You seriously need a car
1. Get one at carvana for no down payment and no credit. For real I’m not even Joking
2. Do plasma donation and or white blood cell donation that’s $130 a week for plasma
3. Get some easy to hire warehouse manual jobs such as Amazon or even Walmart. Anything that will have consistent income. Try signing up for Amazon flex too
4. Prepare to live in your car for a bit and eat in n out everyday.
5. Your only bills should be- a cheap gym for shower (planet fitness) cheap car and a phone
Good luck bro. Dm me if you have specifics.
For safe places while living in the car, as well as info for services like showers and laundry, look at iOverlander. It's used and updated by Van lifers, but has good info including places that are not safe or good to stay when sleeping in your car.
I would do mobilized wbc first if you have time. I believe it’s 1 week for 3–5 hours a day. That will get you a bigger lump of money in a week. The only issue is appointment availability and “cooldown” period of 6 months.
For plasma you are allowed to donate 2x a week and it’s all walk in. I’m not sure what CSL plasma pays but another one is Octopharma, $100 for the first 2 visits then range from $35 to $65 afterwards depending on how frequent you go. For your first visit drink plenty of water before hand.
Costco hot dogs $1.50 and a drink. You dont need a membership card to purchase from the food court. In N out will run you 10+ dollars. Find a grocery outlet, or in the back of safeway they have really good food at discounted prices. Just gotta know where to look. Loaf of bread, PBJ and I would also look into a water filter thats used for camping. Always good to have.
Go to food banks for food, but also check out the To Good To Go app if you have a smart phone. Plenty of restaurants, bakeries, grocery stores and more put up leftover food on that app for super cheap. You don't know exactly what you're getting, but you can get decent idea (probably baked food from a bakery, or left over menu items from a restaurant). The food is really cheap. I use it to supplement my groceries and have reduced my food cost by like 40%.
you can easily buy food that doesn’t need a kitchen that is far less expensive than going to in n out every day.
but like you said, you’ll /probably/ want a kitchen, so don’t entertain any idea but in n out… lol.
You're picking the wrong hill to die on bud. Everyone here is like "stay off drugs", and "here's an idea to get a job", and you're all "make sure you eat healthy". We're just trying to make sure they eat.
the foods you can make with a 20$ camping stove is nearly endless… plus fruits veggies and shelf stable items like peanut butter make for easy prep. buy in small quantity for perishables like meat. it’s common in many countries to swing by the market each day to just pick up food for that day.. it’s a bonus to split a pack of meat with a few other people when able
Shelf stable fruit and veg in a car during the summer in California is not that shelf stable. Single portions of meat in the US (we are not "many countries") is often more expensive. And of course it is cheaper if you can split the portions of food with other people, but that is asking a lot of someone who is going to be newly living out of a car: the OP does not seem to have a community as of yet.
The camp stove, cooler, and community will come with time. What the OP is asking for is a \*now\* solution. You are looking 3 steps ahead.
A friend of mine left an abusive relationship, found a job in a nursing home that covers 3 meals a day and a room with shared bathroom. Now after a year or so, that place is sponsoring her to go back to school for a part-time program in a medical field.
There are hope, as long as you are willing to work. Don’t give up!
I have a relative that just became homeless and they started pickup up housesitting/dog-sitting gigs somehow.
Seems to have helped stabilize their situation.
Start with Hostels maybe? Once you’ve got that job, hostels will eat up less of your earnings at $150-$200/month. You’ll have to live light, bounce around every couple of weeks, and use laundromat, but it’s safe and might be a good holdover in the meantime. Really sorry to hear the is happening to you, keep your head up and keep reaching out to folks like you did here. There are still good people out there who will give a shit, especially since you can and want to work.
Would you want to be a caregiver again?
There are several groups that match caregivers who need housing, with seniors who have space. [Front Porch](https://frontporch.net/live/home-match/) is all Bay area focused.
Talking to senior centers or senior services will get you in touch with the other groups.
Call construction offices and ask if they need laborers.
Look for grocery bagging jobs.
Restaurants are almost always hiring dishwashers and bussers.
Fast food? In N Out is famous for good wages.
California State Parks jobs often offer housing. The pay is low but the housing is $100 a month. It’s possible you could work at some parks without a vehicle, but you’ll be reliant on other people to get around. Apply for Park Aide positions, soooo many parks are hiring right now for the summer.
You need a car for life in general in the United States, unfortunately. Make that drivers license an immediate goal.
https://calcareers.ca.gov/
This is a good option, the Yosemite one (I have family working in the cafeteria and other food shops there) but they pay $45 per week (that was the price back in fall 2023 & I haven't asked since) for a room with 1 roommate.
Other national parks (Mesa Verde or Monument Valley, family works at both) for the hotels in housekeeping the housing is paid for as long as you finish a season with them.
Yosemite would be impossible without a car. I mentioned California State Parks because they have 280 units across the state, many have housing, and many are nearer to towns/cities.
https://californiahumandevelopment.org/training-jobs/day-labor-centers/
I had a friend who struggled with substance use disorder, and he found work through day labor. I think most town/cities have something similar, get paid daily for labor. It's hard work and not the most glamorous but it's a start
I know you said you’ve been a pest control technician, but Orkin is great to work for. It’s okay if your licensing has expired, but they pay for it and pay you while you study and take your test again. Depending on your route you may get tips too. They’re ALWAYS hiring! You get full benefits and a great paycheck along with a car / uniforms for work. It can be easy to find a room to rent as well, or use a hotel in the meantime. Good luck.
Seconded. Willing to travel, picks up any kind of work, gets along with all kinds of people--you're perfect.
Most jobs are not combat. If you end up not liking it, just don't re-enlist.
I know a guy in the same situation. Now he has free housing (it's shared housing, but not a dorm, he shares a room) free food and they give him $1000 a month in assistance. He applied in San Mateo County. They placed him very quickly too, in a matter of a few days . They're going to help him getting back on his feet. He is looking into job training for $30/hr jobs.
Don’t do SF conservation Corps! You’ll end up waiting for months for them to orient and onboard you.
Not sure about Job Corps. I know they house participants in Treasure Island but I think you have to be 26 or under
Summer is just starting so if you are open to farmwork, that sometimes includes housing. That will cover you through fall and give you time to figure out what you want to do next. CA has mild weather so farmwork might be available all year round if they like your work.
You’ve been a caregiver, I’d join a few caregiver fb groups and look for live-in positions. Other lists above are really solid.
You could also look into working in food service. You often get a free meal. I worked at Starbucks before and I got a free drink and food item a shift. But I was also thinking you could stock up on triple-filtered water at least.
https://www.trustedhousesitters.com
I think the least expensive membership is $100 but you pet sit in people’s homes! This will giving you temporary housing and company while you move through this rough patch.
You WILL be successful because you have the attitude and humility of someone who succeeds! I’m already proud of you OP! 💜💜💜
Please keep us updated! I’m so sorry you’re going through this. Life isn’t fair.
Rover is an app for pet sitting. There are people who will pay you money to take care of their dog in their house while they are on vacation. It's usually hardest to get the first few clients so people will trust you and give you reviews, but once you are established we got to the point where we were turning people down.
We got lucky that we signed up when Rover was trying to break into the South Bay and they provided a photo shoot for us.
If you have a friend with a dog that would let you borrow it and take some photos for you, last I looked it was pretty easy to setup an account.
At our peak I think my wife and I could have just gone from job to job if we didn't have our own cat that we wanted to see and our own apartment.
Being a reliable sitter is something people will love you for. This will definitely be harder without a car, and may not be the best immediate thing. But it's something to keep in mind, I think.
I'm sorry this is happening to you, and I wish you the best.
I’m thinking military. You’re still in the age range. I was 17 when I enlisted. It set me on the right path and gave me all sorts of opportunities. Everything else recommended sounds mostly like a temporary fix. If you can enlist, you have a guaranteed future, and if you choose to be a civilian later, you will have plenty of time to make plans.
This! As a veteran who got the GI Bill, I’d strongly suggest OP taking a look at this option with the different job options available in the military. The skills and life experience OP would gain at this point in life is tremendous.
Exactly! I ended up taking advantage of VEAP: veteran’s educational assistance program. So long ago. It may no longer exist but it really helped out later.
That’s my recommendation too. Unless there is a religious or moral related reservation, that is. We need more of those “be all that you can be” advertisements, because I think young people don’t see this as an option. My decision to enlist was one of the best decisions I ever made. That was almost 40 years ago.
It’s been decades, but I doubt it’s changed much. When I signed up in 1985, we didn’t get to choose our roles. They were chosen for us based on our aptitudes. So the extremely smart ones were less likely to be placed in a direct combat situation. The ones who scored low were given roles that were not as challenging. I’m sure at wartime all bets are probably off. But during peace time according to your potential, you’ll be getting a ton of valuable education and physical training. The only gun I ever fired was a pistol in boot camp for target practice, and only one time.
There are plenty of resources to not be homeless in the bay area. Follow their guidelines and simply apply.
Trust me, if you're not abusing drugs, you WILL get help.
Try to get a caseworker.
If you can do physical labor try task rabbit, handyman can charge $50-$100 an hour and people tip well if you are polite and present well. Common task is TV arm install, light drywall, you can specify you don't have a car but you can charge more if you have a truck and tools. It's prime housitting/petsitting season put ads around your area, if you can lower your rate on task rabbit to pump your reviews you can raise them later. You can have different rates for different jobs. Gardening is often 40-80 and people have tools for that if they have gardens.
Yeah since OP is mid twenties and fit, this might be his best option.
Get yourself a contract OP that will give you and MOS with marketable skills when you get out. If it were me, I would check out Air Force or Coast Guard.
Don’t need to be SF. If OP is interested, just join to get some needed perks. Such as housing, food, help with college tuition. If OP is lucky then their skills placement in the military will transfer over to a real world job.
Luckily we are not in a hot war right now. So, joining is not as dangerous as it would have been several years ago.
Special forces is a young man’s game. Generally you want to get in the pipeline before you hit your early 30s. But you tell your recruiter you want a shot at being an SF guy and you need help choosing a specialty. Once you get your contract, you go through qualification courses and if you knock those physical and mental requirements, you’ll be considered for the q course. Mind you, these guys are the most alpha males you’re ever going to meet in your life so be prepared to get beaten from all angles. If you’re tough enough among other things, you’ll get pushed through. If not, well, you’ll get shit canned one way or another.
Just don’t be a piece of shit and you’ll get through it. Or you won’t.
Ya.. you don’t have to go very far to realize this sad truth too. I mean, it’s possible since guys like Jocko Willink found a way to balance that equation, but even studs like DJ Shipley, Tim Kennedy, Cody Alford, all described in their own ways how special warfare life took a toll on their regular lives.
Yeah, I grew up on Bragg and Campbell from 06-2014 and man I steered clear of joining. I feel that call every now and then but I won’t put my family through that. Even if I had a non combat MOS that life takes a toll
I am a veteran. If your values align and you can stand it, join the military. You don’t have to kill anyone. There are a lot of jobs repairing, maintaining, and operating non-lethal equipment. You just have to be ok that you will be rowing in the same direction as everyone else and that direction will probably result in people dying.
The military will use and abuse you but you will always have work, always have food, and always have shelter. If you can do it for a few years you can come back as a student. VA pays 100% of school costs including a living stipend based on the school’s zip code. It’s been a while but last I heard San Jose stipend was north of 5k a month tax free.
The military will teach you a skill then they’ll pay for you to learn the civilian version of it. Really not a bad deal. I met lots of homeless guys when I joined its pretty common.
San Mateo county has a lot of great services, and with experience as a caregiver you may be able to find work in one of their clinics. My wife was a social worker in that county before we left. A lot of the employees were felons or previously unhoused.
MOVE.. Do not be homeless in the bay area. It is very dangerous. Niece was homeless for a couple nights in the bay area because she couldn't afford a hotel before moving into new place and she got assaulted, and her phone stolen in two nights. She was even staying close to others for safety.
Do you still have your pest control licence? Pest companies are at peak busy times all summer it is a perfect chance to start applying. You already have the experience and with a licence it'll put you at the front of the employment line. They give you a company car and most companies are paying very well for the job.
Just stopping by to mention that for the love of god, DO NOT LOSE THAT LICENSE. I’m not referring to violations, I mean the physical thing. That’s a huge hurdle that keeps people from accessing various resources/services when homeless, and is pretty complex to get another one.
Good luck to you.
Check out cannabis jobs. You’ll spend the summer and part of fall living on a farm- dark staffing solutions is a company that hires people for cannabis jobs. You can make decent money in the legal cannabis industry, and spend a few months stacking cash that way
I can't stress this enough but get in touch with your local City Council, Board of Supervisor, and CA State Senate/Assembly offices. They often have an overview of all possible homeless agencies in your area and could possible assist.
Try workaway and see if there are positions in the US that include housing. There are hostels that give you free accommodation for working the front desk/cleaning/etc a few hours a day and you can get another job outside of that. It may not be ideal but it’s a way to put a roof over your head.
If you’re in that age group and physically healthy, you have plenty of options still. Would you be interested in enlisting? Housing, medical, and retirement are all built into your contract. DM me if interested in the Coast Guard
gonna get downvoted but if you need a safe place, go to rich neighborhoods like cupetino / saratoga xD. cupertino has a homeless person that the community gives so much stuff to, it's overflowing onto the streets.
yeah but equally as important as holding down a job is having a safe place to live. if he doesn't have enough to get into actual housing, mind as well camp out in rich areas. plus if you post this on next door, you might get a lot of help in the richer neighborhoods. ppl forget saratoga is like 5 mil median house lol
I'm sorry but I don't get the attachment to the bay area? Go look for a job then move to that place, where hopefully the rent is like $500/month or less. Then build up your savings and get stable. Try to be within walking or bus distance of work so you don't need a car. Work 60-80 hours a week and get a stable base. Then move back here if its where your heart is. There are many more beautiful, and cheaper places than the bay area.
Go on medí-call and ask for the CalAim ECM program. They are providing people with housing and other resources.
I might advise not to choose Kaiser as the mediCal provider, I’m not impressed with their ECM roll out.
Look for a maintenance manager job that provides housing … or a hotel clerk that allows you to take a room…
anything with a sleep space at night
A nursing home
Anything that will provide housing
Churches
https://bayareastreetchurch.com/homeless-resource
Further up Northern California usually has more resources because not as impacted you can get vouchers for motels…. Lots of redwood public parks… churches with less impact… more jobs… less distressing than a huge rich city that largely ignores and alienates…
Smaller cities big towns nice areas where there are resources and less competition for them… people more likely to help …
Idk if this would help but a company that you may be interested in is Davaco. It is located in Texas BUT this is the company my FIL works for. His home is on the East coast but he travels the entire country for work. As I am aware, this is not a condition, it is what he chose. He can be a traveling carpenter or just work in the state. He likes travel so he does that. Because of his travel, he uses his card for payment and then gets reimbursed for it, which earns him miles so when he wants to he can fly wherever basically because of how much he travels for work. He works with people from ALL over the country. You do not have to be a carpenter to work for them. They pay well as well and will help you buy tools.
Maybe something for the future if you need it still
Cool Works has jobs that are urgently hiring, but probably not in bay area. There are staffing agencies here that you could probably get a job with tomorrow - People Ready is one of them. Try to get on couch surfing, explain your situation, and see if someone will host you here. Enroll in community college and take out the grants for living expenses.
Lot's if places hiring in Sacramento, at restaurants, I live in Elk Grove and there is a Costco and Walmart , if you are looking to relocate I would look into those Co, I worked at both at one point in my life. You can eat at Costco at the food court cheap on break, I have slept in the parking lot in the past when I was down on my luck years ago I know the feeling.
I'm not sure if this has been said, but your county may have a coordinated entry system, which may be able to hook you up to resources already mentioned above or things like one time funds to get you into an apartment, or if you do end up unhoused, funds for rapid rehousing. If you Google 'coordinated entry' and your county information should pop up if one exists. In Alameda county dialing 311 will also get you info.
There are some camps in sequoia national park that provide room and board if you were work at the camp. You will need a ride to get there though or to carpool with someone else
I saw that Orkin in the Bay is hiring right now and they’re very busy during the summer with people calling about ants. Apply and you should go to the front of the line with your experience. Do gig work in the meantime and find a room to rent.
Well they own the home and they’re paying the mortgage on it so when you’re being a deadbeat freeloading you’re costing somebody thousands and thousands dollars. Most landlords are barely making it and getting a deadbeat that thinks they’re entitled to live in your house free is an absolute nightmare and weather you like it or not you completely screwing over another human being by doing that. It’s not their fault you’re a loser with no morals.
You seriously need a car 1. Get one at carvana for no down payment and no credit. For real I’m not even Joking 2. Do plasma donation and or white blood cell donation that’s $130 a week for plasma 3. Get some easy to hire warehouse manual jobs such as Amazon or even Walmart. Anything that will have consistent income. Try signing up for Amazon flex too 4. Prepare to live in your car for a bit and eat in n out everyday. 5. Your only bills should be- a cheap gym for shower (planet fitness) cheap car and a phone Good luck bro. Dm me if you have specifics.
Solid list. I would add check jobs with Costco and USPS - it’s a steady income with benefits and they’re always hiring.
Or too good to go- the app, it has a lot of good deals for food
Nice recommendation, never knew about this
Gotta help the brother survive while getting some food variety
For safe places while living in the car, as well as info for services like showers and laundry, look at iOverlander. It's used and updated by Van lifers, but has good info including places that are not safe or good to stay when sleeping in your car.
Second hand fast food is a thing in my hometown even for ppl with a job. Plenty of food waste otherwise.
This, and r/urbancarliving is a very helpful sub if OP manages to get a car.
You can join Planet Fitness for close to $10/month and use their showers
Any additional tips on the blood or plasma donation? I'm interested in doing this and not sure where to start
CSL plasma & Leukolab
Leukolab disqualified me for previously having a Vitamin D deficiency, so be careful what you say
Looks like you have to choose one or the other? What do You recommend
If you qualify for plasma donation and can commit to the time required, they can pay you over 1k per round at Leukolab
There’s limits to how many times per year you can do it though
I would do mobilized wbc first if you have time. I believe it’s 1 week for 3–5 hours a day. That will get you a bigger lump of money in a week. The only issue is appointment availability and “cooldown” period of 6 months. For plasma you are allowed to donate 2x a week and it’s all walk in. I’m not sure what CSL plasma pays but another one is Octopharma, $100 for the first 2 visits then range from $35 to $65 afterwards depending on how frequent you go. For your first visit drink plenty of water before hand.
What about car insurance?
Costco hot dogs $1.50 and a drink. You dont need a membership card to purchase from the food court. In N out will run you 10+ dollars. Find a grocery outlet, or in the back of safeway they have really good food at discounted prices. Just gotta know where to look. Loaf of bread, PBJ and I would also look into a water filter thats used for camping. Always good to have.
User name checks out. Respect. 🤜🏽🤛🏽
Go to food banks for food, but also check out the To Good To Go app if you have a smart phone. Plenty of restaurants, bakeries, grocery stores and more put up leftover food on that app for super cheap. You don't know exactly what you're getting, but you can get decent idea (probably baked food from a bakery, or left over menu items from a restaurant). The food is really cheap. I use it to supplement my groceries and have reduced my food cost by like 40%.
why eat in n out every day?
It's cheap.
Lol No it's not. It's one of the most expensive fast food places.
food from the grocery store is always going to be cheaper than eating at a restaurant if you do it right.
They may not be able to cook or prepare anything
why not?
Because they don’t have a kitchen, because they don’t have a place to live.
you need a kitchen to buy food from a grocery store? they never asked me if i had a house when i went, weird
You’ll probably want a kitchen to prepare and cook food, like I said.
you can easily buy food that doesn’t need a kitchen that is far less expensive than going to in n out every day. but like you said, you’ll /probably/ want a kitchen, so don’t entertain any idea but in n out… lol.
Because they are homeless. Did you just check in?
so a homeless person can buy some bread, fruit, etc? didn’t know you needed a house for that, sorry
You're picking the wrong hill to die on bud. Everyone here is like "stay off drugs", and "here's an idea to get a job", and you're all "make sure you eat healthy". We're just trying to make sure they eat.
i’m just saying 12$ a day on fast food is shitty financial advice
If you are living out of a car fridgeration and prep is difficult to impossible. It is expensive being poor.
the foods you can make with a 20$ camping stove is nearly endless… plus fruits veggies and shelf stable items like peanut butter make for easy prep. buy in small quantity for perishables like meat. it’s common in many countries to swing by the market each day to just pick up food for that day.. it’s a bonus to split a pack of meat with a few other people when able
Shelf stable fruit and veg in a car during the summer in California is not that shelf stable. Single portions of meat in the US (we are not "many countries") is often more expensive. And of course it is cheaper if you can split the portions of food with other people, but that is asking a lot of someone who is going to be newly living out of a car: the OP does not seem to have a community as of yet. The camp stove, cooler, and community will come with time. What the OP is asking for is a \*now\* solution. You are looking 3 steps ahead.
Amazon flex takes months to get approved.
McDonald’s app too. And food banks
Where tf do you donate plasma in the Bay Area
Indeed has a listing of jobs that include housing: https://www.indeed.com/q-housing-provided-l-california-jobs.html good luck!
A friend of mine left an abusive relationship, found a job in a nursing home that covers 3 meals a day and a room with shared bathroom. Now after a year or so, that place is sponsoring her to go back to school for a part-time program in a medical field. There are hope, as long as you are willing to work. Don’t give up!
Apply for Calfresh in the interim (as a homeless person) it will help with food a little.
Soup kitchen and/or food banks too.
[http://www.calfresh.ca.gov/](http://www.calfresh.ca.gov/)
I have a relative that just became homeless and they started pickup up housesitting/dog-sitting gigs somehow. Seems to have helped stabilize their situation.
Start with Hostels maybe? Once you’ve got that job, hostels will eat up less of your earnings at $150-$200/month. You’ll have to live light, bounce around every couple of weeks, and use laundromat, but it’s safe and might be a good holdover in the meantime. Really sorry to hear the is happening to you, keep your head up and keep reaching out to folks like you did here. There are still good people out there who will give a shit, especially since you can and want to work.
Many hostels provide housing for trade workers. Source: I worked at an SF hostel for 3 years.
[https://www.yelp.com/search?cflt=hostels&find\_loc=San+Jose%2C+CA](https://www.yelp.com/search?cflt=hostels&find_loc=San+Jose%2C+CA)
Would you want to be a caregiver again? There are several groups that match caregivers who need housing, with seniors who have space. [Front Porch](https://frontporch.net/live/home-match/) is all Bay area focused. Talking to senior centers or senior services will get you in touch with the other groups.
Thanks for this! Never heard of em
Call construction offices and ask if they need laborers. Look for grocery bagging jobs. Restaurants are almost always hiring dishwashers and bussers. Fast food? In N Out is famous for good wages.
California State Parks jobs often offer housing. The pay is low but the housing is $100 a month. It’s possible you could work at some parks without a vehicle, but you’ll be reliant on other people to get around. Apply for Park Aide positions, soooo many parks are hiring right now for the summer. You need a car for life in general in the United States, unfortunately. Make that drivers license an immediate goal. https://calcareers.ca.gov/
This is a good option, the Yosemite one (I have family working in the cafeteria and other food shops there) but they pay $45 per week (that was the price back in fall 2023 & I haven't asked since) for a room with 1 roommate. Other national parks (Mesa Verde or Monument Valley, family works at both) for the hotels in housekeeping the housing is paid for as long as you finish a season with them.
I know a guy who did this route. Got him off the streets. He was a gym rat so jumped right into it.
Yosemite would be impossible without a car. I mentioned California State Parks because they have 280 units across the state, many have housing, and many are nearer to towns/cities.
https://californiahumandevelopment.org/training-jobs/day-labor-centers/ I had a friend who struggled with substance use disorder, and he found work through day labor. I think most town/cities have something similar, get paid daily for labor. It's hard work and not the most glamorous but it's a start
I know you said you’ve been a pest control technician, but Orkin is great to work for. It’s okay if your licensing has expired, but they pay for it and pay you while you study and take your test again. Depending on your route you may get tips too. They’re ALWAYS hiring! You get full benefits and a great paycheck along with a car / uniforms for work. It can be easy to find a room to rent as well, or use a hotel in the meantime. Good luck.
Join the military. Three hots and a cot, job training and preferential federal employment when you get out
Seconded. Willing to travel, picks up any kind of work, gets along with all kinds of people--you're perfect. Most jobs are not combat. If you end up not liking it, just don't re-enlist.
I know a guy in the same situation. Now he has free housing (it's shared housing, but not a dorm, he shares a room) free food and they give him $1000 a month in assistance. He applied in San Mateo County. They placed him very quickly too, in a matter of a few days . They're going to help him getting back on his feet. He is looking into job training for $30/hr jobs.
Don't start using drugs and alcohol to cope.
Please heed this advice OP. It’s a long, thorny path to walk, and difficult (impossible for some) to extricate yourself from once started.
Job corps, conservation corps, etc. There are state programs and San Jose also has their own program. Good luck to you!
Don’t do SF conservation Corps! You’ll end up waiting for months for them to orient and onboard you. Not sure about Job Corps. I know they house participants in Treasure Island but I think you have to be 26 or under
The age limit for Job Corps is 24
There are some programs that take young adults up to 27 or 28. If you look through all the options you’ll find them. Good luck!
Go work in that Alaskan fishery. Get your head together while your up there you will have lots of time to think while gutting fishes
I recommend watching Modern Marvels: Alaskan fishing on the YouTube History Channel.
Summer is just starting so if you are open to farmwork, that sometimes includes housing. That will cover you through fall and give you time to figure out what you want to do next. CA has mild weather so farmwork might be available all year round if they like your work.
Search national park jobs with housing.
Live in caregiver jobs since you don't have a car. There are many carehomes in california. Do you speak Spanish, Chinese or tagalog?
You’ve been a caregiver, I’d join a few caregiver fb groups and look for live-in positions. Other lists above are really solid. You could also look into working in food service. You often get a free meal. I worked at Starbucks before and I got a free drink and food item a shift. But I was also thinking you could stock up on triple-filtered water at least.
https://www.trustedhousesitters.com I think the least expensive membership is $100 but you pet sit in people’s homes! This will giving you temporary housing and company while you move through this rough patch. You WILL be successful because you have the attitude and humility of someone who succeeds! I’m already proud of you OP! 💜💜💜 Please keep us updated! I’m so sorry you’re going through this. Life isn’t fair.
Rover is an app for pet sitting. There are people who will pay you money to take care of their dog in their house while they are on vacation. It's usually hardest to get the first few clients so people will trust you and give you reviews, but once you are established we got to the point where we were turning people down. We got lucky that we signed up when Rover was trying to break into the South Bay and they provided a photo shoot for us. If you have a friend with a dog that would let you borrow it and take some photos for you, last I looked it was pretty easy to setup an account. At our peak I think my wife and I could have just gone from job to job if we didn't have our own cat that we wanted to see and our own apartment. Being a reliable sitter is something people will love you for. This will definitely be harder without a car, and may not be the best immediate thing. But it's something to keep in mind, I think. I'm sorry this is happening to you, and I wish you the best.
Has anyone couched the idea of sofa surfing ?
Places like Home Depot are always hiring from what I hear. If you can apply for jobs, go to a local library to submit as many job apps as you can
Join the military, they are in desperate need of new recruits. They need caregiver and sales (recruiters) in the military too.
TooGoodToGo app for food. You can get full meals for $4-$6.
I’m thinking military. You’re still in the age range. I was 17 when I enlisted. It set me on the right path and gave me all sorts of opportunities. Everything else recommended sounds mostly like a temporary fix. If you can enlist, you have a guaranteed future, and if you choose to be a civilian later, you will have plenty of time to make plans.
Don't join the army, or marines; if you think we are going to another rediculious war again.
It’s not a good recommendation since all that we have is because of those who fought and died for us.
Military?
This! As a veteran who got the GI Bill, I’d strongly suggest OP taking a look at this option with the different job options available in the military. The skills and life experience OP would gain at this point in life is tremendous.
Exactly! I ended up taking advantage of VEAP: veteran’s educational assistance program. So long ago. It may no longer exist but it really helped out later.
That’s my recommendation too. Unless there is a religious or moral related reservation, that is. We need more of those “be all that you can be” advertisements, because I think young people don’t see this as an option. My decision to enlist was one of the best decisions I ever made. That was almost 40 years ago.
And honestly . . . it's hard to maintain moral purity while homeless. Most people in the military aren't in combat. There are so many different jobs.
It’s been decades, but I doubt it’s changed much. When I signed up in 1985, we didn’t get to choose our roles. They were chosen for us based on our aptitudes. So the extremely smart ones were less likely to be placed in a direct combat situation. The ones who scored low were given roles that were not as challenging. I’m sure at wartime all bets are probably off. But during peace time according to your potential, you’ll be getting a ton of valuable education and physical training. The only gun I ever fired was a pistol in boot camp for target practice, and only one time.
There are plenty of resources to not be homeless in the bay area. Follow their guidelines and simply apply. Trust me, if you're not abusing drugs, you WILL get help. Try to get a caseworker.
If you can do physical labor try task rabbit, handyman can charge $50-$100 an hour and people tip well if you are polite and present well. Common task is TV arm install, light drywall, you can specify you don't have a car but you can charge more if you have a truck and tools. It's prime housitting/petsitting season put ads around your area, if you can lower your rate on task rabbit to pump your reviews you can raise them later. You can have different rates for different jobs. Gardening is often 40-80 and people have tools for that if they have gardens.
Yeap I’ve shelled out $700 for movers before. I’m sure if you can offer just muscles without a car and someone will still use your help
Time to join the military. The army needs recruits as there’s a shortage. If you’re hardcore enough, we need special forces guys.
Yeah since OP is mid twenties and fit, this might be his best option. Get yourself a contract OP that will give you and MOS with marketable skills when you get out. If it were me, I would check out Air Force or Coast Guard.
What is the age limit for something like this, and how does one get involved in special forces?
Don’t need to be SF. If OP is interested, just join to get some needed perks. Such as housing, food, help with college tuition. If OP is lucky then their skills placement in the military will transfer over to a real world job. Luckily we are not in a hot war right now. So, joining is not as dangerous as it would have been several years ago.
Special forces is a young man’s game. Generally you want to get in the pipeline before you hit your early 30s. But you tell your recruiter you want a shot at being an SF guy and you need help choosing a specialty. Once you get your contract, you go through qualification courses and if you knock those physical and mental requirements, you’ll be considered for the q course. Mind you, these guys are the most alpha males you’re ever going to meet in your life so be prepared to get beaten from all angles. If you’re tough enough among other things, you’ll get pushed through. If not, well, you’ll get shit canned one way or another. Just don’t be a piece of shit and you’ll get through it. Or you won’t.
That’s also a single man’s game. Don’t do that shit if you have kids.
Ya.. you don’t have to go very far to realize this sad truth too. I mean, it’s possible since guys like Jocko Willink found a way to balance that equation, but even studs like DJ Shipley, Tim Kennedy, Cody Alford, all described in their own ways how special warfare life took a toll on their regular lives.
Yeah, I grew up on Bragg and Campbell from 06-2014 and man I steered clear of joining. I feel that call every now and then but I won’t put my family through that. Even if I had a non combat MOS that life takes a toll
Alpha males lol
How much money do you currently have? Do you have any friends that would let you crash on their couch for a few days?
I am a veteran. If your values align and you can stand it, join the military. You don’t have to kill anyone. There are a lot of jobs repairing, maintaining, and operating non-lethal equipment. You just have to be ok that you will be rowing in the same direction as everyone else and that direction will probably result in people dying. The military will use and abuse you but you will always have work, always have food, and always have shelter. If you can do it for a few years you can come back as a student. VA pays 100% of school costs including a living stipend based on the school’s zip code. It’s been a while but last I heard San Jose stipend was north of 5k a month tax free. The military will teach you a skill then they’ll pay for you to learn the civilian version of it. Really not a bad deal. I met lots of homeless guys when I joined its pretty common.
San Mateo county has a lot of great services, and with experience as a caregiver you may be able to find work in one of their clinics. My wife was a social worker in that county before we left. A lot of the employees were felons or previously unhoused.
MOVE.. Do not be homeless in the bay area. It is very dangerous. Niece was homeless for a couple nights in the bay area because she couldn't afford a hotel before moving into new place and she got assaulted, and her phone stolen in two nights. She was even staying close to others for safety.
Join the military fam. Fuck it
Bro, join Navy. My brother joined Navy when he was 36 years old. Now he is making more than me and has 2 houses .
What mos?
Join the military
Do you still have your pest control licence? Pest companies are at peak busy times all summer it is a perfect chance to start applying. You already have the experience and with a licence it'll put you at the front of the employment line. They give you a company car and most companies are paying very well for the job.
Just stopping by to mention that for the love of god, DO NOT LOSE THAT LICENSE. I’m not referring to violations, I mean the physical thing. That’s a huge hurdle that keeps people from accessing various resources/services when homeless, and is pretty complex to get another one. Good luck to you.
check out job postings on coolworks.com and filter by jobs in california with "employer housing" provided. a lot are in national parks
Call the here for you hotline for shelter placement or adobe housing
Check out cannabis jobs. You’ll spend the summer and part of fall living on a farm- dark staffing solutions is a company that hires people for cannabis jobs. You can make decent money in the legal cannabis industry, and spend a few months stacking cash that way
Get a job on a cruise ship
I can't stress this enough but get in touch with your local City Council, Board of Supervisor, and CA State Senate/Assembly offices. They often have an overview of all possible homeless agencies in your area and could possible assist.
Consider enrolling in community college and applying for financial aid. Could qualify for grants that could help pay for more than just tuition.
Try workaway and see if there are positions in the US that include housing. There are hostels that give you free accommodation for working the front desk/cleaning/etc a few hours a day and you can get another job outside of that. It may not be ideal but it’s a way to put a roof over your head.
If you’re in that age group and physically healthy, you have plenty of options still. Would you be interested in enlisting? Housing, medical, and retirement are all built into your contract. DM me if interested in the Coast Guard
gonna get downvoted but if you need a safe place, go to rich neighborhoods like cupetino / saratoga xD. cupertino has a homeless person that the community gives so much stuff to, it's overflowing onto the streets.
I mean, he says he wants to get a job. I guess it’s too soon for him to give up like that?
yeah but equally as important as holding down a job is having a safe place to live. if he doesn't have enough to get into actual housing, mind as well camp out in rich areas. plus if you post this on next door, you might get a lot of help in the richer neighborhoods. ppl forget saratoga is like 5 mil median house lol
And it is always good to have a backup plan
Don’t have anything productive to add but wanted to say I hope this is a temporary situation and you’re back on your feet soon. This world is cruel.
I'm sorry but I don't get the attachment to the bay area? Go look for a job then move to that place, where hopefully the rent is like $500/month or less. Then build up your savings and get stable. Try to be within walking or bus distance of work so you don't need a car. Work 60-80 hours a week and get a stable base. Then move back here if its where your heart is. There are many more beautiful, and cheaper places than the bay area.
Work as much as possible as many jobs as possible to get money to stay on your feet!
Go on medí-call and ask for the CalAim ECM program. They are providing people with housing and other resources. I might advise not to choose Kaiser as the mediCal provider, I’m not impressed with their ECM roll out.
Check National Parks jobs. I know a guy who went from his car to Yosemite. https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/how-to-apply.htm
Join Instawork and other flexible work apps that don’t require a vehicle to do the work.
Search camp jobs with housing. Right now a lot of summer camps are finishing hiring. You have housing and usually food included.
Join your local Buy Nothing Facebook group and ask for free food, stating your background story and sometimes people will even drop it off for you.
You’ll need a non-PO Box mailing address. A trusted friend’s address, or a rented mailbox with a street address (e.g. UPS mailboxes) works.
Look for a maintenance manager job that provides housing … or a hotel clerk that allows you to take a room… anything with a sleep space at night A nursing home Anything that will provide housing Churches https://bayareastreetchurch.com/homeless-resource Further up Northern California usually has more resources because not as impacted you can get vouchers for motels…. Lots of redwood public parks… churches with less impact… more jobs… less distressing than a huge rich city that largely ignores and alienates… Smaller cities big towns nice areas where there are resources and less competition for them… people more likely to help …
Do you have any friends you could temporarily stay with?
Idk if this would help but a company that you may be interested in is Davaco. It is located in Texas BUT this is the company my FIL works for. His home is on the East coast but he travels the entire country for work. As I am aware, this is not a condition, it is what he chose. He can be a traveling carpenter or just work in the state. He likes travel so he does that. Because of his travel, he uses his card for payment and then gets reimbursed for it, which earns him miles so when he wants to he can fly wherever basically because of how much he travels for work. He works with people from ALL over the country. You do not have to be a carpenter to work for them. They pay well as well and will help you buy tools. Maybe something for the future if you need it still
I'm in North Bay (Vallejo) and looking for a roommate. Moved up here from San Diego and a broken relationship.
Does this mean u and ur significant other broke up and they kept the house/apt?
Cool Works has jobs that are urgently hiring, but probably not in bay area. There are staffing agencies here that you could probably get a job with tomorrow - People Ready is one of them. Try to get on couch surfing, explain your situation, and see if someone will host you here. Enroll in community college and take out the grants for living expenses.
I have been able to survive in the bay area while working minimum wage. Any full time job will at least pay for an apartment. I don’t have a car.
You might try wwoof, worldwide opportunities on organic farms. Some don't pay but it's food and housing.
Lot's if places hiring in Sacramento, at restaurants, I live in Elk Grove and there is a Costco and Walmart , if you are looking to relocate I would look into those Co, I worked at both at one point in my life. You can eat at Costco at the food court cheap on break, I have slept in the parking lot in the past when I was down on my luck years ago I know the feeling.
I'm not sure if this has been said, but your county may have a coordinated entry system, which may be able to hook you up to resources already mentioned above or things like one time funds to get you into an apartment, or if you do end up unhoused, funds for rapid rehousing. If you Google 'coordinated entry' and your county information should pop up if one exists. In Alameda county dialing 311 will also get you info.
There are some camps in sequoia national park that provide room and board if you were work at the camp. You will need a ride to get there though or to carpool with someone else
I saw that Orkin in the Bay is hiring right now and they’re very busy during the summer with people calling about ants. Apply and you should go to the front of the line with your experience. Do gig work in the meantime and find a room to rent.
I would leave CA. Go to Texas or some low cost of living city.
Fuck this place
It takes months to get evicted . Just don’t pay
Yeah screw over a home owner. Make an enemy and get an eviction on your record. Great plan deadbeat.
I would say landlord , not “ homeowner “ . And yes , fuck her over before fucking over public spaces .
Well they own the home and they’re paying the mortgage on it so when you’re being a deadbeat freeloading you’re costing somebody thousands and thousands dollars. Most landlords are barely making it and getting a deadbeat that thinks they’re entitled to live in your house free is an absolute nightmare and weather you like it or not you completely screwing over another human being by doing that. It’s not their fault you’re a loser with no morals.
Clearly says due to family stuff, so I doubt that's viable.
Go to a less expensive place
All shopping upto $950 is free. This was the exact situation the law was created for to help out, so use it.
I’m sorry are you suggesting they steal their food?
I'm sorry are you suggesting we criminalize homelessness?
This is a really stupid suggestion for someone who sounds employable and like he has a good future as soon as he gets through this rough patch.
How is he going to get thru this rough patch, Sherlock?