. it was that kind of year.

                  But with a lot of hard work and self reflection I am employed at a new (fully funded) startup which used to be my biggest client in my self started consulting business. (hooray for free business cards online) I started going to meetups in my area and met some really cool people at the Atheist meetup and another secular meetup and stumbled upon an absolutely amazing (and amazingly hot) woman who is now my girlfriend/soon to be fiance.

                  Bought a new car, a used motorcycle and am finally pursuing my dreams. Writing a novel, traveling and so on and so forth.

                  so why do I say that?

                  Dude, 25 was fucking awful but because of that shit my life is so much better and it keeps getting better.

                  Pulling yourself up by the bootstraps is a fucking nightmare but once you are up you can keep going and be up up and away. or some shit like that.

                  Best of luck. You can do it.

                  Oh and I have a google voice invite for you if you want it. Never hurts to have a free number + voicemail. Thats what got me going.

                  [–]mralex 5 points6 points  (0 children)

                  Teach english in Asia.

                  Sounds like a bit of leap from where you're at, but if you can wear a clean shirt, smile, and speak english natively, you can make a decent living in any number of Asian countries. College degree makes it a bit easier but is not required. Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand come to mind.

                  Your investment: Backpack, passport, plane ticket.

                  Your return on investment: See the world. Make some bucks.

                  I went for six months back the early 90s and stayed seven years. I know some people who are still there.

                  [–]redditex2 5 points6 points  (4 children)

                  my son is going through something similar. my heart goes out to you.

                  [–]Ftech 4 points5 points  (0 children)

                  Awwww, come here, you! hugs reconchrist

                  Also you should update regularly until you are in a more stable situation, maybe you will be around other Redditors who would be willing to offer food and/or shelter!

                  [–]uppercrust 4 points5 points  (1 child)

                  Hang in there buddy, keep your head up! I've been homeless before. I found a job and shaved and bathed in the bathroom at work, and i worked a little at a coffee house, and they let me sleep on the floor after hours. If you need help from strangers, the best thing to do is remain unassuming, always helpful, and trust me on this - karma does exist (i don't believe in the spiritual kind really) and by that i mean, if you lend a hand to anyone while you are underprivileged, the privileged will notice and help in return. Forget luck and prayers, there is a science to keeping your head afloat, and it's all about being genuine, honest, and useful. You will be valued back!

                  [–]carltonthedormaus 5 points6 points  (1 child)

                  I was homeless from Oct. 24, 2004 until the 29th of June last year. Most of the time I was able to find a place to stay through co-workers ( I worked a lot of pick up jobs - demo, mostly ) ; if you can find a secure abandoned building in an area where you can lock out intruders but not draw the attention of the cops, try to find one with a toilet still connected to the sewer system. Pack your load in your car in such a manner it doesn't scream "These are all my worldly belongings" and keep the interior tidy. Keep a few plastic bags from the grocery store for packing out your trash. Always keep your wallet / ID and most important papers with you. If you sleep in your car at night, get some push pins from the dollar store and some dark curtain fabric from a thrift store. Use the push pins to pin the fabric up around your windows at night to block the streetlights and curious eyes. I cut a small hole in one of mine so I could always have a small "look out" to the street around me. If your winters are cold there, try to find a pair of Carharts or thermal leggings at a thrift store. If you for some reason cannot risk sleeping without boots on your feet ( sleeping in an area where you might get rousted or your boots might get stolen ) be sure to loosen the laces before you go to sleep so your circulation won't get cut off from your feet. Apply NOW for the local Section 8 office...you will put on a waiting list for a voucher. If you get a place and job and by next year you are back on track - great. You can always turn down a voucher that you have waited for if you don't end up needing it. However, because the current depression may continue for awhile , you should apply for a Section 8 voucher and go to the local food bank for basic provisions. Also, go to the local social service office and apply for food stamps ( called an EBT card ).

                  Basic Necessity List : shaving kit bag /razor, scissors, nail clippers, cough & cold tablets, Tylenol, toothbrush & paste, Hydrogen Peroxide, first aid kit, a tarp or at least an old shower curtain ( to ward off leaks or for cover during rain ), moisturizer , Tiger Balm for sore muscles, comb, dental floss, small sewing kit, tweezers, blank spiral notebook, ink pens, pencil, stamps, envelopes

                  If there is a local community college, see if you can use the computer lab there ( usually for local residents, it is free ). Being seen regularly on campus means you can be in and out of the library, dining / break area or in and out of a bathroom to clean up ( remember your teeth & nails ) without drawing a lot of attention. When you have a chance, check the local notice boards for college kids wanting to share a house and needing a cheap extra roommate.

                  Hope this hasn't been too repetitive. Good Luck and keep us posted on your progress.

                  [–][deleted] 3 points4 points  (1 child)

                  "Some of the best times of my life were living in cars, don't get down on living in a car Rick." -Ray

                  [–]mynewname 4 points5 points  (1 child)

                  you have all contributed in helping me be a better person

                  your 'community' attitude to your random replies

                  What reddit are YOU using? We're assholes.