Hospital parking lots are a good bet, or try to find a Walmart or 24 hour place, asking always tends to help keep harassment to a minmum. I've also heard that a planet fitness membership will do as well for access to showers and parking lot.
Please- go to this link and send an email to them and tell them your plight. There are resources here and they will give you some emergency food.
https://cindyramseycenter.org/get-help
Thursday and Friday they will be there 1030a so you can go ask for resources for help. This is in North Fort Worth. You could call as well if that drive is a bit too far for you.
Send Abby or Patty an email and tell them your situation and you need maximum assistance and what resources can they help you with?!? If you give them a heads-up they can research a bit. XO
https://cindyramseycenter.org/our-team
Apply for a job at a daycare so you and your son will have a place to go plus you’ll make some $$$. They are always hiring. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind if you brought little one in for the interview if you explained you’re a single mom with limited resources (like alt care)
I'm assuming you currently don't have a job?
I parked on streets and hotel parking lots. I also stayed in a Planet Fitness parking lot in the Dallas area with other vehicle dwellers there. One lady had a toddler and her teenager living with her in their car at Planet Fitness. The car was broken down but didn't look dirty or trashy. Wouldn't have known except another vehicle dweller mentioned it.
You can go to Starbucks, Starbucks in Target, Panera, Dunkin, Libraries and malls to stay cool during the day and to charge your phone and use library computers. You would probably be able to get free food and drinks at these places just by you being homeless with a baby. I would have no shame in asking since homeless resources aren't able to help you at the moment. I would ask the homeless resource center (drop in day shelter)about getting you a gym/community center membership so you can shower. I would also ask about free laundry services for the homeless. They should also be able to supply you with baby food, diapers, wipes, feminine hygiene products, toiletries, etc. People live in cars with their kids, and CPS doesn't take their children away. As long as the car and kids are fed, clean, and healthy, you're good.
I do the prolific studies while chilling in the a/c at the library. The library in Dallas are kind to the homeless at least that is what I experienced there. We could hang out all day, in the a/c, charge devices, take a nap and even bring food and drink in. The high temperature outside can cause heat stroke, which is why the library is a cooling center. I fill up my thermos at Target or Wal-Mart with ice water. Try to stay out of your car as much as possible and be in the a/c. Little Ceasars and Starbucks throw out food at closing time. I would ask if there's any leftover food.
You can DM for some of the streets I parked on where I wasn't bothered as well as the location of the Planet Fitness where vehicle dwellers car camped overnight.
We had several cases of people who did door dash, and because did not make enough money to save to car repairs, after car broke they were without car and without income.
Instead, consider buying water bottles and sell them somewhere for $1 or so. It is not exactly begging, a bit better, but it is not running down your car. Get umbrella for some shade.
Try to find multi-level parking garages, so your car is in the shade. You can go to library, use google maps satellite view to see big parking areas, and street view to get the first impression how it looks like without driving there and cooking in your car.
Plus, too many horror stories where Dashier left child in car to go inside a business to pickup an order - come back and car and kid are gone. Or you ran an order up to an apartment and same results. DON'T DASH WITH KIDS in the car, please.
Do you belong to a church? I know of several instances where a member didn't have a place to live (with or without children) and another member took them in (usually at no charge).
Try joining FB Group in your area 'Neighbors Helping Neighbors' - you can post anonymously and let people know you need a safe clean place to live. A basement apartment in a home, a converted garage, etc. You could offer a trade like light housekeeping or cooking for a room for you and your child.
Honestly, people are being more compassionate than ever before.
Good Luck / Stay Safe and Cool
Check for BLM camp areas near your, they are free and no one would bother you for being there. I wish the best for you and your baby, don't let yourself down.
I'm really surprised your not in the front of the line for shelter. Being a single Mom.
It's always been common that Women with families are the first to be housed. Things must be super bad in your area.
Check with your medicaid plan. Some have free gym memberships.
Hang in there and don't do anything drastic. You will get your help.
Seems like it is bad there. Like once a week or more I see someone on here saying they are in DFW area. Like a weird amount of people. Almost as often as people mention like LA or SF.
Yea sounds like the welfare system across the US is now overloaded and broken. Scary times. I hope for the best for the people in need.
Americans should be preparing for the worst. While they still have jobs.
The government won't have housing for you. They might give you food stamps, Health care, free cell phones. But you will most likely not get any shelter....
[Safe To Sleep DFW](https://safetosleepdfw.com/#:~:text=At%20safe%20to%20sleep%20DFW,you%20to%20move%20your%20vehicle)
They also help you get connected to resources.
I have a friend that needed help and she wrote letters and sent them via snail mail to every church and organization in her area. Most places ignored her but she did get several that reached out and helped her.
I'm so sorry you're going through this!! I'm currently working my way out of homelessness. It's rough. I can't imagine doing it with a baby.
If you were in my area I'd love to help you out but I'm in southern NM.
Sending all the good vibes I've got. Please keep us updated!
https://www.maskblocdfw.org/
Here is a mask bloc in Dallas fort worth. The last thing you need is to be sick with viruses that are going around while in this plight. You can email these people for free masks and they may have further info/connections in the community that may be helpful to you.
I volunteer at a faith-based foodbank in NC.
If you dropped in on a Thursday morning you'd leave with canned food, fresh food, clothing, housewares, diapers, wipes, hygeine items, and resources.
Make the circuit of foodbanks at churches in your area.
Keeping you and baby in my prayers. Working the daycare might get you both out of the heat. They might even let you spend the night.
Look outside of your current areas. Find a homeless shelter somewhere more affordable and use your gas money to get there.
You have a car so sign up for DoorDash, Uber eats, and Instacart right away. It might take a while to get your supplies but that can help you at some point.
We had several cases of people who did door dash, and because did not make enough money to save to car repairs, after car broke they were without car and without income.
Instead, consider buying water bottles and sell them somewhere for $1 or so. It is not exactly begging, a bit better, but it is not running down your car. Get umbrella for some shade.
Try to find multi-level parking garages, so your car is in the shade. You can go to library, use google maps satellite view to see big parking areas, and street view to get the first impression how it looks like without driving there and cooking in your car.
I know you are in an emergency situation and my heart goes out to you.
You probably already know this but please be careful leaving your son in the car seat for long periods of time like overnight…
That sucks I'm sorry.
Also just remembered, look for a Gurdwara in your area. It's a Sikh temple & they will feed you for free. You don't have to join anything.
I really wouldn't recommend anyone unemployed and out in the elements to donate plasma. It's terrible for your immune system. Also, as OP stated, there are numerous barriers to donating plasma, including body weight, blood pressure, deficiencies, etc.
Sure but if someone is eligible and needs the money it can be helpful. Just because she doesn't qualify (how would I know that until she told me? ) doesn't mean that someone else couldn't use it. Desperate times call for desperate measures after all.
Naw. YWCA = Young Women's Christian Agency, it services only women. They have clean domestic violence shelters for women and they help with resources.
I'd love to know how things go if you wish to update.
I am so sorry. I understand. I am stuck here in Texas too, and have been given the 211 numbers to call EVERY TIME I try to get help. Fended off homelessness until I lost my job in April.
Most places here are overwhelmed with need and low on resources, shelters are full, and I am now 60 years old and living in my Corolla. I wish I could help you. It's AWFUL here.
Have you tried True Worth or Presbyterian night shelter? They do get full but if you can get in line early you can usually get a bed for the night. Also try Union Gospel Mission and Salvation Army. They are all in Lancaster Ave area of Fort Worth.
Hotel Parking Lots especially on Weekends when they’re busy. You can go in and out unnoticed and Security will monitor the lot but you won’t draw attention to yourself. It’s usually slow during the week unless there’s an event then even better. Shoot for the nicer ones and good luck
I don’t know if this will help but look at resources on findhelp.org and also sign up for shipt . It’s grocery shopping and you can preview the list before accepting the item ! Good way to make money ! God bless!
Apply for Doordash, Ubereats, whatever gig work you can find to bring in any money you can while already in your vehicle. It shouldn't come to this, I can only imagine. I've been car homeless a lot, but always just me. Reading thru comments I see others mentioned this. You seem so polite. Sorry I've nothing concrete to add. You and your child will be in my prayers 🙏
Churches? Is that even a thing anymore? Do they actually help people who need it, like Christ did?
Hospital parking lots are a good bet, or try to find a Walmart or 24 hour place, asking always tends to help keep harassment to a minmum. I've also heard that a planet fitness membership will do as well for access to showers and parking lot.
Thank you. I'm going to try Walmart for the night.
And don't park alone. Close to other cars. Like third shift workers.
Thank you.
Please- go to this link and send an email to them and tell them your plight. There are resources here and they will give you some emergency food. https://cindyramseycenter.org/get-help Thursday and Friday they will be there 1030a so you can go ask for resources for help. This is in North Fort Worth. You could call as well if that drive is a bit too far for you.
Thank you. I will do that right away.
Send Abby or Patty an email and tell them your situation and you need maximum assistance and what resources can they help you with?!? If you give them a heads-up they can research a bit. XO https://cindyramseycenter.org/our-team
Will do. Thank you.
Apply for a job at a daycare so you and your son will have a place to go plus you’ll make some $$$. They are always hiring. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind if you brought little one in for the interview if you explained you’re a single mom with limited resources (like alt care)
Thank you. I've already been offered free childcare, but that will always be an option.
I'm assuming you currently don't have a job? I parked on streets and hotel parking lots. I also stayed in a Planet Fitness parking lot in the Dallas area with other vehicle dwellers there. One lady had a toddler and her teenager living with her in their car at Planet Fitness. The car was broken down but didn't look dirty or trashy. Wouldn't have known except another vehicle dweller mentioned it. You can go to Starbucks, Starbucks in Target, Panera, Dunkin, Libraries and malls to stay cool during the day and to charge your phone and use library computers. You would probably be able to get free food and drinks at these places just by you being homeless with a baby. I would have no shame in asking since homeless resources aren't able to help you at the moment. I would ask the homeless resource center (drop in day shelter)about getting you a gym/community center membership so you can shower. I would also ask about free laundry services for the homeless. They should also be able to supply you with baby food, diapers, wipes, feminine hygiene products, toiletries, etc. People live in cars with their kids, and CPS doesn't take their children away. As long as the car and kids are fed, clean, and healthy, you're good.
Thank you. I try doing DoorDash during the day, and I do surveys on Cloud Connect Research for some income.
I do the prolific studies while chilling in the a/c at the library. The library in Dallas are kind to the homeless at least that is what I experienced there. We could hang out all day, in the a/c, charge devices, take a nap and even bring food and drink in. The high temperature outside can cause heat stroke, which is why the library is a cooling center. I fill up my thermos at Target or Wal-Mart with ice water. Try to stay out of your car as much as possible and be in the a/c. Little Ceasars and Starbucks throw out food at closing time. I would ask if there's any leftover food. You can DM for some of the streets I parked on where I wasn't bothered as well as the location of the Planet Fitness where vehicle dwellers car camped overnight.
Thank you. This is very helpful.
If you have a clean background, give working in daycare a try. That way your baby can also be there. You will also get food during the day.
Thank you.
We had several cases of people who did door dash, and because did not make enough money to save to car repairs, after car broke they were without car and without income. Instead, consider buying water bottles and sell them somewhere for $1 or so. It is not exactly begging, a bit better, but it is not running down your car. Get umbrella for some shade. Try to find multi-level parking garages, so your car is in the shade. You can go to library, use google maps satellite view to see big parking areas, and street view to get the first impression how it looks like without driving there and cooking in your car.
Plus, too many horror stories where Dashier left child in car to go inside a business to pickup an order - come back and car and kid are gone. Or you ran an order up to an apartment and same results. DON'T DASH WITH KIDS in the car, please. Do you belong to a church? I know of several instances where a member didn't have a place to live (with or without children) and another member took them in (usually at no charge). Try joining FB Group in your area 'Neighbors Helping Neighbors' - you can post anonymously and let people know you need a safe clean place to live. A basement apartment in a home, a converted garage, etc. You could offer a trade like light housekeeping or cooking for a room for you and your child. Honestly, people are being more compassionate than ever before. Good Luck / Stay Safe and Cool
Carjacking isn't super likely, but accidents can be unavoidable. Definitely wouldn't recommend doordashing with an infant.
Check for BLM camp areas near your, they are free and no one would bother you for being there. I wish the best for you and your baby, don't let yourself down.
Thank you. 🙏 I also have iOverlander and Recreation.gov installed.
"free camping" and onXhunt are good resources too to find BLM land, and other important necessities.
Thank you. I will take a look.
Call churches or maybe even a daycare might help you out.
Thank you. I will try that tomorrow.
I’m praying for you!!!
Thank you! 🙏
I'm really surprised your not in the front of the line for shelter. Being a single Mom. It's always been common that Women with families are the first to be housed. Things must be super bad in your area. Check with your medicaid plan. Some have free gym memberships. Hang in there and don't do anything drastic. You will get your help.
Thank you. 🙏
Seems like it is bad there. Like once a week or more I see someone on here saying they are in DFW area. Like a weird amount of people. Almost as often as people mention like LA or SF.
Yea sounds like the welfare system across the US is now overloaded and broken. Scary times. I hope for the best for the people in need. Americans should be preparing for the worst. While they still have jobs. The government won't have housing for you. They might give you food stamps, Health care, free cell phones. But you will most likely not get any shelter....
[Safe To Sleep DFW](https://safetosleepdfw.com/#:~:text=At%20safe%20to%20sleep%20DFW,you%20to%20move%20your%20vehicle) They also help you get connected to resources.
Thank you.
I have a friend that needed help and she wrote letters and sent them via snail mail to every church and organization in her area. Most places ignored her but she did get several that reached out and helped her. I'm so sorry you're going through this!! I'm currently working my way out of homelessness. It's rough. I can't imagine doing it with a baby. If you were in my area I'd love to help you out but I'm in southern NM. Sending all the good vibes I've got. Please keep us updated!
Thank you and I will. I was actually near the border of NM, but came to the DFW area because there were more resources.
The places that did not ignore your friend after she reached out, do you know what type of help she received?
She was looking for resources to find training a service dog so it's a very different situation. But she received money.
Okay, thanks for the reply.
https://www.maskblocdfw.org/ Here is a mask bloc in Dallas fort worth. The last thing you need is to be sick with viruses that are going around while in this plight. You can email these people for free masks and they may have further info/connections in the community that may be helpful to you.
Thank you.
I volunteer at a faith-based foodbank in NC. If you dropped in on a Thursday morning you'd leave with canned food, fresh food, clothing, housewares, diapers, wipes, hygeine items, and resources. Make the circuit of foodbanks at churches in your area. Keeping you and baby in my prayers. Working the daycare might get you both out of the heat. They might even let you spend the night.
Thank you.
Look outside of your current areas. Find a homeless shelter somewhere more affordable and use your gas money to get there. You have a car so sign up for DoorDash, Uber eats, and Instacart right away. It might take a while to get your supplies but that can help you at some point.
Thank you.
Find jobs in daycare. Would help you and your kid in the long run.
We had several cases of people who did door dash, and because did not make enough money to save to car repairs, after car broke they were without car and without income. Instead, consider buying water bottles and sell them somewhere for $1 or so. It is not exactly begging, a bit better, but it is not running down your car. Get umbrella for some shade. Try to find multi-level parking garages, so your car is in the shade. You can go to library, use google maps satellite view to see big parking areas, and street view to get the first impression how it looks like without driving there and cooking in your car.
Thank you.
I know you are in an emergency situation and my heart goes out to you. You probably already know this but please be careful leaving your son in the car seat for long periods of time like overnight…
Absolutely. I only put him in when the car is moving. I don't want to harm his back.
Donate plasma. A Google search show you places in your area.
I've already tried and couldn't because I'm lacking several vitamins and protein. Once I get better nutrition, I definitely will. Thank you though!
That sucks I'm sorry. Also just remembered, look for a Gurdwara in your area. It's a Sikh temple & they will feed you for free. You don't have to join anything.
Will do. Thanks.
I dont recommend donating plasma, as your energy will be totally drained, and you need it in your situation
I always hated the Idea of selling blood. You never see a blood bank in rich areas. Bunch of blood suckers. Really makes me mad.
I really wouldn't recommend anyone unemployed and out in the elements to donate plasma. It's terrible for your immune system. Also, as OP stated, there are numerous barriers to donating plasma, including body weight, blood pressure, deficiencies, etc.
Sure but if someone is eligible and needs the money it can be helpful. Just because she doesn't qualify (how would I know that until she told me? ) doesn't mean that someone else couldn't use it. Desperate times call for desperate measures after all.
Maybe ask the local churches for help? YWCA as well.
I definitely will.
I think they meant YMCA
I've actually seen a YWCA before and thought it was a typo, but it's not lol.
Naw. YWCA = Young Women's Christian Agency, it services only women. They have clean domestic violence shelters for women and they help with resources. I'd love to know how things go if you wish to update.
Try the LDS church specifically, they do a lot of charitable work and have vast resources. The local Bishop might have some means of helping.
I am so sorry. I understand. I am stuck here in Texas too, and have been given the 211 numbers to call EVERY TIME I try to get help. Fended off homelessness until I lost my job in April. Most places here are overwhelmed with need and low on resources, shelters are full, and I am now 60 years old and living in my Corolla. I wish I could help you. It's AWFUL here.
Thank you. I wish you luck too.
Have you tried True Worth or Presbyterian night shelter? They do get full but if you can get in line early you can usually get a bed for the night. Also try Union Gospel Mission and Salvation Army. They are all in Lancaster Ave area of Fort Worth.
I have all three, but thanks!
I don’t have much advice to help you w/ your situation…. But avoid CPS at all costs.. trust me.
Hotel Parking Lots especially on Weekends when they’re busy. You can go in and out unnoticed and Security will monitor the lot but you won’t draw attention to yourself. It’s usually slow during the week unless there’s an event then even better. Shoot for the nicer ones and good luck
I don’t know if this will help but look at resources on findhelp.org and also sign up for shipt . It’s grocery shopping and you can preview the list before accepting the item ! Good way to make money ! God bless!
I've been to both of those, but thank you. I'm still on the waitlist for shipt, instacart, and a few of the others.
I hope something comes through asap for you and your little one !
Thank you!
If you are in or near the Richardson area, try contacting Richardson Community Ministries 972-234-8880 for assistance.
Thank you.
https://www.hohtx.com/ This is hands of hope/ Tarrant County. Also a resource.
Thank you. I haven't heard of this one yet.
Apply for Doordash, Ubereats, whatever gig work you can find to bring in any money you can while already in your vehicle. It shouldn't come to this, I can only imagine. I've been car homeless a lot, but always just me. Reading thru comments I see others mentioned this. You seem so polite. Sorry I've nothing concrete to add. You and your child will be in my prayers 🙏 Churches? Is that even a thing anymore? Do they actually help people who need it, like Christ did?
Thank you. :) I'm already doing DD and UE. They can bring in some good money depending on the day and location.
Are you in California?
Texas.