My 22 year old homeless girl diary
There were several times we’ve had to sleep in the car because we couldn’t afford hotels for the night. They were kinda hard as there were always security around places, and hard to find places to go to the bathroom. I’m grateful to be able to afford hotels in a nightly basis. It’s crazy how much time it consumes to be a homeless individual. My mom and I pretty much devote our time to DoorDash/Uber Eats, and we’re still not able to afford both daily hotels and food. There are times we all had to starve for a bit.
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Recently, my dad died. I refuse to say anything other than I don’t want to believe it. I love and miss him.
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We’ve been thinking of going to NC. Places are pretty cheap compared to SoCal. I mean, with what we’re paying for hotels per week, it’d come down to around 2500 to 3000 a month. Also, before a lot of the jobs I applied to over there called me back, which is something I’m not used to here in SoCal. Hopefully everything goes well in the near future. Take care everyone : )
Living as a homeless individual, especially at such a young age, can be overwhelming and exhausting. The challenges go far beyond finding shelter; there's the constant search for places to sleep safely, especially when hotel stays become unaffordable and sleeping in cars becomes the only option. Security concerns and lack of access to basic necessities like bathrooms add to the daily struggles. Beyond the physical hardships, the emotional toll is significant. Coping with the loss of a parent while managing an unstable living situation can create a heavy burden. Grief, paired with uncertainty, can make it difficult to maintain hope. Yet, this experience leads to resilience, with the author and her family working tirelessly through food delivery jobs like DoorDash and Uber Eats, doing their best despite financial constraints. Sometimes this means enduring days without enough food or a safe place to rest. The idea of relocating to North Carolina brings a flicker of hope. The lower cost of living there, including cheaper housing options, promises a chance to stabilize their lives. The fact that job applications are receiving responses in North Carolina, unlike Southern California, points toward potential new beginnings. This geographic move reflects a strategic decision to escape the high expenses and lack of support in California, while still cherishing it as a dream home. Interestingly, one surprising aspect of homelessness with a car is the unexpected freedom it brings. Being mobile allows access to diverse places, such as lakes and mountain reserves, offering moments of peace amid chaos. Though the hardship is immense, small moments of joy—like free cookie decorating events or quiet time outdoors—highlight the human spirit's ability to find light even in darkness. For those facing similar situations, this diary underscores the importance of community, perseverance, and hope. The journey shows that even when life feels unbearably tough, planning for change and pursuing new opportunities can create a path toward stability. It’s a raw and unfiltered glimpse into a reality many don’t see, reminding us of the dignity and determination behind every homeless story.
“This broke my heart to read. I’m so sorry for everything you and your mom have been going through, and for the loss of your dad. You’re incredibly strong for keeping going. I truly hope things turn around for you soon 🤍