Temporary Homelessness (Houston: extended stay, find a job, school)

[WorriedinHouston]

So I am looking for some suggestions. About 3 months ago I lost my job. Anyway, the last 3 months have gobbled up my savings. I do have a few assets, and did finally find a job.

Unfortunately liquidating some of the assets is taking longer than anticipated, and I will not receive any money from the new position until a week from Friday. I am currently in an extended stay long story (thought I was taking a job in Denver). That said as of about Saturday or Sunday, I will be out of money until the following Friday. None, nada.

Once these assetts get sold and I start getting paid at work I will be fine, and have a nice 3-6 month emergency fund. So long term I am not concerned.

That said any suggestions to get by for a one to two week period. I am not looking for any handouts, but suggestions would be welcomed I am not crazy about the idea of sleeping in my car, but I will do it. That said is there anywhere in town I can do that without arrousing suspicion.

Thanks in advance for any assitance.

[Lake Conroe resident]

I'm not quite sure what to say, though I have heard of folks going to local churches, St Vincent De Paul, etc as they might be able to give you a voucher/check for you temp housing situation? If they can't do that they should be able to point you in the right direction to find some help.

Hopefully others will chime in with some advice. God Bless, I wish you well.

[crbcrbrgv]

I might consider pawning my computer. Just saying.

[karuna95]

I'm sorry to hear of your current situation, and glad to hear that your long term situation looks better. Two places that may be able to direct you to assistance:
United Way Helpline
2-1-1 Texas/United Way HELPLINE is the nation's largest call center of its kind answering more than 575,000 calls last year. Our trained call specialists are good listeners, blending understanding and expertise to provide information and referrals drawn from a comprehensive database of social services. 2-1-1 is the place that always answers the call for help, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in many languages. Resources are extensive and include information about back-to-school and holiday programs, low-income tax preparation, elder services. 2-1-1 also serves as a primary point of contact during times of disaster. When life's little problems are suddenly too big to manage alone, 2-1-1 Texas/United Way HELPLINE is the number to call.

Another possible suggestion is Northwest Assistance Ministries
Northwest Assistance Ministries is committed to Neighbors Helping Neighbors and to help people, neighbors need to know how to access those services. (People seeking assistance must call 281-583-5600 and schedule an appointment for an interview. Families often need services from more than one NAM program. An interview is essential to determine a family's needs and which resources can best address their needs.)

Good luck and keep us updated!

Note to crbcrbrgv... he/she may be using public computer (and internet access) at city library. Let's not rush into judgement.

[WorriedinHouston]

Thanks for the info. I will be looking into it when I can this afternoon.

I am on a work computer, so pawning that isn't much of an option unless I am looking for a free stay in prison. Hmmm..., ok probably not a great idea.

It is a difficult situation but I am fortunate that it is temporary. Hopefully a week or less, and then I will be fine. I am sure something will work out.

Thanks again for all the assistance.

[crbcrbrgv]

Originally Posted by WorriedinHouston

Thanks for the info. I will be looking into it when I can this afternoon.

I am on a work computer, so pawning that isn't much of an option unless I am looking for a free stay in prison. Hmmm..., ok probably not a great idea.

It is a difficult situation but I am fortunate that it is temporary. Hopefully a week or less, and then I will be fine. I am sure something will work out.

Thanks again for all the assistance.

If you are on a work computer, why don't you have a job?

[WorriedinHouston]

If you reread the second sentence of my first post I said "I did finally find a job". I however have not been paid yet.

[Lake Conroe resident]

Originally Posted by crbcrbrgv

If you are on a work computer, why don't you have a job?

It sounds as if he/she does have the job, but will not actually receive a paycheck for another week due to just being hired and the pay schedule of the employer.

I got the original jab about pawning the computer.... Why attack someone when they are down though? Sure they're easy targets for some cheap shots, but how would you like it if the shoe was on the other foot?

I'm guessing you would probably appreciate a little grace/compassion or constructive ideas rather than a simple jab to the gut though. If it made you feel good to do this at someone else's expense congrats; I would hope most do not feel the need to do this to make themselves feel good though...

[City Love]

I wish you luck! Where will you be staying after you get paid. Have you found a place yet? Maybe you could find a good will landlord to help you with a weeks stay in lieu of some type of collateral?

[Thaskateguy]

If you must sleep in your car, be sure and park with a tall building to your East. The Sun will wake and bake you if you don't. I found that stopping at a 24 hour Krogers does well. That way you can use their facilities when nature makes her call. If you just use an empty store parking lot, that is closed for the night, expect a visit from the cops, around 3 or 4 am, to see what you are up to. I don't know your location, and am not asking, but you would be safe parking in front of my place, in the Heights, till you get back on your feet. --It gets better. Hang in there. It will be just fine, once you get over this hump in the road.