The following is an excerpt of a featured article about me on Off-Grid.net.
I’ve been living out of my car since September 2010. I have a full-time security job, a gym membership at 24 Hour Fitness and utilize public wi-fi spots to work on client projects. And I’ve never been happier or more successful in my life.
Some say I’m homeless by choice, however, I feel that’s a blanket statement labeling my situation. In mid-2010 I could no longer pay rent at my apartment in California, so my Dad said I could live with him rent free.
Thirty days later he asks me for rent, which I could not pay, so I had to leave. Having nowhere to go and no money or steady work, I decided to drive down to Los Angeles to live out of my car, and grow my new Website & Branding business, since I can do that from anywhere.
For internet access I frequent FedEx Office every day. They have free Wi-Fi and all I do is go sit in the back and work. I’ve been going there over a year now. They all know me and what I’m about – except for my homeless situation. And I have a laptop and a smart phone. So when I’m not on my laptop I’m on my phone. Researching, blogging, reading, replying to tweets and comments and emails. I also have a USB internet card which I have as a backup.
This situation has also allowed me to learn what homelessness really is, and how many levels it actually has. No one teaches you this stuff. There’s no place to learn it, except to live it. I’ve met homeless sleeping on the streets at Skid Row, in tents, tree-houses, vehicles, RVs, couch surfing etc. Some have jobs, kids, businesses, laptops, iPads, cell phones etc. Today, homelessness is growing, but the internet is a fantastic tool to help get their goals online and in-line and better their lives for themselves and their families.
During this journey, my business has grown 300% into an international registered company with clients in 4 countries on 3 continents. I started the #NoBoxBlogs Project – Free Blogs for Homeless Worldwide via NoBoxBlogs.com to prove to those that doubt, and those who simply aren’t educated, that we are online, we are passionate, and we are more than our circumstance.
I can go on, as I have multiple online projects benefiting my homeless friends around the globe, but I figured you didn’t want a novel. You may want to check out the video below where I show the ins and outs of my car.
I have learned and have grown immensely in so many ways. I am still pursuing my dreams; I know they are real, they just haven’t been played out yet. In case you’re new to this little journey of mine, no worries, I am still striving for my success. If you have any questions or comments, speak your mind here, or contact me via Facebook, Twitter or YouTube. I will not quit, I promise.
“Forget society – worry about yourself.” Truer words have never been spoken.
Hey Zeroality, thanks for your support!
I should write a book solely on my quotes alone. Best seller on the street corner, wouldn’t you think?
Hope you stop by again man, and you can add me to Facebook or Twitter or YouTube or all 3 if you like! I appreciate all the love I can get, thanks again.
Done. Now I have you on FB, Twitter and the web.
Next, photography and video. Let’s get it started.
This is something many people will have to learn to do soon…
Prices are higher.
Pay is lower.
Jobs are hard to find.
Welcome to America.
So Artemis, I know you’re currently in Europe, but are you originally from America? Do you ever plan on coming back here?
Being newly homeless myself, I was surprised and inspired by your blog. Thanks, man.
Hey Suzanne.
Thanks for stopping by, I truly hope you learn that homelessness is but a transition to a fresh start. It’s only the end of the road if you choose to give up. I will be happy to befriend yo on Facebook or Twitter or both! That is where I am most active.
Stay Passionate.
Mooch, love this newly found blog. I envision a very successful road ahead with bigger houses or cars to live in. I so relate to this…check out my blog at http://close2bliss.wordpress.com. It is my unique, sometimes humourous, always loving approach to living the LOA. Follow me on twitter @loriclose2bliss or FB @ Lori Rhodes Hamilton. Let’s support each other on this journey to abundance!!
You are not homeless you are houseless, there is a difference. We often get confused and believe that a house constitutes a home and the bigger the house the better the home. Isn’t that the American dream? Not to me.
Home is the place where the spirit is at rest. Where the mind can be unrestricted. Where one finds contentment, peace and joy. The place where dreams are manifested into reality. The place where one can just be. So in a very real way you are living the American dream while most of us are maintaining our houses.
Hey Dan.
I do agree with you that I am currently living the American dream, with or without a roof over my head. I find it disappointing many are raised to believe the climax of life is to find a have a family and a home. For me, this is not on my list at all, for I prefer to be happy, financially cumfy, and capable of buying my mother a home, while taking care of all others in my inner circle. Then of course taking care of me sometime down the line.
I am actually happy, and feel very fortunate and appreciative of my life and my capabilities. I honestly appreciate your comments, and I hope you are also living your dream.
Stay Passionate.
Amen to that Dan! I know it’s been awhile since your post, but I just stumbled upon it.
Hey Mooch!
Introduced to ya by TooOld4ThisCrap on Twitter. If you need any SEO services let me know. Your website or someone you know who could use a hand.
Keep the faith!
Brad
Love your attitude towards your chosen alternative lifestyle. My brother, who has a history of substance abuse, has been living out of his truck for a few months in Los Angeles. Because of his past, I cannot continue to send him cash of any sort and I’m instead looking for resources like that he can utitlize to get by. I’m still browsing your site, but I’d love to point out available food banks and shelters to him that don’t take a week of filling out paperwork for approval to gain assistance. Thanks for the site.
Hey Tim.
Thank you for coming by buddy. I hope your brother is doing well and is in the process of recovering from anything preventing him from living s productive life. I cannot currently recommend any locations to obtain food or shelter, as I am not using these services. But I have made hundreds of friends locally and online via Facebook & Twitter. I suggest you add me on both if possible as many people I communicate with are CEOs of non-profits or shelters, and fellow homeless people.
Let me know if there’s anything I can do for you. Stay Passionate.
You can certainly add me to your blog roll. Diving has literally saved my hide many times. When you have to buy less (because stores throw stuff away) you can save your money for other things, like working less or living a more simple life.
I worked in the corporate sector for 23 years many times treated like a second class citizen, even though I worked my tail off. No more.
I’m working on my own business as well and trying to keep off the grid as much as possible.
Love the photos of your dumpster diving finds. keep it up and stay passionate with yourself and your business. I will add your blog to my Links page, and hope to connect with you further. if you’re on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube, hit me up there too.
Hi Mooch
I love your website! I’m currently in Oregon but have lost my job. I along with my teenage daughter will be moving to Los Angeles in a few months. We will be doing it homeless. This website has alot of good information for people in our circumstances. I love your attitude and motivation. You seem to be a great guy. Down to earth and real.
Amanda
hey Amanda! I’m glad you’re finding my Blog resourceful. May I ask why you’re moving from Oregon to Los Angeles? what are your plans when you come down here? let me know if I can help!
Hi Mooch,
We are actually excited, not scared. Us humans are pretty resilient.
I was born in Eugene and quite frankly am SICK of it! My daughters want to move to LA. My youngest wants to be in the film industry. She’s not coming with me right away. She lives with her dad and will come to LA once I get my shit together. My plan is to pack up a U-Haul, get a storage unit there, get a gym membership for Gelly and I and look into the local resources see what’s out there. In the meantime we will sleep in the car. Proly (on purpose) in the Walmart parking lot, or a church parking lot or something. Maybe a hospital parking lot, dunno. I’m on unemployment so that will help with funds untill I find a job in LA. You can help by just being a friend and someone to talk to who knows what it’s like
Stay passionate and positive, Amanda. Contact me anytime if I can help with anything.
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Hi bro, awesome site. I’ve been living in my car for a month now here in l.a. Aswell I came from New Brunswick..maybe we can meet up sometime, I can buy you coffee and you can give me tips. I’m usually around soho area. Email me please. Thanks.
This design is incredible! You most certainly know how to keep a reader amused.
Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost.
..HaHa!) Fantastic job. I really loved what you had to say, and more
than that, how you presented it. Too cool!