Homeless Drifter, that'll impress people! ;-)

[Iggy]

Hiya, I'm Iggy. Glad to meetcha! Right now I'm getting a crash course in vandwelling, out of necessity. So I'm hoping this site will ease the growing pains some. Moved into my 2001 Ford 150 last month. It was partially set up with a bed, duct taped curtains, and a cabinet for food. I've been adding things as I think of them. A vent in the roof, a couple small plastic drawer banks, and a GPS. There's more but this is not the time for listing gummibears and amount of underwear.
I'm based in the Willamette valley in Oregon but, surprise!, it's raining there. So the last couple weeks I've been in southern Cali, living near the beach. My budget is only $500 per month so fortunately I wanted to go on a diet anyway. Gas is the budget-killer. My plans are returning to Oregon this summer and pick up a little work. I have arthritis and a bad back from 25 years of construction work so I need to grow some new skills. Don't want to apply for government help or charity, unless last resort.
How I ended up in this condition is a long sad tale of bad decisions, evil women, the economy, a dishonest business partner, and a mangy mutt. But I'm actually enjoying the new simplicity of my life and looking forward to new adventures (as long as they fit in my budget lol). I'm sure I'll have lots of questions so first I'm going to look over the older threads. Then will probably post questions that I can't find the answers to. So you"ll probably get sick of me soon!
Oh yeah and I'm a single middle-aged man, medium height and depth, have all my teeth but none of my hair (I keep it shaved), deep blue eyes, and outstanding ears. But people only notice the bushy eyebrows and the skinny wallet. So there you have it. See you around!

 

[GrinningPanther]

Hey Iggy,

Welcome!

My sympathies to you on your current situation, and I do hope your circumstances improve very soon.

I want to tell you that you have a witty and entertaining "voice" in your writing. If you haven't done any writing, at least for a blog or articles, I think you should consider it.

Of course, at this time you might have a few things to attend to that are slightly more urgent.

GP

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Welcome Iggy...I'm not offering any sympathy, but always try to be helpful.

I think a guy with a good sense of humor and good attitude can go a long way in this world.
Go for it.

 

[Lucky mike]

Jay said it all!!!.........if it doesnt make you happy... treat it like the dog.....piss on it and walk away!!!!

 

[akrvbob]

Iggy, when my life fell apart and I was forced into a van I thought it was a horrible thing--but surprise, surprise, it was the best thing that every happened to me! I hope the same for you.

I can tell you right now that there is a good job waiting for you very close to right where you are as a campground host in the National Forests. The starting pay is $8.50 an hour and you get a free campsite. It's working for the compnay I worked for for 3 years and I liked them alot. Here is a listing of campgrounds that are available

http://www.clm-services.com/employment/job-openings

I happen to know for a fact that the one at Mono Lake in the Sierras will let you live in a tent for the summer. The Sierras have perfect weather all summer and they are totally gorgeous..
Bob

 

[Patrick46]

Hey Iggy...

I'm over on the coast in Coos Bay, back up in Oregon.

Yeah, I agree...the rain gets pretty old after a month of it...

...but 3-4 months of it will drive a person nuts!!!!!


Enjoy sunny SoCal, and send somma that sunshine back up thisaways if you will!!

Welcome to the asylum!!


Patrick on da coast.

 

[Iggy]

Thanks to all for the greetings and advice. I think I'm going to fit right in ( better than at the skateboarders forum lol). I forgot to ask if I need to pay dues or get a special tattoo to join. Bob, I'll check out that job link that you kindly listed for me. This is real life and I can't go for long without a definite goal in mind and finances to take me there. Hopefully a cardboard sign is not in my future....

 

[msbarth]

Iggy, anyone with a sense of humor like you have will be able to make it anywhere . It is hard to keep someone down when they have a outlook like yours.

You will make it! I guaranty!

 

[PastTense]

Depending on how bad your arthritis and bad back are, I would strongly encourage you to go ahead and apply for disability now. If you are truly disabled you are entitled to it and deserve it. Getting disability is a very slow process (my understanding is that lots of people only get it on appeal). So if you wait until things are really bad, then you are going to have a big delay. You might also have major medical expenses. While I don't understand how things have changed since Obamacare, traditionally you could get Medicare after a two year waiting period after you first get disability.

 

[blkjak]

welcome from s.w. florida .... blkjak

 

[SoulRaven]

My ACA (affordable care act) starts May 1st. For $56.33/month (feds pay $384 towards monthly premium) I have an annual out of pocket of first $200 then 100% coverage with $3 copay on generic scripts.

Sir our administrator is leading you down the right NF road. Most of the work is just a few hours a day and light duty.

Once you get in the system and meet your time obligation you can transfer to any area that has an opening.

 

[Iggy]

Hmm, I put a reply in a couple days ago and it never showed up. Must be my tech ability showing. Now I forgot what I posted! Thanks for the advice and greetings. Bob, I appreciate the link and will check it out. I don't have the best people-skills around but can fake it if I have to.

Right now, it feels like I'm on vacation but in a semi-stressful kind of way. Being on such a tight budget and having to find a safe place to sleep each night sorta drains some of the fun out of things. But I know that I will adapt eventually. I have to! This site is helping out considerably. And I promise to participate not just spectate. Now I need to browse around here and gain wisdom.

 

[Seraphim]

Pete me second what was mentioned about disability and public assistance - you worked and contributed to the system. It's there for YOU. Don't be shy about using what you qualify for.

Welcome to the crew.

 

[offroad]

Great notes and attitude about what to do. First rule DONT PANIC. When it all hits the fan just ask here about ideas. Have a nice attitude. Someone will have a practical suggestion. Ohhh and learn how to be friendly with quality folks!!! Just don't be a sponge burden on anyone.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Fortunately, as a vet the VA takes good care of my medical needs. I'm enrolled in the Southern Az VA system with Tucson being my primary health care facility. Traveling, I'm covered everywhere without Obama Care. If I have to go to a regular hospital the VA will transport me to the nearest facility.
I have no copays or out of pocket expenses for health care.

If you're a vet, I strongly advise you take advantage of the care you deserve.

I'm on oxygen and there's no way I could afford it on my own.

If you qualify for food stamps (EBT), apply for it. Az also provides heath care for food stamp recipients. You've contributed, so you have it coming to you....its not charity.