Going to be homeless (Chicago, Madison: home, living, cost of living)

[XxVampireLov3rXx]

Hello all, I am going to be homeless in a few months (September) since I can NOT seem to get a job at all in my small town and because home life is extremely stressful. (Now before someone says something like "suck it up" you would not be saying that if you were in my shoes!) The thing is I currently live in Wisconsin and I have just enough money from my last job for a cab ride to Chicago. I am going to Chicago because its the only place that has a homeless shelter where there is no length on how long you can stay, the shelter I will be staying at is Pacific Garden Mission. My questions though is how can I get a ID because I know I wont be allowed to use my Wisconsin ID in Chicago and how do I go about getting a PO box? Thing is when I go to Chicago I intend on actively looking for work and applying everywhere! but if I don't get a job quick enough is there any other ways for "fast cash" (and no anything involving sexual favors is not happening....yuck! ) I thought about donating plasma but I don't think I meet the certain requirements. Also I wouldn't go homeless but I CAN NOT continue staying where I am at, I have no friends and I have no other relative to stay with Also is anyone here familiar with Pacific Garden Mission? anyone know what it is like there? I am afraid I could have my stuff stolen or get raped etc... another thing is I do have is social anxiety and I have incredibly low self esteem so yeah... what do I do?

[MSchemist80]

If I were in your shoes I'd move someplace with better odds of getting a job such as North Dakota, Texas etc. You indicate you have no attachments so that is the perfect situation to move to where opportunity is. Chicago and Illinois in general are lagging in terms of jobs mainly due to government problems.

[reppin_the_847]

A cab ride into Chicago from WI sounds like it would be unnecessarily expensive and would eat into all of your remaining cash. Surely there's a cheaper way to get you into IL if that's what you desire. Where in WI are you coming from?

Originally Posted by XxVampireLov3rXx

Hello all, I am going to be homeless in a few months (September) since I can NOT seem to get a job at all in my small town and because home life is extremely stressful. (Now before someone says something like "suck it up" you would not be saying that if you were in my shoes!) The thing is I currently live in Wisconsin and I have just enough money from my last job for a cab ride to Chicago. I am going to Chicago because its the only place that has a homeless shelter where there is no length on how long you can stay, the shelter I will be staying at is Pacific Garden Mission. My questions though is how can I get a ID because I know I wont be allowed to use my Wisconsin ID in Chicago and how do I go about getting a PO box? Thing is when I go to Chicago I intend on actively looking for work and applying everywhere! but if I don't get a job quick enough is there any other ways for "fast cash" (and no anything involving sexual favors is not happening....yuck! ) I thought about donating plasma but I don't think I meet the certain requirements. Also I wouldn't go homeless but I CAN NOT continue staying where I am at, I have no friends and I have no other relative to stay with Also is anyone here familiar with Pacific Garden Mission? anyone know what it is like there? I am afraid I could have my stuff stolen or get raped etc... another thing is I do have is social anxiety and I have incredibly low self esteem so yeah... what do I do?

[Maintainschaos]

The train is rather inexpensive between Milwaukee and Chicago, as is the bus service from Madison to Chicago. Best to save your money if you can, as you will find the cost of living is higher in Chicago than virtually all of Wisconsin.

[MSchemist80]

You also may need government assitance. I've heard of broke people who took a leap of faith and moved some place, lived out of an old car or tent, got a local Pay as you go phone and PO box and landed a job and were able to start to build a life. However, you will need a little start up cash to do so. I sure there must also be charities that can help you get started.

[mjtinmemphis]

I think there are other cities that are easier to go from the streets to working. What type of job are you looking for? What time table are you looking at to get yourself together? Chicago is nothing to play with if you don't have a job and a place to live.

Otoh, there are many rags to riches stories of people who came to Chicago as well as other cities and had a strong make it happen focus after they found out what resources they were working with.

But there again, I would never have the nerve to come to Chicago without a job and housing.

[chet everett]

Should I Run Away? | National Runaway Safeline

Always better options

[caliguy92832]

find a good park

[marothisu]

I'd suggest you not come to Chicago and if you do, taking a cab to Chicago is going to cost a lot of money and is frivolous. If you MUST come, then take a bus or train or something. But really - I wouldn't do it if i were you. Could you find jobs in Chicago doing smaller things like bussing tables, dishwashing, etc? Yes of course, but you could do it in other cities with a lower cost of living.

[nightlysparrow]

People move FROM Chicago TO Wisconsin for better welfare benefits.