# So... I'm really homeless now. **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [November 8, 2012, 5:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336 "2012-11-08T05:53:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2012, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336/101 "2012-11-11T16:15:05Z")
Assuming the worst motives about people and spewing hateful vitriol are not character traits to be proud of. You did more than be cynical. You took a cynical thought and turned it into aggressively nasty action. ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2012, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336/102 "2012-11-11T16:26:32Z")
I _am_ a mod – albeit not the fucking hall monitor – and I agree, discussing what **bot3** has to say for him/herself is really off-topic in this thread and not at all helpful to the OP. Take it elsewhere, people. **twickster** , MPSIMS moderator ---
**Author:** ![lieu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c2a13f/32.png) [@lieu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lieu)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2012, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336/103 "2012-11-11T17:28:04Z")
Thanks for the updates, **Dorothy**. I imagine for a lot of us this thread is the first we look for when coming back onto the board. Nice to see that some things are starting to improve for you. You deserve that and more. ---
**Author:** ![StGermain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stgermain/32/2868_2.png) [@StGermain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StGermain)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2012, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336/104 "2012-11-11T17:59:51Z")
\*\*Dorothy \*\*- Don’t just use Craigslist as a job search tool. Look at companies surrounding you and check out their websites to see if they have any openings. Right now in StL, [my company](http://www.cardinal.com) has an opening for a night shift warehouse employee, for example. They won’t post on Craigslist, but it’s a decent job. Money isn’t great, at about $11/hr, but you get health insurance from the first day you start. Jobs are out there, but it’s a lot harder to find them, now. It used to be you’d get a Sunday paper, start circling jobs that looked promising, then go and apply. Now you have to find jobs, complete on-line applications, wait for background checks and drug tests, etc. Also, although it won’t pay well, retail should be ramping up for Christmas. Maybe you can pick up a part time jobs there. StG ---
**Author:** ![Ferret\_Herder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e47774/32.png) [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2012, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336/105 "2012-11-11T18:02:57Z")
Companies like FedEx and UPS will be hiring for the holidays as well, if you’re near a distribution center. You may be able to get a job as a package sorter in the warehouse if you’re physically able, but they’ll work you like a dog from what I hear, so if you have any lingering back pain or anything, I’d be very wary of it. ---
**Author:** ![flatlined](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/eb9ed0/32.png) [@flatlined](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flatlined)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2012, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336/106 "2012-11-11T19:41:40Z")
Thank you for the update, **Dorothy**. Everyone has offered up good suggestions, I don’t realy have anything to add to that. Are you able to get your stuff out of your car? Maybe someone could store it for you? I really hope things start getting better for you soon. I’ve been there and the despair can be overwhelming. I’m glad that you are checking in here so that you can know that people do care. ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2012, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336/107 "2012-11-12T17:31:54Z")
Ha! Now _I_ get to bump **flatlined** off a thread! 😃 Hope things are looking up for you **S. Dorothy.** Please let us know if there’s anything a pack of anonymous internet strangers can do for you… ---
**Author:** ![Feyrat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/fbc32d/32.png) [@Feyrat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Feyrat)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2012, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336/108 "2012-11-12T17:40:45Z")
Lots of retail places are starting to hire seasonal help now as well! Big stores like K-Mart, Target, Toys R Us, etc. Just walk in and fill out an app - my hubby just got a part-time seasonal the other day and we were surprised how easy it was considering how lousy the job market is here. ---
**Author:** ![carnut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnut/32/3531_2.png) [@carnut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnut)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2012, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336/109 "2012-11-12T21:17:27Z")
> [@Feyrat](#): > > Lots of retail places are starting to hire seasonal help now as well! Big stores like K-Mart, Target, Toys R Us, etc. Just walk in and fill out an app - my hubby just got a part-time seasonal the other day and we were surprised how easy it was considering how lousy the job market is here. Warehouse work too, especially at places like UPS and FedEx. It’s only temporary but at least it is something. ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2012, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336/110 "2012-11-12T21:20:16Z")
> [@flatlined](#): > > Thank you for the update, **Dorothy**. Everyone has offered up good suggestions, I don’t realy have anything to add to that. Are you able to get your stuff out of your car? Maybe someone could store it for you?.. Come on, you’re just waiting for Dorothy to ask “Know anyone with warehouse space?” ---
**Author:** ![rbroome](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/838e76/32.png) [@rbroome](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rbroome)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2012, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336/111 "2012-11-13T03:00:49Z")
> [@SurrenderDorothy](#): > > It’s a fair enough question. I’m posting from my phone, which was a gift from my mom a few years ago. She hasn’t taken me off the family plan. She won’t help beyond that, but that’s okay- the phone is my lifeline. > > I do still have a job, but the hours are erratic and the pay is low. I’ve applied for a bunch more, so I’m hoping something comes through. No food stamps or disability or anything. I do have enough to eat and ride the bus and such. > > And I’m in St. Louis and will definitely call that hotline- thank you. > > I did vote for Obama, so… spot on? the difference between SurrenderDorothy and bot3 is breathtaking! Thank you SD for your courage and manners. St. Louis is too far for me to help, but at least know good people are praying for you. ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2012, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336/112 "2012-11-13T23:02:53Z")
> [@digs](#): > > Come on, you’re just waiting for Dorothy to ask “Know anyone with warehouse space?” I’m embarassed at how long it took me to get this joke … :smack: Hope you’re doing better, **S. Dorothy.** ---
**Author:** ![Duke\_of\_Rat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ad7895/32.png) [@Duke\_of\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duke_of_Rat)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2012, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336/113 "2012-11-14T04:08:06Z")
SurrenderDorothy, if you can, set up a PayPal account and PM me the address. ---
**Author:** ![Rick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2012, 5:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336/114 "2012-11-14T05:57:52Z")
> [@Duke\_of\_Rat](#): > > SurrenderDorothy, if you can, set up a PayPal account and PM me the address. Ditto ---
**Author:** ![SurrenderDorothy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/surrenderdorothy/32/1221_2.png) [@SurrenderDorothy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SurrenderDorothy)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2012, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336/115 "2012-11-14T19:32:31Z")
Hello again… sorry for the delays between posts. I don’t get the warehouse joke. Aw. I’ve found a shelter for women and families that lets me keep my job. Which is a big relief. And I’ve applied for approximately twelve million jobs. Some look promising. We’ll see and I’ll keep applying. And bot3, I appreciate the apology. I can see where the timing was fishy. Honestly, I feel like kind of a dick for even being in this situation when there are people who really did just have everything they owned washed away through no fault of their own. I did get some of my stuff out of my car and am storing it with the lady who has my dog. I’ve asked and she’s okay with me occasionally coming over to get something I can wear for a job interview. Which is really good because I certainly don’t have the space to carry pretty things around with me. In the meantime, my goal is to get a car. I’m not too picky about what kind… as long as it has a roof, tires, and a working motor. But that will make getting and doing jobs a lot easier. It will even make odd jobs a lot easier (as you can imagine, things like rakes, snow shovels, and cleaning supplies did not make the “essential items” cut). And finding a place to stay, even. It’s easier if I can get there, especially on nights when I work past the time buses stop running. And thank you for the apology, bot3. I can see where the timing was fishy. I do kind of feel like a dick for being in this situation, at least partially of my own doing, when there are people on the east coast who just had everything they owned washed away through no fault of their own. I wish I were in a position to help them- they’ve got it worse than I do, for sure. ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2012, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336/116 "2012-11-14T19:50:50Z")
> [@SurrenderDorothy](#): > > Hello again… sorry for the delays between posts. > > I don’t get the warehouse joke. Aw. … **flatlined** works at a warehouse. 🙂 Also, you’re not a dick. You’re having a run of bad luck, that’s all. Glad your dog’s foster momma is being kind and helpful and that you at least have a safe place to sleep. ---
**Author:** ![Filbert](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/filbert/32/3433_2.png) [@Filbert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Filbert)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2012, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336/117 "2012-11-14T20:11:24Z")
I’m sure there are people who made better decisions/worked harder/whatever else than you have that are in bad situations; but that’s kind of irrelevant- there’s also a lot of people who made much _much_ worse choices with their lives and still have a nice comfortable life {insert celebrity joke here}. Really, you have no call at all to be feeling guilty for having a job, being an obviously nice person, and having to live in a shelter- if what you’ve written about yourself on this board is even 1/4 true, you deserve the help you’re getting and way more besides. ---
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2012, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336/118 "2012-11-14T20:36:00Z")
You are not a dick. I am super glad you have someplace to sleep at night that is not a street. If you decide to go ahead with your Ohio plans, please PM me because I live in Columbus and may be able to help you out with local resources and the like. ---
**Author:** ![Enkel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/df705f/32.png) [@Enkel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enkel)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2012, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336/119 "2012-11-14T21:22:56Z")
There are some non-profits who refurbish cars to provide to people who need help. Does anyone remember who they are? They advertise that you get the full market value because of the fact that the cars are given to clients (instead of sold through those rip-off organizations). My google-fu is weak right now. Can anyone find any of these organizations? ---
**Author:** ![Enkel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/df705f/32.png) [@Enkel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enkel)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2012, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336/120 "2012-11-14T21:28:10Z")
Here is a site that will link up car assistance programs in any area, you just put in the zip code under application and it provides a list. > **[Home - Working Cars for Working Families](https://www.workingcarsforworkingfamilies.org/)** > > Working Cars for Working Families is fighting to ensure that families get a fair deal when buying and financing a car [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336.md?page=7)