Living Out Of My Car?

[Smile]

I had to move back home to my mom's a few months ago. I'm in the midst of "disability hell"... Aka still appealing & losing.

I just can't handle living here anymore. When I originally moved away 2 years ago, I lived out of my car for 2 months. It was pure hell. Finding a place that feels safe enough (no place), barely being able to sleep once finding a spot (insomnia & outdoor sounds is just not a good combo).

But... I'm so tense here that I'm thinking of doing it again. And just hope that disability comes in soonish.

Anyone else do this?
And no, I can't do homeless shelters... Can't live with other people... Too much noise, too much anxiety

 

[shimmerz]

Yeah, I have done it. For a few years on and off.... and every winter. I have tons of triggers I am dealing with now having to do with that period of time. I wouldn't advise it if you can possibly avoid it.

Also, not sure how disability will get a hold of you if you have no address, if that is the plan.

 

[scout86]

I've done it too. Somewhat for the reason you're dealing with. This time of year too. Not much fun, but I'm sure you know that. What about something like a house sitting job? (Might not be practical, depending on where you live.)

 

[joeylittle]

Can't live with other people... Too much noise, too much anxiety

Is the noise and anxiety of a shelter equal to your statement, below?

I lived out of my car for 2 months. It was pure hell. Finding a place that feels safe enough (no place), barely being able to sleep once finding a spot (insomnia & outdoor sounds is just not a good combo).

Because if it's about the same, the shelter might be a better move, especially if it's coming up on winter where you are.

 

[Smile]

Yeah, I have done it. For a few years on and off.... and every winter. I have tons of triggers I am d...

Yeah, I know what you mean. About disability contacting me... I suppose I'd get a p.o. Box

I've done it too. Somewhat for the reason you're dealing with. This time of year too. Not much fun, but...

Yes, I've actually looked into house sitting jobs in the past but I always worry that the people are shady & I might just be setting myself up for a really scary situation

Is the noise and anxiety of a shelter equal to your statement, below?

Because if it's about the same...

You are right. As I was writing the post I noticed that "discrepancy" myself. But it's really about being in control. In my car, I can always drive somewhere else if I get scared.

 

[Myanxietyhasanxiety]

This breaks my heart.

Wishing you the best!

 

[Smile]

@Myanxietyhasanxiety , oh no! I don't want to break ur heart! If I do this, it'll be to get me to a better place than I'm in now so that's a good thing :)

 

[Myanxietyhasanxiety]

I'm happy to hear that @Smile. You deserve to be at a better place! The idea of you in your car is what hurts me. I can understand and relate that if options are limited a shelter would be hard. It just breaks my heart that your options are limited. I was fortunate in a time of need that I had family friends when I was out of state that took me in short-term.

It was a rough few years but today I own a tiny home on beautiful property- free and clear. I won at an Auction. Paid cash, and every cent I get goes to fixing it up. I hope this for you too! It's been incredibly healing.

Maybe see if u can Talk to the staff at the shelter, maybe they let you take a tour, I don't know enough about it but maybe they can help you for enough time to get on your feet?

Nit sure where you are, or country, or how the disability laws are, but I recently read that in US if you file for SSDI you can advise them of life circumstances and homelessness is one. They can expedite your claim under certain life circumstances. May not apply but just food for thought.

Tiny house living has been incredibly healing. I don't have a mortgage. I lived in a library basically researching and learning about self sufficient ideas. I now live on a very small disability income but it's been enough to take care of my needs & my daughters. I grow my own food, recycled everything- upcycling, shop at thrift stores.

 

[Smile]

@Myanxietyhasanxiety , wow that's amazing! Thank you for that happy ending. So happy to hear that for u :)

Yes! I was just thinking to let SSDI know that I'm homeless... Will definitely do it now that you told me that! Thank you so so much!

 

[Myanxietyhasanxiety]

That makes me happy! I'm sending you good vibes your way.

I do feel like I have a happy ending to my story. It wasn't easy, it was painful, it was long but now looking at it, IT was WORTH it!

I hope this for you too.

 

[Panda Bear]

Yes! Please let them know of changing circumstances. I'm so glad this was brought up.

I can't speak for the homeless part, but I wonder if you did...maybe..try a shelter, they might be a good stepping stone to other resources for you?

My church houses a 90day winter shelter, it's a interfaith, community supported and run program. It's not just a place for people to sleep, shower, and ear, they also work so HEAVILY on removing the barriers that lead to homelessness in the first place. Because community programs are involved, they are their weekly to help remover whatever barrier that exist for people, if possible.

Just an idea....

 

[Jnean]

if your working with any agency at all let them know too just incase they have any good referrals. Also in my experience United Way has helped. And commissioners, state reps, or if you have been in the military...every county should have a county VA rep to help you with prioritizing your disability if it's a service connection, otherwise if it's SSDI maybe a homeless status could help get your claim prioritized. Lastly every county in every state of United States has a Supportive Services for Veteran Families grant that can help no matter what in some way if you've served in the military. I hope you can find some agency out there that cares and can help you!