"We have applied for dozens of jobs. We will be on the street soon"

I've been homeless since March 9. I did everything "right," paid my bills, worked every day, but a couple hundred thousand dollars in cancer bills and losing my job pushed me out to the streets.

I've been able to get a job since March 9, and generous friends helped me get into a motel until I got my first pay check. Where I live there is no public transportation, and it's 25 miles to work. This weekend my pickup truck broke down--and my boss offered to take my resignation by phone. I didn't resign, and although it's take three days, I am getting a ride to work tomorrow (from an atheist, incidentally).

Here's what I'll tell you.

Most of the advice you'll get from people who aren't homeless won't help you. They'll tell you to take buses that don't exist, or to get counseling for the depression they would have if they were you, or something else that doesn't work.

Not everybody will be reasonable (such as my boss), but it happens that where I work there is a union. I don't mean to freak you out, but you'll have health problems pretty darned soon, so if you do get work, you'll be entitled to reasonable accommodation. Show up for every opportunity. Don't make it easy for you to get shoved out any door where you are making a contribution.

And get ready to be surprised just how kind and generous people can be. I've been amazed how if I'm doing my best, people I don't know find ways to help. There will be lots of people giving you silly advice like the above, but there will also be people who help.

I'll try to check back here tomorrow to see if you have any questions. But this too will pass.

go to selectcandidates.com and send your resume