I'm not sure where else to post this, but I wanted to at least try to reach out to other Magic players for help if possible, I hope this doesn't get deleted.
Long story short, I've lived in the Portland Oregon area my whole life. this summer I quit my job due to a temporary health issue, and that same month my roommates and I where told we had to move out of the house they had been renting for 4 years because it was being remodeled and sold. In the 21 days I had to find a new place, the place I had found fell through on the last day, effectively leaving me and my blind cat (old but healthy) homeless. I had a good amount of savings and had used that for cheap AirBNBs since then, but I am on my last dollar, and still have not even found a temporary solution to my living situation.
I am male, 36, healthy criminal record free and actively job seeking, but due to my circumstances find myself 1 day away from true homelessness. I set up a donation page on my tumblr, which I am not sure if I can link here, so I wont, but my main question is, what do I do now? I've asked friends, I only have 1 living relative and his living situation wont support another person. What are my options?
Hmmm... tough one. Not sure what rent is like in Oregon in general. With winter coming on that makes it harder. The cat is a handicap (I know, I have one). Once you go homeless, it's nearly impossible to get back on your feet because jobs want an address.
Keep in mind my advice is relevant to California where it's generally hot right now. But snow is coming here too.
Best advice is to check out the LGS or some other Gathering and see if anyone needs a roommate. I did that for about.. three years.
I don't know if Oregon has any sort of housing assistance program. California does but its overloaded to the gills. Wait lists are into the years.
Can you relocate to some place warmer? If so, you can try to find a friendly campground. Offer some kind of handyman-type or security type stuff in exchange for a small out of the way spot to camp. Tent, not car. Most campers don't stay for more than a week so they'll never guess you're homeless as long as you keep your site clean. Be honest, don't lie. This is extremely tough with a cat. I taught mine to be leashed and on a harness but it's crazy hard when I camped just for vacation. A crate or a cage would be a big help.
I had a buddy who collected video games so this wasn't an option. For him, he hooked up living in a shed. It was demeaning. No access to bathroom facilities (bucket) but the shed was secure. Note, it's illegal, but that's an aside. Easier to keep the cat safe.
I had a girl friend (not girlfriend) who lived in a garage. Sketchy at best, she had to hang a padlock on the garage door and disconnect the motor but it worked. I would not do this since there is no heat or AC and there is real danger from the water heater or HVAC killing you if it doesn't work right. Cat is secure. I lost mine in my garage for three weeks before I found him. Summer heat can kill so be very careful.
I reccomend against it, but I know a guy who lived in the back room of his vacuum repair shop for... er... 30 years I think. That would be pure dumb luck if a shop owner let you do that.
Do not try to use a storage place as shelter. You're on your own with that one.
avoid homeless shelters or illegal camps. It takes time and effort to integrate and be accepted into some cliques, neither of which you likely do not have the luxury.
Homelessness is huge in portland, thats why I dont want to get into the system, I would never get out again.
Ive already sold my magic collection, and have sold off my transformers this week. I still need to ship some.
If I had a place to stay for even a month, I would be able to get a job, pay them for the ability to stay and be able to find a craiglist room or something, but it looks like I wont even get that chance. I honestly don't know what to do to avoid this.
Bummer... really wish I had ironclad ideas that would help.
I live in Sacramento and it's a huge situation here too. I won't say it's a problem but it's not good. Those who need help seem to have personal issues that need to be resolved and those who can, won't, because of those same issues. This is compounded by the complete lack of affordable housing in Sacramento. But I digress.
My brother was homeless and ended up living with our uncle for something like 10 or 15 years. Had to give up his motorcycle collection and his garage tools toil that one off. Even with my uncle it was pure unadulterated Hell. Just don't ask. But my point is, have you asked your living relative for ideas? Maybe someone they know who needs a roommate? I assume you did.
Don't take it wrong, but little old ladies are sometimes more than happy to have a roommate to help around the house and for social interaction. I had a couple offers over the years though I never accepted them. They wanted "live-in nurses" which is a bit beyond my tolerance levels. Point being, some of these retired ladies are clueless with the computer so you'll never see craigslistings from them.
Old men, like my Uncle, are another ball of wax. Good luck with that but don't be picky.
Check bulletin boards for available rooms. Not just Craigslist. If it's anything like where I grew up, seasonal rooms will open for ski bums and you might get lucky and hook one of those that isn't price gouging.
I get your problem. Having a cat makes finding shelter exponentially more difficult. I lost a cat once due to a dishonest "friend" while moving, I won't make that mistake again.
Anything beyond these ideas that I can think of gets into sketchy things that probably breaks forum rules somewhere.
my brother has his own situation, 2 bd apartment, him and his seperated wife who doesn't work, and his 2 roommates. If I was there I would be sleeping in the living room. He is OK with me being there but the other three are not.
I've been room hunting for about a week, havent found anything. I think me not having a normal job is the big putoff, ebay and paypal screenshots just arent as reliable for people to show income.
I'm clean, never been arrested. It's not like this is due to addiction or gambling or anything, but like we both mentioned, once I get into the system, people will assume the worst and every step to get out of it will be harder and harder.
I am not sure I could do elder care again, my grandparents both faded away from alzheimers and my brother was their primary caretake, and I went through it myself later with my mothers diabetis related blindness and dimentia. It's a good idea but it would be soul crushing. I almpst walked out of Logan (If youve seen the first half hour with Charles, it's hard)
I have a couple friends who dont live in oregon anymore saying they are talking to people for me, but right now it doesnt look good. Im scared and shaking and dont know what else to do. it feels like a last day of freedom. Like tomorrow I dont get to be a person anymore.
I have no connections in the Oregon area (that I'm aware of anyways) and my knowledge of homelessness there amounts to zilch. I can only go with what is familiar to me. California and the places I lived.
The advice I have feels shallow at best so take it how you want. If you already figured these out, that's OK. I'm hoping I'll write something that you maybe overlooked or forgot. It's easy to stress and overlook things.
You'll need an address. Some locales offer free or very low-cost mail service such as a P.O. Box or physical address. I know Los Angeles has places. I don't know where else it is offered. I think the trick to finding them is not to look for homeless services but low-income family services. Long story short, I got a severe chewing for using the word homeless. Failing that, use a friend, your brother or whomever you can trust. Don't change it until you find residence.
Next, get a library card. This will give you access to free WiFi, a place to charge your hardware, and free use of a computer on a timer (usually an hour IIRC).
Bathing and showering is a must. However, I know of no place where you can shower for free and... ahem... naked. The closest I can offer is the beach side showers and clean up in swim trunks. Although soaping up might get you in trouble. If a friend can offer a place to shower, especially before interviews, take it. Otherwise, sponge baths.
Sacramento has an interesting free program for laundry. The requirement is that you're homeless. I know very little about it. If that's a no go in Oregon. Then a 5 gallon bucket and cold water laundry soap. Then hang dry. Save the campfire and boiling water for the Top Ramen noodles. Old camp trick, but it's doable for a time. My grandma used bar soap, yellow Dial I think, but it tends to leave behind a residue.
There are programs to obtain food for your cat. Human food too. But I have no idea how to dip into that other than the specific local programs. I never actually used them. I know it's barely anything to make it the entire month.
Added: go to church. Can't believe I didn't think of this as I haven't gone in nearly 20 years. Non-denominational seems to be the most receptive to helping but any denomination should help.
There is one final thing and it feels the most shallow to me.
Good advice, I did know most of it but its still all valid.
I am at the point that the cat may need to be put to sleep, he is old, 15, and blind. I don't think he would get adopted, and I dont have anyone who can take him. I am kind of shellshocked regarding myself right now, the realization about the cat has really thrown me this morning. I feel like I've failed him more than anything, I've had him since he was a baby, and spent so much time and money on him over the years for his health making sure he was OK. I just don't know what to do anymore, but it;s obvious I can't take care of myself, let alone him.
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Long story short, I've lived in the Portland Oregon area my whole life. this summer I quit my job due to a temporary health issue, and that same month my roommates and I where told we had to move out of the house they had been renting for 4 years because it was being remodeled and sold. In the 21 days I had to find a new place, the place I had found fell through on the last day, effectively leaving me and my blind cat (old but healthy) homeless. I had a good amount of savings and had used that for cheap AirBNBs since then, but I am on my last dollar, and still have not even found a temporary solution to my living situation.
I am male, 36, healthy criminal record free and actively job seeking, but due to my circumstances find myself 1 day away from true homelessness. I set up a donation page on my tumblr, which I am not sure if I can link here, so I wont, but my main question is, what do I do now? I've asked friends, I only have 1 living relative and his living situation wont support another person. What are my options?
Hmmm... tough one. Not sure what rent is like in Oregon in general. With winter coming on that makes it harder. The cat is a handicap (I know, I have one). Once you go homeless, it's nearly impossible to get back on your feet because jobs want an address.
Keep in mind my advice is relevant to California where it's generally hot right now. But snow is coming here too.
Best advice is to check out the LGS or some other Gathering and see if anyone needs a roommate. I did that for about.. three years.
I don't know if Oregon has any sort of housing assistance program. California does but its overloaded to the gills. Wait lists are into the years.
Can you relocate to some place warmer? If so, you can try to find a friendly campground. Offer some kind of handyman-type or security type stuff in exchange for a small out of the way spot to camp. Tent, not car. Most campers don't stay for more than a week so they'll never guess you're homeless as long as you keep your site clean. Be honest, don't lie. This is extremely tough with a cat. I taught mine to be leashed and on a harness but it's crazy hard when I camped just for vacation. A crate or a cage would be a big help.
I had a buddy who collected video games so this wasn't an option. For him, he hooked up living in a shed. It was demeaning. No access to bathroom facilities (bucket) but the shed was secure. Note, it's illegal, but that's an aside. Easier to keep the cat safe.
I had a girl friend (not girlfriend) who lived in a garage. Sketchy at best, she had to hang a padlock on the garage door and disconnect the motor but it worked. I would not do this since there is no heat or AC and there is real danger from the water heater or HVAC killing you if it doesn't work right. Cat is secure. I lost mine in my garage for three weeks before I found him. Summer heat can kill so be very careful.
I reccomend against it, but I know a guy who lived in the back room of his vacuum repair shop for... er... 30 years I think. That would be pure dumb luck if a shop owner let you do that.
Do not try to use a storage place as shelter. You're on your own with that one.
avoid homeless shelters or illegal camps. It takes time and effort to integrate and be accepted into some cliques, neither of which you likely do not have the luxury.
Ive already sold my magic collection, and have sold off my transformers this week. I still need to ship some.
If I had a place to stay for even a month, I would be able to get a job, pay them for the ability to stay and be able to find a craiglist room or something, but it looks like I wont even get that chance. I honestly don't know what to do to avoid this.
I live in Sacramento and it's a huge situation here too. I won't say it's a problem but it's not good. Those who need help seem to have personal issues that need to be resolved and those who can, won't, because of those same issues. This is compounded by the complete lack of affordable housing in Sacramento. But I digress.
My brother was homeless and ended up living with our uncle for something like 10 or 15 years. Had to give up his motorcycle collection and his garage tools toil that one off. Even with my uncle it was pure unadulterated Hell. Just don't ask. But my point is, have you asked your living relative for ideas? Maybe someone they know who needs a roommate? I assume you did.
Don't take it wrong, but little old ladies are sometimes more than happy to have a roommate to help around the house and for social interaction. I had a couple offers over the years though I never accepted them. They wanted "live-in nurses" which is a bit beyond my tolerance levels. Point being, some of these retired ladies are clueless with the computer so you'll never see craigslistings from them.
Old men, like my Uncle, are another ball of wax. Good luck with that but don't be picky.
Check bulletin boards for available rooms. Not just Craigslist. If it's anything like where I grew up, seasonal rooms will open for ski bums and you might get lucky and hook one of those that isn't price gouging.
I get your problem. Having a cat makes finding shelter exponentially more difficult. I lost a cat once due to a dishonest "friend" while moving, I won't make that mistake again.
Anything beyond these ideas that I can think of gets into sketchy things that probably breaks forum rules somewhere.
I've been room hunting for about a week, havent found anything. I think me not having a normal job is the big putoff, ebay and paypal screenshots just arent as reliable for people to show income.
I'm clean, never been arrested. It's not like this is due to addiction or gambling or anything, but like we both mentioned, once I get into the system, people will assume the worst and every step to get out of it will be harder and harder.
I am not sure I could do elder care again, my grandparents both faded away from alzheimers and my brother was their primary caretake, and I went through it myself later with my mothers diabetis related blindness and dimentia. It's a good idea but it would be soul crushing. I almpst walked out of Logan (If youve seen the first half hour with Charles, it's hard)
I have a couple friends who dont live in oregon anymore saying they are talking to people for me, but right now it doesnt look good. Im scared and shaking and dont know what else to do. it feels like a last day of freedom. Like tomorrow I dont get to be a person anymore.
The advice I have feels shallow at best so take it how you want. If you already figured these out, that's OK. I'm hoping I'll write something that you maybe overlooked or forgot. It's easy to stress and overlook things.
You'll need an address. Some locales offer free or very low-cost mail service such as a P.O. Box or physical address. I know Los Angeles has places. I don't know where else it is offered. I think the trick to finding them is not to look for homeless services but low-income family services. Long story short, I got a severe chewing for using the word homeless. Failing that, use a friend, your brother or whomever you can trust. Don't change it until you find residence.
Next, get a library card. This will give you access to free WiFi, a place to charge your hardware, and free use of a computer on a timer (usually an hour IIRC).
Bathing and showering is a must. However, I know of no place where you can shower for free and... ahem... naked. The closest I can offer is the beach side showers and clean up in swim trunks. Although soaping up might get you in trouble. If a friend can offer a place to shower, especially before interviews, take it. Otherwise, sponge baths.
Sacramento has an interesting free program for laundry. The requirement is that you're homeless. I know very little about it. If that's a no go in Oregon. Then a 5 gallon bucket and cold water laundry soap. Then hang dry. Save the campfire and boiling water for the Top Ramen noodles. Old camp trick, but it's doable for a time. My grandma used bar soap, yellow Dial I think, but it tends to leave behind a residue.
There are programs to obtain food for your cat. Human food too. But I have no idea how to dip into that other than the specific local programs. I never actually used them. I know it's barely anything to make it the entire month.
Added: go to church. Can't believe I didn't think of this as I haven't gone in nearly 20 years. Non-denominational seems to be the most receptive to helping but any denomination should help.
There is one final thing and it feels the most shallow to me.
Good Luck.
I am at the point that the cat may need to be put to sleep, he is old, 15, and blind. I don't think he would get adopted, and I dont have anyone who can take him. I am kind of shellshocked regarding myself right now, the realization about the cat has really thrown me this morning. I feel like I've failed him more than anything, I've had him since he was a baby, and spent so much time and money on him over the years for his health making sure he was OK. I just don't know what to do anymore, but it;s obvious I can't take care of myself, let alone him.