The working homeless are an ever-growing population, hidden in plain sight. These are individuals holding full-time jobs, contributing to their communities, and striving for better lives while lacking stable housing. Cars, vans, and RVs have become their shelters, not by choice but out of necessity. This is not about laziness or irresponsibility—it’s about a system where wages are no longer enough to afford the basics, and housing costs have spiraled out of reach.
Through deeper research, I’ve uncovered the stories of many individuals whose resilience and determination have allowed them to survive in the face of such challenges. They’re not just surviving, though—they’re fighting for a way forward. Their strength is undeniable, but so is the fact that no one should have to endure this to prove their worth.
Lessons From My Own Journey
I know the struggle of instability firsthand. I lived off-grid for close to a decade, finding refuge in my van and later in an RV. Starbucks became my unofficial office, where I set up my oversized iMac and, eventually, a laptop to work on the side. My presence there, day after day, didn’t go unnoticed. Entrepreneurs, local business owners, and even politicians began to approach me, recognizing the work I was producing.
That chapter of my life became a turning point. I started building relationships with those who sought me out, leading to opportunities I never imagined. I found myself producing mainstream television commercials, political campaigns, and media for clergy and personalities. On top of that, I was even paid by Starbucks corporate for hosting weekly jazz shows in their space.
One day, a boxing promoter noticed my work at Starbucks and offered me a new opportunity. I became his “minister of media,” traveling with him to film his boxing events. He even provided me with a space to park my RV on one of his properties. During that time, I was also driving for Uber, completing over 7,500 rides while working to repair my personal credit.
By 2017, I transitioned into a new life as a bed-and-breakfast owner, turning years of hustle, fear, and uncertainty into something sustainable. That chapter proved to me that resourcefulness and persistence can lead to opportunities, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Research Into a Growing Crisis
My exploration into the working homeless uncovered countless stories of individuals who are navigating similar struggles. Many are working full-time, often holding multiple jobs, yet still find themselves sleeping in parking lots, vans, or RVs because housing is simply unaffordable.
One woman shared her experience of spending six months living in her car, surrounded by families in similar situations. Another person, working full-time, described the heartbreak of being unable to provide stable housing for their family. Others pointed to systemic issues, such as rising rents and stagnant wages, that make survival a constant uphill battle.
These stories reveal a widespread issue that can’t be ignored. Homelessness is no longer limited to the unemployed or those on the margins of society—it is affecting individuals who are deeply ingrained in their communities and workplaces.
Pushing Forward
Living through such uncertainty requires an incredible amount of resilience, but resilience alone shouldn’t be the only way to survive. It takes resourcefulness, creativity, and a willingness to embrace opportunities as they come. My own journey taught me that while entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone, we are all hunters in our own way. Each of us is equipped with the ability to access and utilize resources, to recognize opportunities, and to steward those resources wisely.
I’ve consistently worked to stay on the cutting edge of culture, and the results speak for themselves. Over the years, I’ve remained relevant, as evidenced by my features on Good Morning America, Banfield on Law&Crime Network, and, most recently, in just a few days, I’ll be featured on Investigation Discovery. These opportunities aren’t random. They are the result of resourcefulness and a relentless commitment to the life I’ve built. Sometimes it feels like a rogue adventure, other times like a journey God has carefully laid out for me.
The working homeless are a testament to the human spirit. Their stories show not only their strength but also the cracks in a system that has failed to support them. It’s not enough to survive—we must create environments where people can thrive. Housing, wages, and systemic support need to be reexamined so that no one is left to fight this battle alone.
This isn’t just about survival. It’s about showing that, with the right opportunities and a system that values dignity, people can rise above their circumstances and carve a path to a better future. For me, the lessons I learned off-grid have stayed with me, fueling my drive to keep moving forward. For the working homeless, their strength is proof that better is always possible—but no one should have to endure so much to prove it.
