Ever lived in your car?

[cositaluvsmickey]

My thoughts and prayers go out to you, as somone mention try section 8 or try this..my social worker gave me this website to see if you might be intrested.
http://lahd.lacity.org/lahdinternet/

I wish you the best of luck and I hope everything turns out right. god speed

[astrologic]

I, too, wish you the best of luck. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

[steamboatpete]

Originally Posted by Orcinus

HUD has an 8 year waiting list, we've been on it for 4 years now. I'm currently searching through craigslist for places to stay, guest houses, cheap apartments, heck even a large room in someone's house. Talking to my landlord later on about our rent and what they can do.

This is why citizenship/legal residency should be thoroughly confirmed for all Sec. 8 housing beneficiaries.

I saw your other thread, too, about getting rehired at Disneyland. I don't think a starter job at Disneyland is a good route if you are in such dire straits that you might end up living in your car. Consider trying to get a job somewhere that pays tips until you have your degree, and if you can't afford an apartment, look into taking a room in someone's home. There are rooms available on Craigslist in very safe Orange County neighborhoods for as little as $500 per month, which just 15 hours a week at minimum wage would cover. It's not as good as a nice apartment or a house, but if you can't work something out with the landlord, it's a lot better than living in your car and showering at the gym. Whatever you do, don't give up on your education. Your current challenges will be short-lived, and eventually, with a good education, you'll be back on your feet.

[SnorkletsMom]

Do talk with your landlord. Remember, there are a lot of houses for rent right now in SoCal, plus if you move your landlord is guaranteed a loss of at least one month's rent, so perhaps he'll be willing to cut you a deal. Also, in this area it isn't uncommon for rent to be half or more of the monthly income. Landlords don't always stick to the one-third formula.
Check with a local social services office, there are emergency aid programs and such. Your Mom might qualify for some sort of assistance as well. Call everyone you can possibly think of, you never know which person or agency knows a bit of information that could really help. Speak to someone at your college as well.
Good luck and I wish you the best.

[elly]

I lived in my car for 3 months when I was 19. I had been working as a 24/7 live in caregiver for a lady who unfortunantly got sick and had to go to a nursing home leving me with no place to live. I tried to move back homebuy my step-father would not "allow" my mother tolet me move back in I slept during the day at the ventura beaches and just stayed up a night, being a 19 year old girl I didn't feel safe sleeping at night

It was rough and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. It really sucks wondering where your next meal is coming from. There have beena lot of good sugestiions in this thread for you and your mom I hope something works out for you soon. And do your very best to NOT lose your education, it's the best hope you have for your future!

[twobluestripes]

I don't know if your current landlord would let you do this, but prehaps you have a room that you could sublet, in addition to doing odd jobs and work for him? You could rent to a student and they would pay part of your rent.

If you still end up having to leave your house, definitely check near your campus (or near other college campuses). Lots of houses in my town, Orange, have a "mother-in-law" house, which is basically a tiny cottage on the property that has been converted to a little apartment or room for a renter. There are also above-garage spaces and things like that. From what I've seen, renting from owners like that is a lot cheaper than getting a lease at a larger apartment complex! And they're usually safer too, in terms of neighborhoods and such. I have a few friends who rent a room or two off the back of someone's house.

I also want to add how touching it is that you're so concerned about your mother, but don't forget to take care of yourself as well! You BOTH matter and it's important that you stay as safe and healthy that you can.

[Goover]

I'm very sorry to hear this .

My step dad lost his job mid December and we were in an apartment by Jan. 4, cause once the job would stop giving pay stubs (Feb. 22), the apartments would not have let us in.

I suggest you try to do everything as quick as possible before things can possibly get worse.

[I Heart Disneyland]

Originally Posted by NeverNeverland

Have you tried to find someone looking for roommates? Or checked into low cost housing from the town or city you live in? Esp. if she has medical issues, therem ight be some provisions.
!

Excellent suggestions here.

I'm so sorry this is happening to you and your mom. Can you work while going to school? Just to help out until you get out of school for the summer? I know it wouldn't be easy to work and attend classes, but, it may be what you have to do. I wish you well.

[Loueloui]

Orcinus, I am very sorry to hear of your circumstances.

Have you tried contacting the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, or a local Parish? The Red Cross in particular assists with emergency housing requests. Also, it may be some time before you landlord will be able to evict you legally, look here: California Tenant Law - Free legal advice for California renters' rights You may be able to stall long enough until you can save up a healthy deposit. As for the deposit thing, do not let this be the final answer. The best piece of advice I ever got was, 'If you like the answer to a question don't ever ask it again. If you don't like it keep asking until you do.'

I come from a very poor family. I too was once homeless. I slept in a park until I finally got a bed in a homeless shelter.I did not even own a vehicle.I can offer you two pieces of advice from my experience.

Things will not always be bad. Think about that for a minute. Eventually, this too shall come to pass.

Your posessions do not define your self. Do not let being down on your luck become part of your identity. Poverty is a condition, not a definition.

I am now a very successful, and well respected engineer. I am living proof that anyone can succeed if you are willing to work hard, and have the right attitude.

[Fantasmico!]

I am so sorry to hear about your tough times. I've been there myself during the last two years of college. One year I was homeless for a couple of months then 3 1/2 months the following year. I did my best to get housing but somehow each year it disappeard due to misunderstandings.

There are great suggestions here and I would only add that Section 8 might have a list of sliding scale housing that would only charge 1/3 of your current income. There is a list where I live. Worth a shot anyway. Good luck to you and your mother.

[denice25]

sorry to hear that.. good luck!