I'm about to be homeless....need your advice (Santa Barbara, Santa Monica: motels, buy)

[seain dublin]

Originally Posted by nmnita

Helo, my entire family with the exception of my husband because of a bum knee was military and several retired. They went from enlisted to my dad that was a retired Commander. I am completely aware of what it takes. It is still a thought. The idea is: if he is homeless now and the economy is what it is, maybe the military would be a long term solution. I also suggested a spare room if you would open your eyes. Obvioously he has looked toward his family and obviously there is a reason why that will not work. Otherwise he wouldn't need to post here. BTW, I was not the only one that suggested the military.
Nita

I have three purple hearts in my family going back to WW1, still doesn't mean the military is for everyone. Yes others suggested it as well, it is very easy to suggest to someone else to go put themselves in harms way isn't it?

Even if the OP has an interest in the military looking at the window of time the best solution for now is family and friends.

Maybe down the road if he has an interest in the military it might be something to look into.

For now he needs a quicker solution. That is where family and friends come in.

[odannyboi]

I'm not trying to condone this but.. If I were homeless and REALLY desperate, I'd try squatting in a foreclosed home but be real low key about it..

But that's a hypothetical situation.

[Snort]

If I were in a similar situation, I'd consider this:

How does one join the Merchant Marine or so you want to go to sea?
The United States Coast Guard regulates and issues the necessary documents for the U.S. Merchant Marine. Contact the U.S. Coast Guard (U.S. Government Department of Transportation in your phone book) or write to Commandant, US Coast Guard, 2100 Second St. SW, Washington, DC 20593.

Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship operates an entry level training program for young people seeking careers in the US maritime industry. The course is about 12 weeks in school, and 12 weeks on board ship, then a follow up at the school. This Unlicensed Apprentice Program is free of charge and program graduates receive a US Merchant Mariners Document/Ordinary Seaman with Water Survival and Fire Fighting Endorsements. Veterans of the U.S. Navy or the U.S. Coast Guard who possess shipboard ratings may be eligible for participation in an abbreviated training program. PO Box 75 Piney Point, MD 20674, 1-877-235-3275, (301) 994-1659

Frequently Asked Questions about the Merchant Marine

At least you'd be going places.

[readymade]

Originally Posted by odannyboi

I'm not trying to condone this but.. If I were homeless and REALLY desperate, I'd try squatting in a foreclosed home but be real low key about it..

But that's a hypothetical situation.

I've thought of that too.

(I have a criminal mind. I wouldn't actually commit any crimes... but I like to imagine what I would do in certain situations. Like pull off the perfect murder, steal, bank robbery, etc.. it sometimes horrifies my husband when I make remarks like "Oh, he's an idiot who DESERVES to get caught. Now, if I were going to cheat, I would..." heh)

Anyway, hypothetically, if you could manage to get a realtor's lockbox code and an inflatable bed... you'd be golden. (that might be like the storage space, though. Good in theory.)

Back in the day when I was ****-poor broke, to eat I would go to art openings for the free food & wine (and art, of course). Other times, I would go to happy hour where if you bought a beer you could then eat various appetizers for free. I knew where all the good happy hour bars were. I also went to places that had lots of samples and ate that way. I lived on that, spaghetti (no sauce 'cause I couldn't afford it) & Cream Of Wheat (I bought a giant box in bulk and lived off of that for a while). I didn't have a car, so I biked everywhere. MAN I was in good shape!

I basically lived on nothing. My dad sent me $20 once in a while, and I would feel rich. I washed my clothes at my mom's house when I could afford bus fare. But I was lucky enough to not be homeless (I would cry to my landlord every month. He would yell at me but he didn't kick me out.) I eventually had to move back in with my mom (and I paid back my landlord every cent I owed him once I found a job).

If I were homeless but could afford it, I would have a cell phone & a mailbox (for the address). And use the library for internet.

What about camping? It's pretty cold for that, but if you got a lot of blankets?

[gizmo980]

Originally Posted by janelle144

I thought it was strange but I guess the homeless can access the conputer at the libraries.

Why do you find that strange? I'm a librarian, and just had to comment on this... libraries are for the public, and homeless people are members of the public. Despite popular belief, you don't need an address to get a library card! You'll just get a restricted account instead, which limits the books you can check out, but gives you access to all services. We do have time limits on using the computer, but no limits on lounging... so you're always welcomed to rest your feet & seek shelter in the library, as long as you're not sleeping or bathing. Good luck (to the OP)!

[pacific2]

"... libraries are for the public, and homeless people are members of the public."

[janelle144]

Well I first thought if you are homeless how can you access a computer than I thought of the libraries. It's funny how we have become a computer nation and rarely go to the library anymore with everything online.

[janelle144]

Originally Posted by jrah

I am 3 months behind on rent and having a hard time finding a job. There is more to the story but this is where I am at now, I'm getting kicked out of my apartment in 10 days and have no where to go. Most of my friends still live with their parents or live too far. I just need a place to keep my clothes where I can have access to them 24/7 and a place to shower. I was thinking of joining 24 hour fitness and I could leave my clothes in a locker there, but I am not sure if I can do that??

Well you posted this on the 13th so it is 3 days later. Can you give us an update on what you have done since then? I hope you have found someplace to go. We can yack on here all day but you need help right now.

I would hope you had your parents home to go to. I am sure they would be happy to help you out over a hard time until you find a job. Most parents would. If no parents then I hope you have some friends who would help out on a temporary basis.

My sister's son had a friend whose step-father was abusive (I don't mean rules he did not want to follow, I mean a drug dealer and beat the wife and kids) and he had to move out. He lived with my sister's family until he graduated from high school and on his own. He is married now with his own family.

[Konidias]

About the 24 hour gym thing... I actually knew a lady who slept in her car in the gym parking lot and showered in the gym. So I mean, I guess that's an option.

[gizmo980]

Originally Posted by janelle144

Well I first thought if you are homeless how can you access a computer than I thought of the libraries. It's funny how we have become a computer nation and rarely go to the library anymore with everything online.

Thankfully, not everyone thinks the way you do! Our libraries are still thriving, despite what some people might think... especially in lower-income neighborhoods, where the ONLY computer access they have is at the library. We also provide programs that can't be experienced online, like children's storytimes, free tax assistance, free tutoring, art shows, musical performances, etc. We're not just about books, ya know.

To the OP, and anyone else facing homelessness... you can use public libraries to access the internet, rest your feet, use the bathroom (except to bathe), enjoy educational & recreational programs, and even to receive emotional support and/or advice on your living situation. We can also point you towards social services and shelters, as I frequently did while working in urban libraries. And a good librarian never judges, so you can feel comfortable coming to us for help & support. Okay, I'm done with my PSA for now - LOL.