Thanks, but I'm just giving a realistic assessment of my strengths and weaknesses. With no job or home or reliable transportation, I really don't see how I can recover on becoming homeless, not at my age. I've volunteered at the homeless shelter where I am and so many of the guys there have spent literally decades in their situation. They have no support network, no family or friends able or willing to lend a hand up. That's why it's so difficult for them to get off the streets and stay off.
I'm still somewhat confused by this thread. If I read through your postings over the past few months I read that in July you were employed and waiting for your next paycheck so you could spend over $100.00 on a razor and now in September you're on the verge of homelessness that you will never recover from. If you were employed, don't you qualify for unemployment? Why were you spending money you didn't have? Why did you sign up for Internet service the last time you moved when the rent deposit alone was 2 weeks of your pay? A good percentage of housing in Michigan is subsidized for lower income. Is that also the case in Ohio? Have you always had difficulty handling money and budgeting? I don't mean to sound harsh but your own postings point the finger at part of the problem. I just hope you're not trying to get forum members to send you funds. I've had to restart more than once so I know it can be done but first and foremost is a commitment to disciplined financial management. You can be broke at any income level.
I ended up selling the razor, actually, for money enough to cover rent for September. I also sold off a bunch of other stuff to pay this month's bills. My last job was in Corporation for National and Community Service. Technically I was a "volunteer" receiving a stipend in the form of a biweekly paycheck. It's not covered by unemployment insurance since it's not considered an actual job. There is typically an after-service stipend or education award, but that's only for the first two years of service, and in my case I'd already received that from previously serving. I've been looking for full employment daily even while serving, but despite having had some interviews, nothing has led to getting hired. I'm using public Wi-Fi now and occasionally my roommate's now that he has it (I let him use mine when I first moved in). I'm on a waiting list for a housing voucher, but it'll be months before I even get an appointment. CMHA is notoriously slow because there is so much backlog. Ohio provides very little to residents in my economic bracket. I was getting a little bit in SNAP, but that was cut off at the end of June, forcing me to eat more into my paychecks than I otherwise would have. I've only ever been able to secure low-wage employment. I have had no luck whatsoever securing better paying positions. The few allowances I give myself for the odd bit of enjoyment are just that: few—or things like the razor that I typically sell for higher than I paid, in order to get a little extra income.
What happened with this?? Is this not your business?? https://clevelandfilms.photoshelter.com/index ...
Haven't made any money with it, and the payment for the portfolio is past due so I can't even upload photos to it to build it up, and it'll be archived and then deleted soon for lack of payment. Camera's pawned, too. I had to sell everything I had of any value, like I said. Mine's an older model, too, so I wasn't able to get much for it.
It sounds like it is time to relocate. Texas has plenty of jobs, as do other states. . If you stick around Ohio much longer, winter is going to smack you hard.
I haven't any way of getting there except walking, dude. Like, seriously, bank account's in the negative so I can't get a bus ticket, there's no family or friends to fall back on, and I sure as hell don't have the strength or shoes enough to walk that distance. I'm stuck where I am. So this is where I have to find something. I have no other options.
I'm just curious how you got around all these years without a car or driver's license. That license could be making you some money. I know you don't have a car but you could drive a taxi. I would imagine taxi companies could use someone for the graveyard shift. Not glamorous but it would be something. I realize this is not necessarily helping. And there may be a very good reason you don't have a license. Unless you live in a major city like New York or San Francisco that has good public transportation making a car un-necessary, suburbs and smaller cities almost require a car to get around with any efficiency.
Interesting. My son was telling me he can't hire people at $15-18 dollars an hour, it's time you pack your bags and head to where the jobs are.
What is your education level? Any degrees? Any skills? What were your past jobs? Perhaps people here may have connections.
Never had the money for a car, and having nerve damage that affects my hands, I'm not safe to drive anyway. I take public transportation when I have money for a bus pass. Otherwise I walk.
BA in Film & Digital Media. I've got office and kitchen skills. Most recent job was as an Americorps VISTA.
Sounds like you have already given up. Sorry to see that. Have you tried day labor jobs. Heck tons of illegals pay their bills and send money home on those jobs.
@Michael_W firstly, I offer you my sympathy for your troubles. Realizing that my sympathy solves nothing I would also like to throw out an idea, based on my husband’s experiences (after returning from Iraq & needing a job.) He was over 50, but physically fit & not squeamish. So he applied for a job as an Emergency Medical Tech for the city. It’s the sort of job where they are always hiring and will pay you while you train. If you are fairly fit, your age is not an obstacle. (When asked why he wanted to be an EMT, my husband answered truthfully, that he simply needed a job. He was hired.). I don’t know if this is for you, but it could be worth considering.
@Michael_W I have to ask, sir. Besides the need to vent (and who could blame you), what is it that you need from this thread, and by proxy, this community?
Fair enough sir. Let it out. Many fine folks have offered well-meaning suggestions. Maybe we would do better to just listen.
