I know this sounds selfish, but I need advice

Grains can sustain

If you know what "habitat for humanity" is, try one of those places and buy a camping stove (salvation/second hand)
That's all I got for now, sorry.
Good luck mister

Stop being a loser, get a good paying job and live like a decent person.

Ok this came to me- get a fishing rod for emergency

Find a safe quiet place in the suburbs to park at night where you wont bring attention, and more importantly you can sleep quietly.

A parking lot in an industrial park might work.

Dick

I'm looking at a big move in the coming months for different reasons, and I have been saving up to buy a small used travel trailer to live in for the first month or two. Seems like RV parks can be had for about $500-$600 a month. Something to think about as an option maybe.

Any advice is good, thank you!

Mom and dad have a basement?

I hope the best for you!

However have no advice.

If at all possible, I'm trying to avoid inconveniencing them by moving back in. They've made the offer more than once, but...

Thank you! I know eventually, all things will work out.

I wish I could help, as I've never been in that situation, but I hope things turn better for you. If you are in the south and need a place to crash temporarily, let me know.

I'm in Upstate NY, but thank you for the offer!

I'd choose them over living in a car. Just until you can get back on your feet. Get an education in a skilled trade if at all possible so you don't have to work 3 jobs to make ends meet. I'm sure your parents would be 100% behind you.

Find some camping gear. Sleeping in your car is going to get real old.

You also need to move around to different spots in your car, depending on crime and how much the 'man' police harass you.

You may be able to find someone or a church that will allow you to tent on their property.

As far as cheap stoves...look up how to make a 'alcohol stove
'.

I've been looking at the skilled trade idea as a good long-term goal. I have a degree in communications and also experience working with kids (from when I was an education major), but jobs in those areas are next to impossible to find in this part of NY.

Thanks! I'll look into all this!

I'm doing that now, having been asked to leave my previous residence. Industrial areas should be avoided as they have private security or area police checking areas at night. Same with shopping centers. However some WalMarts do allow overnight camping/parking. Some Lowe's do as well.
I try to stick to neighborhoods. Find a semi dark spot between houses, along a fence line is good. Don't want to alarm anyone or block their parking.
Trial and error. Good luck.

Ya, I use a jet boil with fuel when I'm hiking...but an alcohol stove is very simple and works just fine in most conditions...however I don't expect that you will be in any serious weather conditions trying to light it :)

most in here will disagree but it works and it set my life on the right track, join the military.

Look into section 8 housing. Or a roommate that you can share an apartment with that is based on income. Sign up for assistance, that is what it is for. Though use it temporarily to get your feet back on the ground. Relocate to where there are jobs available. Sleep in walmart parking lots that are open 24 hours. Or other 24 hour businesses. Don't go to Industrial Parks, Police scan those areas.

This is what I was going to suggest. Some type of family or friend and help them with their bills. Many are doing this and people seem to understand these days about jobs and the terrible economy. You'll have some $ from unemployment, so you can help someone else that might need help as well.

I lived in my car for two months in flagstaff Arizona after I got out of the army.

I fasted a lot. Lost a lot of weight and smoked a bunch of weed. Read books, hiked and meditated. Best couple months of my life.

Once it grew old I went and got a job.

For starters, see if you current landlord will work with you. Explain the situation is temporary and offer the most that you can. Maybe he/she would prefer slow or no payments for a while in order to not go thru the hassle of finding another tenant. Is there something you can do for the landlord to barter with him? Offer any services that you possibly can.
Also ask your landlord if he can apply any security deposit you have paid to give you a month or so to get things together.

Secondly, it is better to stay put and if you can put all of your money towards food and rent, you can skip things like electricity and so forth to save money. It would be much more comfortable being in a place without electric or heat that being homeless.

Look into getting a roommate.

Sell ALL items that are not absolutely necessary!!!

That's all I have for now. Good Luck and God Bless!

How about buying a tent and living at a campground for a while? You'll have showers and bathrooms there and it will be much safer there and you'll probably meet some awesome people too. Some of them have laundry facilities too.

You sound like the type to make something happen, good luck.

[link to www.amazon.com]

After stacking up loads of debt in college, this guy got out of debt by living in his van.. You might find some tips in this book.

Swallow your pride and take it until you can get back on your feet. Pay them back later if you feel like you should.

In convincing your parents is better that risking living in a car. It's not safe in many places. Go to you're parents home. Keep working and find a new job then move back out.
I saw a story on a couple who had gotten deeply in debt. They sold all their stuff in, learned over the road trucking, and that gave them a place to live and work while they paid off their bills. Maybe not your solution but it was a great solution for them.