In dire need (Mason City, Clear Lake, Craig: fit in, best city, hall)

[CajunEpiscopalian]

Okay. So without going into too much detail of my personal life, suffice it to say that my Fiance and I CAN NOT stay in Louisiana any longer. It is not an option, period. So that out of the way, please help me with what we CAN do.

We are currently in a two week window where we have to gather what we have that can fit in our car, and leave within two weeks.

I have a job prospect as does my fiance and we have applied to our respective prospects and will god willing get both jobs. These jobs are in Mason City Iowa and I am aiming for us to get a place in or around Clear Lake.

The catch. A place to stay. Our situation sprung up out of the blue and did not afford us time to put any money back. We will be leaving here with very little money after doing some car repairs to make our car able to make the 14 hour trip to Iowa.

What are our options to not freeze to death in our car? I am willing to live in our car if we have to, but if there are options for someone in our situation I would prefer that to the car

Please no negative nelly comments. Needing constructive advice.

And yes, we would have loved to have an additional 6 months to save and plan a little bit better, but in 8 hours time ive made some definite headway, so I believe we can make it.

[601halfdozen0theother]

Contact the Salvation Army in Mason City. If they can't help with short term housing, they should be able to point you to other help. Western Division - Mason City 641-424-4031

[meo92953]

Originally Posted by 601halfdozen0theother

Contact the Salvation Army in Mason City. If they can't help with short term housing, they should be able to point you to other help. Western Division - Mason City 641-424-4031

Excellent idea. I worked with the Salvation Army & their hearts are BIG.

[CajunEpiscopalian]

Thank you guys!

[capitalcityguy]

This isn't a judgement, just a reality. Trying to live out of your car in small town Iowa would be hard to pull off. You're not talking a city of hundreds of thousands where you can just blend in or get lost in the crowd/activity/surroundings. You'll stand out already with the out-of-state licence plate.

The nice thing about places like Clear Lake, you'll always find people that care what you're up to.
The bad thing about places like Clear Lake, you'll always find people that care what you're up to.

[CajunEpiscopalian]

Oh I know! I lived in Clear Lake growing up. To me its the best city in the United States and thats why I am coming there. Unfortunately the Salvation Army has a policy, and for good measure, of 3 month residency before they can assist. So that counts that one out.

[Lodestar]

Good luck on getting the jobs. it's a good place to live.

Here's a piece of constructive advice for others reading this: Always have an emergency fund set aside. You never know what may come up.

[meo92953]

Is there no way your family can help with your staying in a motel? If not & I'm being presumptuous, please ignore that question. I know I wouldn't have made it without my family when I was broke.

The key is making sure you pay them back or it will be the first & last time they will help.

[earslikeacat]

Check Craigslist, sometimes people will let you rent a room cheap, but be careful. People who rent to folks down on their luck can have ulterior motives. United Way i believe may be of help as well. Luckily it.s very mild so far this winter. Maybe even call city hall and explain? I am sorry to hear this but at least you have a car. No matter what, hold onto your car is what I.ve read for people out of doors.

[capitalcityguy]

Also, consider getting in touch with a local church for assistance.