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The original was posted on /r/lifehacks by /u/KindVibesOnly on 2024-11-05 00:08:57+00:00.

Mllions of Americans are now facing eviction with nowhere to go. I know how hard it is because I’ve been homeless myself, living out of my car. I want to share some advice to help make this period more bearable and remind you: it’s temporary. One day, you’ll look back and laugh, and you’ll have a deeper empathy for others in the same situation.

The first essential is keeping your phone active. Switch to a cheaper plan if needed, but don’t lose that lifeline—it’s crucial for job hunting and getting help. If money is tight, ask a friend or family member to help cover your phone bill.

Second, if you’re facing financial trouble and still have access to credit cards, use them to take care of important car maintenance like new tires. Your car may be your shelter for a while.

Third, if you can swing it, join a gym for regular showers—it makes a world of difference. Reach out to a friend who might let you do laundry at their place once a week, but be mindful not to overstay your welcome.

With so much free time on your hands, take advantage of it. Exercise, visit libraries for internet access, and use public Wi-Fi. Ask a friend for access to their streaming accounts. Create a daily routine that includes physical activity and long walks to stay healthy.

Soup kitchens need volunteers, and helping out can connect you with others and sometimes lead to job opportunities. It may not seem like it now, but volunteering builds valuable networks.

For food, if you’re desperate, you can find discarded but still edible food behind fast food places. Some restaurants may even let you wash dishes for a meal. You’d be surprised at the kindness out there. Sometimes, slipping into a hotel for a complimentary breakfast works too.

Parking will be a challenge. Always be prepared to move and have multiple spots to rotate between, like industrial areas or empty lots, to avoid trouble with police.

For clothes, keep a system in your car: one bag for clean items and one for laundry. As for storage units, they’re usually not worth it. Monthly payments can drain your money, and most stored items are replaceable. I learned this the hard way when I wasted money storing things that ultimately got ruined.

Take time to work on yourself, both physically and mentally. Read books, take free classes, and stay open to learning new things and meeting people. Don’t be ashamed of your situation. If someone asks, just be honest: the current economy forced you into car camping. Acceptance is key.

Places like Starbucks or McDonald’s are good for staying a while as long as you’re clean and respectful. Sometimes, staff might even help out if you’re kind to them. “The Greatest Salesman in the World” is a book that really helped me through rough times.

Money will be tight, so prioritize yourself—food comes first. Ignore medical bills or anything that jeopardizes your ability to eat. Don’t stress about creditors; their system put you here in the first place.

Lastly, remember that this isn’t the end. You can find moments of joy even when you’re broke and homeless. Be kind to others and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Reach out to friends for small loans if necessary.

This isn’t your fault, and the economy is in bad shape. Things may worsen before they improve, but you’ll come out of this stronger and possibly even happier. Hang in there.