Wassup peeps, here's an update and me rambling once again. I definitely forgot to mention certain things, but oh well. Take care everyone and thank you for the overwhelming support and positivity, it means a lot.
Reconsider the financial help. It wouldn’t be a handout…..you create content and a lot of us would contribute some $$$ to help you build your channel…. You then pay it forward to another homeless person in a similar situation that you are experiencing.
The reason I subscribed to your channel was because you accepted responsibility, were honest, and you’re authentic man. Stay you, but maybe be a little more responsible. That constructive criticism is what I have been telling myself at least. Love you brother.
Dude I'm 44 yr old making $ 36 an hour working 12 hours a day 6 days a week and I live in Stockton California barely making it! My wife works in the medical field and I have 2 kids! Our pg&e is crazy and our rent is crazy high now! It is crazy how the system is. I had open heart surgery this year and almost lost everything from it.I have to go to work regardless of being sick or almost passing on. My company I work for complains about me going to my appointments so I can stay alive. This week I got covid and it sucks because I'm sick real sick and still have to work or be homeless. We are really brainwashed bad !!!!
You can’t complain about finances when you make bad financial decisions like having kids when you aren’t financially ready for it. Biggest pet peeve. Also if you had them young then they should also have jobs and kicking in something after they are 18. Your story really doesn’t make any sense either, 2 incomes? One at 36$ plus 12 hrs? 6 days? That’s just one income….. I do 8hrs at the same rate 6 days, and can afford an apartment drive a Mercedes and I just bought a new car for fun. Make it make sense. And I’m in central la
Don't respond to bad comments. I live in California, and everything here is ridiculous. I'm rooting for you. Like I said, you remind me of my son. Hopefully, you can become a big you tuber living the van life❤
You are 100% correct.... Anyone who doesn't have empathy towards you is, as you said, a terrible human being. Anyone who criticizes your looks is a terrible human being. Everybody makes bad decisions at sometime, BTW. The system is FUCKED! And it's WRONG! And all I have for you is sympathy. Good luck, and I am so proud of you for keeping your kitty. Take care.
The fact you can work making nearly 20$ a hour and still be denied any housing & the bare bone essentials is definitely upsetting. I hope things get better for you sooner than later bro..
Inflation. 20 is the old 7 dollars. From a decade or two ago. Just how it goes. It’s minimum wage. Can’t live off minimum wage. We’ve all known this forever. Anyone can learn skills or a trade etc and make more. It’s possible. And if it’s not where you are. Move. Be homeless in Seattle. Become a plumber. You can have a home in 5 to 7 years. It’s about the long game folks. Im not defending the system or if it’s fair or not. But we have to play the game or get shafted. I cant change it. No sense in arguing about it. Just find a way to live. We all have struggles. I’ve been homeless working 13 hour days and paying child support. Sucks. Job was deadly too. Building docks. Coworker had a near fatal accident. He’s forever disabled. Take some risks work hard and get ahead. You got this whoever is reading this.
That's not how it's supposed to be. The lazy people who say that, never actually did it themselves. I know a unemployed family who like to say stupid shit like this to others.
Jay - Please be careful and ACCEPT help offered to get yourself into a better situation. Nothing should be Expected from You in Return for Help Offered from Good People, and You should have no shame accepting help on those terms. You're a perfect example of a Very Intelligent, Well-Spoken, Level-Headed Person with Integrity and without major Vices. You're very AWARE of your mistakes, which is a sign of Mental Clarity, but don't Dwell on mistakes. It's inspiring to watch your posts. We care for you. We'll check in on you and look forward to updates.
This, I still struggle with this, it's hard but please most definitely accept the help when the good energy heads your way. My only advice would be to keep busy, even if it's weaving grass crowns to give away and baskets to hide in the ground that could hide a solar battery. A solar battery would allow some tent a/c and some tech. My two sons are going through the same job hunt and they don't get the nature in, we all live in a multi generation home, they're young like you too. Being around nature is actually highly good for your mental health and grounding. Your not an "ugly bastard" and if you think that counter that shit with positivity. Empathy are our own enemies and we need to fight that shiat off. Do the go fun me, allow good people who are able to help, help. Having pride only hurts us. Take the love when freely given to you. Post cat pics, it can be random. The American educational systems need to teach children that everyone has a strength. Mine isn't math either because science, art and random facts.
Just my 2 cents: I hear a young man seeing things for what they are and taking responsibility and control of his life. You have a good head on your shoulders and you’ll get through this. It’s a good plan. I vehicle dwelled for 2.5 years and it is also very difficult but I am a lady so it was best for me to get indoors once I found a way that I could afford. I am in Los Angeles. I’ve read one comment that advised to keep a low profile. Don’t let anybody get too close to you. This would be wise until you get a car. Love & blessings ♥️
I really hope you get out of this situation and fix up from your mistakes. I am deeply sorry for all the hate you were getting. You’re not stupid or lazy, especially with having a full-time job, just learn from your mistakes and move on (:
Hello, Jay, thank you for this update. I was happy to hear that Tuttle has begun eating and drinking again. I love my cats, too. What a kind heart you have to sacrifice so that he can have a home with you. Such a timid little creature would have been terrified at a shelter. You have spirit and determination and you are creating important content here on RU-vid, as you describe the reality of life in the Bay area and its appalling housing options. It is vital for people to understand how difficult it is to find proper housing, even with a decent job and such hard work and long hours. In return for the content you are providing, it would not be unreasonable to allow for small, voluntary donations which would help get you to your goal of van life. Believe it or not, you are exemplifying and educating and would be earning the money you are bringing in. I'm learning a great deal just by watching you. Others would too. I will continue to watch and support you in any way you will allow. Sending respect and caring from Pennsylvania.
Yo I'm 49 no job self employed plumber. 4years out of prison after doing 11 years for weed and a gun. I've struggled in cali with parole. But now i have 2 cars,a 2 bedroom house renting. Hustle is the grind in mind. Dont. Just hustle your ass everyday. Stay on your grind homeboy. You will get there. Shit I have an extra room lol.
I'm an offroader and bikepacker and love being homeless and living out of my vehicle/tent. I do own a home (wife and kids) but the peace one has from being outdoors is just awesome, soothes the soul. Thanks for your honest, candor and sharing with us. May the Maker of all this look upon you with a favorable eye.
You are a Good Person and a Kind Soul. You will be fine and i';m sure you know that. I was homeless back in 1997. I am a Survivor and so are you. I will send Positive Energy to you.
Quit feelng sorry for this guy! You're doing the same thing his parents obviously did when he was growing up. It's time for him to grow up and realize it's a tough World out here!!! He doesn't need your pity! He's not a little boy anymore! Time to grow up!!!
Yo bro, first and foremost we love you dude. PLEASE know that a ton of us are one hundred percent behind you. You speak facts that no goofy corny ass RU-vid influencer could ever do, I’m right by your side brother. You’re speaking something special and inspirational. Bless brother ❤️🙏💯
Hey Brutha! Our lives have many chapters in our lives book. Hang in there and you have hope and determination. Keep trying to better yourself. God bless you.
A cold hearted woman once gave me great advice: Jobs are like relationships, its easier to get a better one when you already have one. Most of CA requires about $35/hr minimum to survive without side hustles or roomates or both. Hang in there, opportunity will knock.
First time watching. I think people like to watch you on RU-vid because you're being REAL. You make a lot of valid points. Good luck to you and looking forward to seeing more videos when you get a chance.
Born and raised in the Bay Area. I had to move to SoCal because it was too expensive. Keep your head up man. Ignore the miserable haters. You have way more people supporting you than haters.
We support him because those of us with a brain and common sense know that we have a chance of being homeless ourselves at any moment, things are so screwed up in this country now. No one has real security anymore, our government is making sure of that.
You're absolutely right.A person working a full time job should be able to afford the bare minimum of housing. The van plan is excellent! Hang in there. I am gonna give you one piece of advice.Ignore the bad comments don't even talk about them.We wantna hear about you. And as soon as you can, get a small rechargeable fan. Praying things get better for you! One foot in front of the other. You're gonna be just fine!
As soon as you said I'm going to do van life I subscribed, thanks for sharing your journey! This country has so many issues right now, thank God you have your health and a job!!!
I understand where you are coming from that the fact anyone who works full-time should be able to rent a shitbox and not cost all you're pay and I hope everything all works out for you and try and keep positive
Mad respect for not taking hand outs with go fund me, PayPal etc most in your situation would take the money in a heartbeat, you wanna earn your van, says a lot about your character
I've been houseless for about 12+ years. I'm from Cali, but fortunately I was able to escape. Too many robocops and robofeds harassing me. The more conscious you are, the more they f with you. One main reason I got off all social media other than RU-vid. I also value my privacy. I have a few people I talk to about higher ideas. I street perform for my living. Can't do corporate anymore, personally. It's great to be your own boss and make cash in hand daily on your own time. No need to worry about clocking in and out on time. No need to worry about a manager/boss getting on your ass. I show up on time every time. Cheers, man. Hang in there.
I worked as a homeless outreach worker in SoCal making $21 in 2018 and it was hard enough then, I can't imagine it now with all this inflation! I feel your pain. If I can lovingly offer some advice, as someone who worked with many people on the streets: 1. Do not get too close with other homeless people. They are trying to survive, just like you. But they probably don't have a job paying $19 / hr. I could see someone desperate enough seeing you as someone they can mooch money off of, or worse (theft.) 2. Find a way to de-stress (that is not drugs!) Living on the streets is stressful, it sounds like you're week hasn't been too hard, but the longer you're out there, the likelier it is that problems will come. I've worked with people who's mental health got worse and worse as time went on with them being homeless. It will take a toll, take cares to protect your mental health. I recommend the Bible and praying to know God (Jesus), it will do wonders for your mental and spiritual health. 3. If people want to help, take it! Don't let pride get in the way. At the very least, take some help for your cat! 4. I know the plan is van life but... have you considered leaving the state? My barber was telling me about Tulsa, Oklahoma and he was impressed by it. I did a quick craigslist / indeed search and it looks like pay ranges from $14 (retail) - $19.50 (Amazon delivery) / hr, which means about $2200 -$3100 per month before taxes. A 1 bedroom looks to be about $750 / month. You can still save for a van when you have an apartment. 5. I agree that this system is setup to suck us dry, but that's the way it is. I agree with all your points, it's atrocious that you can't afford anything as you work full time, but becoming homeless will not change the system, it's just gonna make your life harder. It's like being mad at a flood coming your way, instead of getting on a raft to ride it. Sadly, you gotta play the game, if you want a roof over your head. Being mad at the system isn't gonna change anything.
I've been on the brink of becoming homeless for such a long time, but I have been lucky to have so many incredible people in and around my life. I've been late with paying my rent almost every month for the past few years... I literally bought myself a van because I thought I'd need it to live in it, but thankfully that hasn't happened yet. Hoping that things get better for you in the coming weeks and months. New sub! California is a disgrace. Impeccably expensive state to live in. Good luck on finding a nice cheap van for yourself! I bought mine 3 years ago for just $1,300; a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan with 150k miles. It now has 200k miles and still runs great. Wishing you the best!!!!!
I am a full time rv’er, from California….I want to say…van life is a good idea. It’s a life hack. You can make a living on the road. I am currently working at the beet harvest in North Dakota. Drove out here after working in a campground in South Lake Tahoe all summer. So anyways, just want to encourage you on the plan, youngblood. Stay up
I commend you for looking out for your kitty and keeping him safe to the best of your ability 🙏🏻 Whatever happens please keep him! Sending you and kitty love and hope for better times ahead 🐱❤️
Stupid is only as stupid does, you're choosing your path with obvious clarity. Just keep following your instincts. I'm 68, been through almost everything, keep on pushing.
Hey man i was living in bushes, shelters, cars, vans, rvs for ten years in that area. The weather is great for it. You get good at being homeless. The bugs at night suck. Biggest threat is fhe other homeless people. Keep weapons on you and stay viligant. Theres good spots to live up there though, just keep looking for new spots and youll find them. You got this. You might get comfortable out there. I did. Till you get really sick or robbed. Just be careful and ready
It makes me furious that government has made it illegal for someone to live within their means. The NIMBY’s (Not in my back yard) should be the ones going to jail. They all think too much of themselves.
Hey Jay, I grew up in Berkeley and am now in Santa Rosa. I'm a 64 year old female and subscribed because I was worried about you out there and had to see what happened. I watch a lot of RU-vid cause I'm sick and stuck in bed a lot. Yes, the situation right now with rents is sad and so fucking wrong. In response to some of the things you said, and because I'm not sure how safe you are, here's a few suggestions: 1) You don't have to ever explain yourself, please don't forget that. 2) I'm worried about your cat in the tent or car during the day due to heat and that s/he seems like she's sensitive and I'd hate to see something happen because I expect you might feel like shit if it did. I think you could find a temporary home if you advertised online. Nextdoor might be a good place. 3) There are so many apps that have rooms for rent - you might be able to find a place with people or guys your age, that you could have your own bathroom - or not - but you have a "shared bathroom" at the gym, so... bottom line, are you sure you're safe? Living with physical problems because of some dumbshit or crazy, which could be for the rest of your life, would suck and isn't worth it... I know. Anyway, I listened to your first whole video but haven't finished this one, so sorry if something I suggested you've already covered. Best of luck to you - whatever you chose to do. I really hope nothing bad happens. Be careful.
@@rejeannagwynn5665 What's the ppint of renting an apartment if a person must spend all their waking hours at a job, so the have an apartment where they sleep and shower, a tent can replace that. It might serve as a place where the single man can store useless collectables, but that's it. Dimishing returns.
You dont get multiple jobs.. you just get 1 decent paying job… you will never make it in Cali making less then $40 an hour. It’s just what it is right now
You are literally not stupid, just highlighting the idiosyncrasies within capitalist society and having a life journey which most people choose not to have. Most people are just a paycheck away from being homeless anyway. Subscribed and following.
You are handling things well dude. Keep your good attitude, don't let people get you down. Count your blessings every day. It could always be worse, you're not in prison or a war zone. You're in nature and that's cool. Name at least 10 things a day you are thankful for, give thanks to God and Jesus. Only God gives good things.
This RU-vid channel caught my interest because i was homeless when i was 22-25. I remember having to worry about the other homeless people stealing from my tent and sometimes they did. I always had to deal with raccoons, and i ate out of trash cans and some nights I didn't eat. Now i'm a fisherman and i'm a forklift driver. Being homeless on the Los Angeles riverbed was a nightmare.
Welcome to the club. Your video shows that there are a lot of us out here who work and make fair to decent wages, but for various reasons we choose homeless because it makes the most sense in the moment. Homeless does not necessarily mean that one is poor, struggling, or lazy.
I feel you. Today is my 63rd birthday and I pray I don't see 70. I live on SS. Rents are out of my reach. I would be homeless but I got a voucher through a program. I got my own place but it's in the hood and run down. No senior should live like this. I don't want to see my 70s. Too expensive. Hang in there.
hey Jay, wishing you well dude. I'm hoping we'll eventually get like a housing move in update video. You deserve to feel safe and stable. Looking forward to your updates.
It's cool that you're documenting this phase of life and if you become a van life youtuber this will be interesting to look back on when your audience is bigger.
Makes logical sense to me. At least you have a surplus of money if you don't rent a room. That way you can save up for your van. Just watch out for the weather, rainy season and winter is coming so prepare. Dont want to go to work soaked lol. They might think your weird, and you'll be the first target for layoffs. Also, prepare to lose your job just in case. And lastly, prepare for random theft/vandalism/violence even from people you think you can trust.
So..... I live in the Bay Area, took almost $10k to move in to a tiny 700 sq/f apartment. Moved in April, first, last and deposit was required. As of July 2024, it is only first and deposit by law. It's not easy to find a place but possible but this guy would need help finding a place, I wish he had someone to drive him around to look and ask. He is kinda stuck right now but very possible to get out of the situation when he is ready. Believe him when he says he is homeless by choice, he would be miserable sharing a space/room/bathroom with another, which is fine. There are many people out there that would go nuts in a shared space. So, let him reach his goal of vanlife, I am sure he will get there quick with all this support. Wishing him well.
Glad to see an honest dude opening up with his reality. I agree with your declining to participate in the artificial rents/economy. Your job should be enough to live on, that hourly rate is substantial, there is just too much greed in the world. More people need to not 'buy in' to this housing market, it's good we're single, I don't know how families do it
It's not about having two jobs to service ridiculous rental prices. I just wouldn't pay $1700 a month for a place to live no matter how much money I made. Saving for a van is a good idea. If it looks decent you can park at malls or grocery stores during the day to sleep. I lived out of a camper van while putting myself through college in the 70s. Yes, it was a long time ago. I still do it when I travel on business. I refuse to pay motel bills, too. This strategy paid off. I own land and built a home, debt-free. I'm working still because I like what I do. True freedom is being able to do what you want to do, including camping outdoors to save money.
Van Life! Hell yeah. Make that happen. You got this. Also, rethink receiving donations. Peeps like your energy, your personality. RU-vidrs straight up ask for donations. At least til you get that van. Keep up the vids. Van Life vids are super interesting. A lot of people are sympathetic to your situation, since so many of us are struggling too. Chin up brother. And for real, be kind to yourself. Compliment yourself. You deserve it. Cheers, homie.
You came up in my recommended and you seem so genuine and humble. Your struggle represents many people. I’m a divorced mom renting 2 rooms from family in the Central Valley and it’s hard. Apartment Rent is high for one adult. I hope I see you when you get that van, so I’m subscribed. 😊
Hi Jay, please look into SRO's which stands for Single Room Occupancy. These are hotels which you sometimes have a private bathroom. I'm glad you're holding on to your cat. Please continue to protect your cat and yourself.
Just remember, YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE IS YOUR CONTENT! probably the most valuable thing you can do with your time right now (aside from working) is filming and growing your youtube channel! Glad to hear from you bro, i know its hot, it was 102 here in Napa! Stay cool! And let your cat start roaming the area, you need to focus a little less on kitty, leavw some water out for him, hes an animal and will be okay brotha, i promise. *HYDRATION*
This guy is real and a breath of fresh air. So many of these homeless or van life youtubers are fake. Thank you sir for not doing any kind of gofundmes or patreon crap. I will be happily watching every one of your videos . Well done . Only question i have is , when people say "you're not looking hard enough" i dont know the area well but of course everyone knows the bay area is one of rhe most expensive places one can choose to live. Could you get a same/similar job in a bit further away from boardwalk and park place and more near St Charles and maybe find something more affordable? Or even move out of state or just a less expensive city in cali?
I'm a full time steel worker and have been living off grid for the past 5 years here in the Dirty South, GA. F*CK the man getting my money just to do the same thing I do in the woods. Keep on grinding brother! -DirtySouthPrepper
F those that don't get what it's like. It's not just California, this whole country has a housing issue. Anyone that gives advice telling others to work harder or get a better job or says laziness is the issue is out of touch with what's really going on. I just retired at 62 after working since I was 15 (almost entirely full-time and sometimes two or three jobs at one time) and couldn't believe how many people told me I was lazy to be retiring. I guess 47 years of work just wasn't enough for them. The b s employers throw at you these days can be absolutely ridiculous, too. It's worse than ever. Struggling is better than the alternative of selling your soul. I live simply for a reason. Van life is an option and I'm prepared in case it becomes a reality. Your ranting is truth. Speak it loud and speak it proud.
Hey man, I was homeless in Sacramento and San Francisco for over 15 years. Don't expect any kind of subsidies for housing, i did some research and found i could get a free apartment in Minnesota fairly easily, its a breeze here, plus you get a choice of 4 full HMOs for State Medical insurance, might be time for a move.
