On my way homelessness

Are you a member of a church? Is it possible for you to volunteer at a local church in exchange for a room? A lot of churches have mission houses (maybe strictly a baptist term?...) where they can put up individuals or families for an extended amount of time. Usually in the case of a neighborhood family going through a house fire or something along those lines. It's just meant to get people back up on their feet.
 
Also, for what it's worth, my first house was an 800 square foot ranch in what would be considered Michigan's version of Compton or Hawaiian Gardens. I worked 60 hours a week to cover the $350/month house payment.

My brother-in-law went through a nasty divorce and lived in a $200/month waterlog single wide trailer in North Carolina.

This might be a good time to weigh anchor and see a different part of the country. SoCal is beautiful but expensive.

The reason I throw this out is, I recently moved from the Detroit area where you can buy a house for next to nothing to Chicago where the cost of living rivals So Cal. My thought was, if things don't pan out, I can always go back to Detroit.

If you really love where you are, go to where you can get on your feet, get things in order then move back. Chicago isn't where I want to be but it's where I need to be. Where I want to be will come in time. As will yours.
 
jimh0220 said:
And therein lies your problem. You may not like what I say, but it's straight forward truth. There's also suggestions on how to get yourself out of your situation. And you spent twice now making excuses or writing this stuff.

You have a lot of choices and options to keep you off the street, and they don't involve stealing from your job or whining about who hasn't done thing to employ you.
You can always argue with suggestions and advice, or you can put away your attitude and get out there and save your butt from being on the streets.

Walk into Welfare, Low Income Housing, the VA, a temp agency, a shelter, a job placement place, a temp agency, or any place that can help you turn things around,and you will hear the exact things said the same way. You don't have time for sugar coating.

BTW, how do I know this? I have lived it. I've heard those ideas, told the things I needed to do to get money until a great job comes along. I've been out of work plenty of times, sometimes for long stretches. In that time, I had to do something. And the people that helped me were BS free.

Hate me, think I'm an ahole, or whatever. I am offering you solid advice. What you do with it is up to you.
Click to expand...

+1 on this.

Just like how there are plenty of new graduates with 4 year degrees, there are plenty of veterans out there.... all competing for jobs. Just because you served doesn't automatically get you a job. Just like how there are no guarantees just because you have a Bachelor's degree you'll automatically get a good paying job right out of school.

When I first graduated college it was right when the economy tanked. I was all high and mighty too until I gave in and took a part-time job that paid a tad above minimum wage. I busted my ass with the mentality that if I worked hard consistently.... I won't be at the bottom for long. It didn't take me long at all before I moved up. When you put your head down and WORK hard, consistently, get along with those you work with/for, and stay out of trouble..... you'll eventually get to where you want to be in life. There is no magic formula, it's really that simple. I remembered when I was a teen I told my mom not to ever worry about me because as long as I can move.... I'll be able to survive. I'll go clean toilets if I have to. I live by the motto.... "Whatever it takes".
 
If you're not afraid of manual labor, and I'm assuming you aren't. Look into warehouse work. Think target/Home Depot distribution. It's hard work but, production based averages $15 or more per hour if you hustle. The turnover rate is massive so it should be an easy in.
 
Das,
Wish you all the best and good luck. Just as Freeze said, if you're member of a church, then see if your church have anything to help you out. Or you can start going NOW!
And I don't think Jim is being a jerk. I agree every word he said.
I'd rent a room instead of getting a studio. Even minimum wage job is better than nothing and if you keep looking, you'll be able to find a decent room around so-cal.
Have you try to apply a position at the Home Depot? They are greater supporter of vets and has excellent benefit and training program.
One of the best thing about you is that you're still very young. I believe you can make it out.
I believe many of will pray for you. Just as some suggest, save every penny, keep your resume ready. Good luck, Das.
 
It sounds like you have a lot going for you. You have your health, you have had some schooling, and you have served your country which is commendable. Try to look at the positive. I can only imagine the difficulty for you, but being negative will only worsen the situation. Always be honest with yourself and others. I believe in a thing called karma. We reap what we sow. I think you know that jumping from room to room was probably not the right thing to do. Be forthright and tell people the truth. That includes the VA, public assistance, jobs, and whoever else you come in contact with. Don't be negative, just truthful. Look for any work you can find if not for the money for the peace of mind of accomplishing something. That might be minimum wage, but you will feel better about yourself just for trying. Be kind and helpful towards those you meet. Help others when you can. This will also make you feel better and who knows it might lead to a total new beginning. Go out first thing in the morning and help someone. Look for them they won't be hard to find. I wish you luck! Stay strong and positive and all will be fine!
 
Thank you for your service. Good luck and keep your head up, something will happen for the better.
 
Bigfattyt said:
I have used temp agencies to find a quick job for a short period (I had one job, and used the temp agency to find an after hours job to save more before moving to a new university.

Basically, no job is recession proof.
...
I have done some really hard, messy, dirty, low paying jobs over the years, working my way through three degrees.
Click to expand...

I did light industrial temping during college (warehouse work, electronics assembler, shelving installer, and a couple others). The work was unpredictable and required a "jack of all trades" skillset, but I never went more then a few days without working and I usually got paid more then minimum wage. Most of the older guys (out of college age) I worked with had roommates to split the cost of an apartment. The apartments were in crappy neighborhoods, but it beat living under a bridge.

Since you're a vet, be aware that OPM (federal employer) gives vets preference over civilians. Federal employment is sometimes called "welfare for the educated" because the work is very stable, and you can retire earlier then with the private sector. If you can get a toehold in there, you can pretty much take it all the way to retirement.
 
Last edited:
In spite of the BS from Washington about our great economy recovery many people are hurting these days.

I also have had a ton of shit jobs that I took during down times over the years before I started my knife making/sharpening biz.


I am not a vet but I wanted to mention that the Sears & Roebuck company has a strong traditional of hiring veterans
& reservists. See if you can land a job in the tool dept?

As other stated its always easier to get a better job when you current have a job and an address etc

Best of luck to you!
 
Find a local VFW; the older generations of vets are the best when it comes to providing those with motivation the means to endure... If they can't help they'll physically bring you to someone who can/will... Keep your head up brother, so many of us know your pain, and it's unreal how the extremes sneak up on us like that. It shouldnt be like this for people hell bent on doing their best and giving their best. The system is broken, you're not.
 
Sears is a great place to work. You may have to start entry level, but it's a start. Wal Mart is doing a thing hiring vets. Not glamorous, but it's a check.

There are housing resources for anyone, and possibly for vets. I gotta agree with the post that said get the hell outta SoCal. So many cheaper places to live. Think smart and you can solve this. Don't settle for homelessness. What is the deal with your schooling? You have a degree yet? Whatever schooling you have can help you land a basic, if not better,gig. A degree will get you further.

Your military service is an asset. Don't place blame on others because of it. Use it to help you. VA, VFW, or any local groups of vets will have advice, if not help.

I know you don't like me, or what I've said. I'm ok with that. Because I don't want you on the streets, and I'm ok with being blunt and straight up about it. If anything I've posted helped, even if you hate me, then I'm happy. Everyone here cares, or they wouldn't post here.

Make a plan. Get your focus on getting a job and a place. Don't worry about the people who don't have jobs for you. Ignore the news and talk about the job market. You obviously know how to work your butt off, because you were a soldier. There are jobs. There are ways to get a roof over your head every night. Get out there and find where all that crap is.

God bless you for opening up to admit your situation. That takes balls. Now get at it. You got people here who care.

Yeah, I'm one of them too! Honest.

Look up a guy here named Charlie Mike. He's in your area, a vet, and a seriously cool guy. He might have some tips for you.
 
Use your hotel experience to get a superintendent, or maintenance job at a hotel, or apartment complex. They often GIVE rooms, or apartments to people that help run the complex. Once you get settled, have a place to live, etc, then you can start looking for something else or make property management a career. Getting some HVAC, and other skills would be good along the way as well.
 
Get a job working in construction, build your skills and desires from there and that will often lead to a good job in the trades.
 
I have hired people in the past ranging from office assistant, to retail sales associate to store manager.

If I can give you any advice for the interview process... Focus on 3 main things. Be Positive, Productive and Competent. This alleviates so many things at the work place. The hiring manager wants an employee that will do the job well. If you are a positive person, you won't cause trouble at the work place with clients or coworkers and thus will not be a pain in the manager's ass.
If you can also show your productiveness in the interview that will show the manager that you will make the company money. And that really is what it is all about.
Also stress your competence. As in you ability to get things done without f#cking them up. This is also huge..
Accountability is also a must; but goes without saying.. Show up on time everyday..

But the main thing is to be positive in the interview. Positive people are the best employees. Period. And employers want to hire them. Tell brief stories about your military background and how it has made you a better person. Tell stories about other life experiences that you learned from and also made you a better person and made you sharper, stronger and more positive/positively impacted your life. Employers will want to hire you so that you can Positively impact their business and life.

Feel free to PM me and we can talk on the phone. I wish you the best.
 
vajd said:
My dad always said, "It's not what you make it's what you spend" write down where every dollar goes.
Good luck finding a good job, even when you do, keep a budget.
Click to expand...

Mine stated, " It's not what you earn but what you save."
 
dasknife, thank you for your service, God bless you.

I can tell you in AZ we have ELIMINATED Veteran homelessness. Period. End of story. It doesn't get much press, but there is a spot for every single one. If they don't want it, then that is one thing. I wish they would focus more on successful states that have address taking good care of those deserving.

Hang in there Brother, please let us know if we can help. From AZ
 
Clinto. said:
I have hired people in the past ranging from office assistant, to retail sales associate to store manager.

If I can give you any advice for the interview process... Focus on 3 main things. Be Positive, Productive and Competent. This alleviates so many things at the work place. The hiring manager wants an employee that will do the job well. If you are a positive person, you won't cause trouble at the work place with clients or coworkers and thus will not be a pain in the manager's ass.
If you can also show your productiveness in the interview that will show the manager that you will make the company money. And that really is what it is all about.
Also stress your competence. As in you ability to get things done without f#cking them up. This is also huge..
Accountability is also a must; but goes without saying.. Show up on time everyday..

But the main thing is to be positive in the interview. Positive people are the best employees. Period. And employers want to hire them. Tell brief stories about your military background and how it has made you a better person. Tell stories about other life experiences that you learned from and also made you a better person and made you sharper, stronger and more positive/positively impacted your life. Employers will want to hire you so that you can Positively impact their business and life.

Feel free to PM me and we can talk on the phone. I wish you the best.
Click to expand...

Great advice. On every interview I've been on, I kept having to remind myself prior to going in to NOT talk about anything negative. A lot of people are inclined to start talking about a sob story in hopes of gaining sympathy. It might work, but depending on who your interviewer is it could also come off as you whining or you're depressed. It doesn't hurt to do a little research about the company too.

Almost every company will ask you this question, "What do you know about our company?" And you'd be surprised how many people don't have a clue. Dress sharp, act sharp, act happy, be positive, and know the company. The rest, is essentially just a conversation with your interviewer. Keep us updated on the progress.
 
Tell the VA that you have a drug/drinking problem or having really bad PTSD issues. They'll put you up for three weeks and help you out with your future prospects while you're in there. I did it myself when I had a severe drinking problem but left the program after I was done detoxing. However two of my best friends, one former Soldier, and one former Marine, both stayed 3 weeks because they were having some serious bouts of PTSD and Survivor's guilt. It really helped both of them.

I'm not a Combat vet, but did serve in the USAF for 4 years. Became an absolute raging alcoholic when I got out and was near homelessness. I would've been homeless had I not had a seriously supportive and forgiving family. If you ever want to talk PM me. Hang in there man. Things will fall into place.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top