Homeless vet on a search to find a real home.

[nateg]

Good day to anyone who may be reading this, I am new to the rv world recently I was able to get a small loan for a pop up or tow behind and im looking for as much advice as possible before i set out in the world. I am a 25 yr old homeless vet with a yr old puppy named lily im leaving out mass to cali to find warmer weather for now until I figure out what im actually doing. I have a 98 jeep Cherokee sport I am going to be using for this adventure. I work at home for a call center ( kinda funny with the homelessness thing) my current living situation has come to and end forcing me back into the world just this time with a mobile home at least which I will be forever grateful for. If anyone knows of good routes to get to ca or even other places I can go any suggestion will be appreciated, I have a hotspot for internet when its absolutely needed for work but really do need some sort of wifi access to do my job.

[ncrowley]

Another veteran here. Pick a place with a low cost of living and lots of job options. Also, since you want to live in an inexpensive RV, you do not want cold winters. You would have a hard time paying the heating bill even if you could keep it from freezing up. I would look at places like Tennessee, Texas, and Florida. I would also consider renting an apartment for a while until you get your feet under you and have a better idea of where you are going. Do not give up - there are lots of us here cheering for you and hoping you succeed.

[nateg]

The va failed my this is a last attempt option, I don't have healthcare I know I need it. Some days i feel like its my last I didn't have alot of options before I got to talk to most of you, Cali was just a chance to see where the sun sets for once in my life before it never became an option. I thank you all for you suggestions again, especially those from the veterans and active service here I know most of you can understand me to some level. Im currently taking everything on here and coming up with a map of what my plans are I want to go to school again and make something of my life. I once was able to stand tall and proud of who I was, being a marine has keep me going death before dishonor I refuse to give up not like this. I just never had a dad or grandpa growing up the only man I know how to be is from what I take from my elders.

[Gjac]

Nate, Jack gave you some good advice. I will only add that when I got out of the Navy in 1971, it was a difficult time for me also being away with no TV it was a culture shock when I returned to the USA. Anti war protesters, race riots, no jobs. I was trying to figure out what to do and an older Vet gave me some advice. He told me to go back to college on the GI bill. It turned out to be good advice. I don't want to get too personal but many returning vets from the Vietnam war had some difficulties finding themselves. Some took 30 years some never did. So I would say if you are really into this travel thing don't make it a life style yet talk to many different folks along the way try not to run away from the "prisons of your past" but try to confront some of these things. Try not to let your past dictate your future. Set a goal I will travel, explore and learn some life lessens for a year and return to college a more mature and stronger person. And Nate thank you for you service. Hope this helps.

[motorcycle_jack]

Thank you for your service! I'm a retired veteran who is going to give you my advice like you were one of my troops, ok? California is not for you. Why? As a homeless vet the cost of living there puts you at a distinct disadvantage. Think about it, you want to MAXIMIZE your income, build your credit and find a good paying job. Please pick an area closer o your location currently, like Pennsylvania, Virginia or North Carolina, where the cost of living is less and the opportunities to succeed will build your confidence. Lots of gas jobs going on in Pa where hard work will get you going along the road to getting off the homeless list. Many Va hospitals to provide counseling, medical support and lots of campgrounds where you can stay cheaply - state, county and city CG's are much cheaper and some even have wifi. Va and NC also have good support from the VA. When you get established and have more money and credit (in a couple of years) THEN consider making a move out west but have a definite plan by then of what you will do, where you will go and how much it will cost. Good luck, think it through with input from counselors and take small steps - not leaps. We can survive small changes where large leaps often lead to failure. You want SUCCESS.

[HGL]

If you are a disabled vet, Oregon does allow non-residents to file paperwork to get a pass that allows up to 10 days a month free camping, with a 5 day max per visit at one park. They do charge an $8 reservation fee. Its good for 4 years and then they will send out a "address" verification card about 4 months before it expires so that you can mail it back stating that you haven't moved. I was told on the phone that if I do move to just call their office and they will update their database.

The Feds have a program for disabled vets as well, free entrance to any park and 1/2 rates on all camping, including staying at lodges.

Washington state offers free camping to residents who are service connected. During the peak season I can stay for up to 10 days in a park, and non-peak it's 14 days if I am reserving the spot. There is no cost to make the reservations.

I have been trying to find other states that allow disabled vets to camp at reduced rates but I haven't really ventured out of the PNW at this point as we aren't looking to travel that far just yet.

Also you should talk to your local worksource or "job" placement office as they should have information on local veterans groups that can help out financially.

Hope this all helps!

[Speedogomer]

Again, Northeast PA has lots of jobs in the natural gas industry. It's a lot closer than ND to you.

If you're homeless, and worried about safety from the public, you sound like you are in a rough spot. Sometimes the VA is hit or miss, but I suggest you look into some counseling services. Every area is different, but there is help out there for emotional and career counseling.

You could even start at the YMCA, who often have experience dealing with homeless, and have resources to direct you, and help guide you.

I feel a plan of taking out a loan, and going in the road will only worsen your situation. The hassle of a pop up to live in, especially in colder weather, would be extreme. The costs of campgrounds, propane, fuel for driving, and outfitting an RV is very expensive.

[westend]

If you plan to depart the NE this summer, I would take a Northern route ending in the PNW. You can then swing South as temperatures drop and Winter approaches. Check out some of the cheap campgrounds online indexes. There will be places to park without fees or a very low price.
Gas will be your #1 cost and it's possible to park for a few days, get some temporary employment, and refill the gas budget jar. I would advise to take things slow and look around for a place that appeals to you enroute. Making a bee line for CA and arriving with no resources is going to be a big let down, IMO. CA is high priced and filled with homeless folks that are not treated well. I don't know the employment situation in CA but I do know that some places have immediate need for workers. As was mentioned, Western ND is looking for workers.

I would imagine that living homeless is pushing you towards a life with some stability. If that's not the case and you wish to keep exploring, hats off to you, everyone that's young should take off without a destination and see what's over the next hill. If stability is a pressing factor, look at small town USA while you're traveling. Big cities and especially the West Coast are going to be a hard place to make that happen.

Good luck to you and happy travels!

[bikendan]

i don't think you have a clear idea about homeless shelters allowing pets out here in Cali.
lot of them don't, depends on the location.\

i suggest looking for another place to land. our state parks here charge a minimum of $35/nite for a basic campsite with no hookups of any kind.
the cost of living and gas prices are enough to make it difficult on anyone to live here.
sure the weather is great but it's second only to New York for most expensive cost of living.

[nateg]

Renting a place would normally seem more reasonable my loan is for 4500 just enough to get a used pop up from what i've been seeing. I would get an apartment but for 100 a month on the loan to own a bed that's safe enough for now seemed more cost effective having an apt would be nice but with puppy it just is out of my league until I find a real job or career. I do appreciate all the advice about staying away from cali unless its a visit the only reason it came to my mind is when I called the Va for help no homeless center would take a dog other then ones outside my state. Plus I heard about park passes for the year where you can camp on state parks in the area I figured it was good access to water and safety from he public. Thank you for all the job locations and ideas as well I really just want to make sure I have alot of options once I head out so im not stuck in a worse situation.

[shepcal]

Just my .02 worth, lived here in CA last 50 years, beautiful country (live just below Yosemite), pays been good, cost of living sucks. Being an illegal alien on your resume would be better than saying your a vet in this screwed up state. I'm still here cause I'm too old to start a new business somewhere else, but making enough to enjoy AZ and NV prospecting. CA? wouldn't recommend, NM or Texas might be a better chose. Good Luck my friend, Thanks for your service!

Shep

[HGL]

Head for Colorado Springs, USAA has a major call center there and they love to hire vets. Good luck on your travels!

[Dick_B]

I understand that North Dakota is hiring big time for the oil industry.

[Speedogomer]

First, to answer your questions.

A scenic route to cali for me would be US route 6. Much more scenic than a typical interstate.

You won't be able to tow much, only a relatively small trailer. Fortunately there's many options out there. It all depends on price. What is your budget? Remember taking out a loan will drop your credit score in the short term. It's only after paying much of it back does it begin to rebound. Running a hard credit report, opening a new account, and increasing your debt... all things that will lower your score initially.

Would it not be a better idea to find a place to rent, until your situation improves? Any amount you'd pay on an RV loan could go towards rent. You have a job, but what about bar tending part time, waiting tables... anything for extra money. In my area entry level jobs are plentiful. Even good paying jobs aren't difficult to come by here because of the natural gas industry here.

[nateg]

Thank you all for your time and responses I have gotten a lot of useful information from all of you. I am very gratefully for this forums existence and wish you all safe travels.

- Semper Fi -