Moving to a new city with little or no money is a daunting challenge – but it’s not impossible. Many people have taken this leap and rebuilt their lives from scratch. This guide will walk you through realistic strategies to choose the right city, secure shelter, build a cash buffer, and find work quickly, all while maintaining a grounded, compassionate approach. We’ll also draw on real-life stories of those who started over with almost nothing, proving that with planning, hustle, and the courage to ask for help, a fresh start can be achieved.

Real Stories: Starting Over With Almost Nothing

Before diving into the how-to, let’s look at a couple of first-person accounts that show it can be done:

• Lauren’s $300 New York Gamble: Lauren Bowling recounts how she moved from Atlanta to New York City with only $300 and a suitcase. She had no job lined up, but through sheer hustle she made it work. Lauren networked with friends, couch-surfed for a few weeks, and aggressively pursued temp agencies. Thanks to careful planning, she had three job agency interviews on her first day in NYC, landing a temp gig within a week. This quick income was crucial. “Moving with no money isn’t glamorous,” she admits, but taking that risk ultimately led her to a better financial situation and a richer life experience. Her story shows the importance of having a plan, leveraging contacts, and being willing to hustle immediately.
• Emily’s Cross-Country Leap of Faith: Designer Emily Henderson moved to New York from Oregon at 22 with her boyfriend, “absolutely no plan and barely any money saved”. They arrived in NYC with youthful optimism, no jobs or apartment, and only a few hundred dollars. How did they survive? Emily worked two jobs (bartending at night and dog-walking by day) and lived in a tiny studio with multiple roommates. They had fun on a shoestring: eating $1 slices, sneaking into free events, and furnishing their place with thrifted finds. At one point Emily had under $100 in the bank and no family safety net. “When you’re 25 and have just a couple hundred bucks, you make your own fun,” she says, describing how low expectations and creativity helped them enjoy city life despite being broke. Her journey highlights resourcefulness – taking any work available and embracing a minimalist lifestyle – as key to getting by in an expensive city.
• Ali’s Six-Month NYC Sprint: In 2019, Ali Hickerson moved to New York unemployed, with only a small emergency fund and two suitcases. She crashed on a friend’s couch for two months and treated job-hunting like a full-time job. Ali networked like crazy – reaching out to every contact, attending events, even using apps like Bumble BFF to meet people. Despite the challenges (NYC landlords require proof of high income – often 40× the monthly rent – which she didn’t have ), she managed to find a sublet with roommates and kept pushing until she landed a full-time job just as her self-imposed six-month deadline approached. Ali’s story shows the importance of networking, having a timeline/backup plan, and being flexible with housing (like subletting or sharing rooms) when you have limited funds.

Each story is different – Lauren had only hundreds of dollars but a strong plan; Emily was young and carefree, willing to rough it; Ali had a bit of savings and a strict timeline. What they share is determination, creativity, and willingness to seek help. Keep their lessons in mind as we outline your strategy for starting over with no money.

Choosing a City Wisely (When You Have No Cushion)

Not all cities are equal when you’re broke. Picking the right place to restart can make a huge difference in how hard your journey will be. Consider these factors when choosing your new city:

• Cost of Living: Generally, a lower-cost city will stretch your limited dollars further. Research rent prices, food costs, and other expenses in potential cities. Websites like Numbeo or BestPlaces let you compare living costs between cities. For example, the typical rent for a one-bedroom in Birmingham, Alabama is around $1,338, whereas in many coastal cities it’s two or three times that. Cities like Sioux Falls, SD or Des Moines, IA also have relatively cheap housing (one-bed rents roughly $1,100) and very low unemployment (under 3%) – meaning jobs are more plentiful. Lower cost + job availability = an easier fresh start. On the other hand, dream cities like New York or San Francisco are extremely expensive. You can start with nothing in those places (as seen above), but you’ll face high rents and competition. If you do choose an expensive city, be prepared to live very frugally (shared rooms, gig work, etc.) to survive.
• Job Market: Look for a city with plenty of jobs, especially entry-level and temp work. Check the local unemployment rate and dominant industries. Some mid-sized cities offer a balance of jobs and affordability – for instance, as of 2024, Birmingham’s unemployment was just 2.7% , and Sioux Falls boasted an incredibly low 1.9%. That means employers are hiring. Cities with diversified economies (tech, healthcare, service sector, etc.) or seasonal tourist areas that always need service workers can be good options. Also, consider states with higher minimum wages or stronger worker protections if you’ll be starting with low-wage jobs.
• Public Transportation: If you don’t own a reliable car (or can’t afford gas/insurance), transit is your lifeline. A city with decent public transportation or walkable job centers will save you a lot of money. For example, in New York you can get almost anywhere by subway/bus (no car needed), whereas in a sprawling city like Los Angeles or a small town, you might struggle without a vehicle. Research transit options: Does the city have buses, trains, or at least dense neighborhoods where you could walk/bike to work? Some smaller cities have limited transit, which could force you to buy a cheap car (an extra expense) or spend hours walking. Factor this in. Tip: If you do need a car, consider places with lower gas prices or shorter commute distances, and make sure you have a plan for maintenance costs.
• Shelter and Social Services: When starting with no money, there’s a chance you might need to rely on homeless shelters or charitable services at first. Larger cities tend to have more shelters, food pantries, and programs for people in need. For instance, most cities have a Salvation Army that offers emergency shelter and free hot meals to those in crisis. Some cities also have day centers, job programs, or nonprofits geared toward helping homeless or low-income individuals. Smaller towns might have few or no shelters (“Greyhound therapy” – historically, small towns would give homeless people a bus ticket to the nearest city because they had no services ). That said, big cities also have more competition for shelter space and often stricter requirements. Do your homework: Before moving, look up what housing help exists in that city. Is there a centralized intake for shelters? Are there waiting lists? Choosing a city known for a robust support network (or where you already know someone who can help) can literally be life-saving if you run out of options. Also consider climate – surviving outdoors in a Minnesota winter with no money is far riskier than, say, in Arizona. Warm weather cities (Phoenix, Miami, etc.) make being unsheltered slightly easier, but they also tend to attract more homeless individuals, which can strain resources. Aim for a city where you can realistically stay safe if you have to sleep rough or in a shelter short-term, and where you can get back on your feet quickly.
• Personal Connections: Do you have any friends or family in a particular city who might let you crash on their couch or help you find work? A familiar face can ease the transition immensely. Lauren’s story is a great example – she rotated between friends’ couches in NYC for a couple of weeks each, buying herself time to find a job. Even a distant acquaintance or a friend-of-friend in the area might give you a temporary landing pad or local advice. Don’t be too proud to reach out and ask. Many people remember what it’s like to be new in town with nothing; you might be surprised at the compassion you’ll receive. If you truly don’t know a soul in the city, you might lean more on public resources, but that’s okay too – just plan for it.

Bottom line: Choose a city that balances affordability, opportunity, and support. If you’re leaving a bad situation and starting from zero, your best bet may be a mid-sized city or large town with jobs, low rent, and at least some transit and shelters. But every situation is unique – maybe you’re drawn to a big city for specific job dreams, or maybe you need to get far from your old environment. Just go in with eyes open about the costs and challenges. Research is your friend: spend time online checking rents, job listings, transit maps, and local aid organizations. If possible, visit the city beforehand (even for a day or two) to scope it out – see cheap neighborhoods, find the shelter locations, talk to locals. If a preview trip isn’t feasible, try connecting in online forums (city subreddits, Facebook groups) to ask questions. The more you know, the fewer nasty surprises when you arrive.

Building a Small Cash Buffer (Before and After Moving)

When you’re starting with no money, one of your first goals is to scrape together even a small cash buffer. You’ll need some money for basics like food, transit fare, or an initial place to stay (even a $30 hostel bed). Here are some step-by-step strategies to build that cushion:

1. Save or Earn Whatever You Can Before the Move: If you have any time before relocating, use it to gather funds. Cut every non-essential expense and save those dollars – it might mean skipping meals out, selling personal items, doing odd jobs, or tapping any income source available. Lauren admits she “squirreled away” her meager unemployment checks for six weeks and arrived in NYC with about $300, which was just enough to get by until her first paycheck. You might not even have $300, but even $50 can buy you a couple days of food. Sell stuff you don’t absolutely need – clothes, electronics, furniture – either via garage sale, Craigslist/Facebook Marketplace, or pawn shops. This lightens your load (cheaper move) and gives you some cash. Pro tip: Do not sell essentials you’ll need for survival and job-hunting. Keep at least one decent outfit for interviews, your phone, and ID documents. Those are lifelines in the new city.

2. Plan How You’ll Make Money Immediately Upon Arrival: Once you land in the new city, how will you get your very first dollars there? Ideally, line up something in advance. In today’s gig economy, you can sometimes start earning quickly if you have internet access or a phone. For example, you could bid on a small freelance job on Upwork, or line up a dog-walking gig on TaskRabbit, or even find a day labor shift via an app. Lauren suggests scouring job boards like Upwork or TaskRabbit before you move to try to have some work ready when you arrive. If you’re driving to the new city and have a car, consider registering for Uber/Lyft or delivery apps (DoorDash, Instacart) so you can start making money as soon as you’re there – even a few short fares or deliveries on day one can put cash in your pocket quickly (just be mindful of gas costs). Don’t wait for the “perfect” job; any income is good income in the beginning.

3. Tap the Gig/Temp Job Market: Even if you couldn’t set something up ahead, hit the ground running. Temp agencies are often the fastest route to paid work. Many cities have staffing agencies that place workers in admin jobs, hospitality, day labor, etc., sometimes with same-week pay. Lauren’s method was to blitz temp agencies with her resume; because she planned ahead and even used a friend’s local address on her resume, she had several agency interviews lined up the moment she arrived. She got an assignment within a week, which meant a paycheck within two weeks – that’s fast. Look up agencies like Kelly Services, Adecco, Manpower, or local outfits in your target city. Day labor centers are another quick option if you’re fit for manual work – these are agencies where you show up early, get picked for a construction, moving, or landscaping job that pays at the end of the day. The work is hard, but you walk away with cash in hand. Check if your city has a “Labor Ready” or similar day labor program. Gig jobs can also tide you over: think rideshare driving, food delivery, handyman tasks, babysitting, dog walking, tutoring, or house cleaning – whatever skills you have, there’s likely an app or bulletin board to find gigs. For example, you might find quick gigs as a mover on Dolly, or sign up to do odd jobs on TaskRabbit, or deliver groceries via Instacart. Even selling things online is a gig – some people flip thrift store finds or resell items on eBay for quick cash (if you have a bit of starting capital or things to sell). The moving.com guide provides examples of such immediate jobs: ride-hail driver, on-call delivery, babysitter, temp admin, TaskRabbit odd jobs, seasonal retail, etc.. The key is to be flexible and persistent – you might string together multiple small gigs to get through those first weeks.

4. Use Local Resources for Basic Needs (Save Your Cash): Money saved is money earned. In a new city with no funds, you should quickly connect with free support resources so you’re not spending what little money you have on food or other necessities. A top resource is 211, a nationwide helpline (just dial 2-1-1) that can refer you to local services for food, shelter, healthcare, and more. As one person put it, “211 saved my life. It was below freezing, and I had nowhere to sleep. They helped me find a place to stay and create a plan to get my life back.” This kind of help – a warm bed, a meal plan – can effectively act as your “cash buffer” by covering essentials while you work on income. Apply for food assistance (SNAP/food stamps) as soon as you can; if you have virtually no income, you can often qualify and get an EBT card fairly quickly, which will free up your limited cash for other needs. Visit local food pantries and soup kitchens (211 or Homeless Shelter directories can point you to these). For transportation, see if charities in the area give bus passes or gas vouchers to those in need – for example, Catholic Charities in many cities provides free bus tokens or gas money for low-income people. Every dollar you don’t spend on a sandwich or a bus ride is a dollar you can put toward securing housing or saving for the next step. Swallow any pride and use these safety nets – that’s exactly what they’re there for.

5. Consider Creative Living Arrangements to Cut Costs: Housing will likely be your biggest expense, so think outside the box to reduce that burden (we’ll cover shelters and housing in detail next). In terms of cash flow, one strategy is work-for-housing arrangements. Some hostels will let you work a few hours a day at the front desk or cleaning in exchange for a free bunk. There are also home-sharing programs where you live with an elderly person rent-free or low rent in exchange for help with errands or companionship – a national directory exists to connect people for this kind of arrangement. Similarly, “couchsurfing” via the Couchsurfing app/community can get you a short-term place to crash for free with a host – it’s usually meant for travelers and is very temporary (a few days here or there), but it could bridge gaps and save you motel money. The goal is to minimize paid housing nights early on; every night you can sleep somewhere safely without draining your wallet is a win and builds your buffer.

Finally, if you managed to get a first paycheck or some cash, be disciplined with it. It’s tempting after struggle to splurge on a nice meal or gadget, but in this phase every dollar has a job – likely rent or savings. Live as frugally as possible until you have truly gotten back on your feet. That might mean continuing to eat donated food or rice and beans for a while, saying no to invitations that cost money, and sticking to a tight budget. As one guide put it: even once you start earning, adjust your budget and live within your means; don’t blow that first paycheck, because you may need it to secure long-term housing or handle an emergency. It’s all about survival first; fun can come later.

Securing Shelter and Transitional Housing

Having a safe place to sleep is the most urgent concern when arriving in a new city broke. Transitional housing can take many forms – from a friend’s couch, to a homeless shelter, to a cheap shared sublet. Here’s how to approach finding shelter when money is near zero:

1. Leverage Personal Networks (if possible): Do you know anyone in the new city or even within a bus ride of it? Reaching out to friends, relatives, or even acquaintances to ask for a temporary stay can be immensely helpful. Yes, it can feel embarrassing, but honest pleas for help often get empathy. Lauren swallowed her pride and called up several friends in New York, asking if she could stay “a week or two” with each; “they were all so gracious and agreed to let me stay”. If you can arrange even a short couch-surf at someone’s place, it gives you a crucial foothold – you can shower, keep your bags there, and focus on job hunting rather than worrying about where to sleep that night. Be clear and respectful with anyone who hosts you: communicate how long you expect to stay (and stick to it), and offer to help out (do chores, buy groceries if you can) to show your gratitude. Importantly, have a backup plan/exit strategy so your host knows you won’t overstay indefinitely. In Lauren’s case, she assured her friends (and herself) that if she didn’t have a job by Thanksgiving (about 6 weeks), she’d use her parents’ offer of a plane ticket home. That “escape route” made everyone more comfortable. Not everyone has helpful friends or family, but if you do, don’t be afraid to make that call.

2. Emergency Shelters and Homeless Services: If couches aren’t an option, homeless shelters are often the next line of defense. Research the shelters in your target city ahead of time. Many cities have an intake system – for example, a central shelter hotline or a Coalition for the Homeless that coordinates placements. Larger cities may have separate shelters for single men, single women, women with children, etc., and different rules (some are overnight only, some allow you to stay 30 days, etc.). Upon arriving, go in person to a shelter intake or outreach center as early in the day as possible to secure a bed. The environment in shelters can be tough – they can be crowded and you have to safeguard your belongings – but they meet basic needs: a roof, a bed, a bathroom, often a meal. Some shelters or missions operate on a first-come first-served daily basis, requiring you to line up every afternoon to get a bed for that night; others assign you a bed/mat for a longer term. Plan for the logistics: for example, if a shelter requires ID, make sure you have some form of identification with you. If you have a phone, save the numbers/addresses of shelters or soup kitchens from your research, or call 211 for guidance on where to go. Safety tip: Keep your important documents and anything you can’t afford to lose on your person or in a very secure place when staying in a shelter. Use a small combination lock for your bag if possible.

Also take advantage of transitional housing programs if available. Some cities have transitional living facilities (group homes, YMCA/YWCA programs, etc.) that aren’t just nightly shelters but allow a few months stay while you get work and save money. There may be requirements (e.g. you must remain sober, or attend counseling, etc.). These can be ideal if you qualify, since they offer a stable place to stay longer than an emergency shelter. Ask shelter staff or 211 about such programs.

3. Cheap Accommodation: Hostels, Motels, Rooming Houses: If you can scrape together some money (from day labor or selling something), you might consider inexpensive paid lodging as a short-term solution. Youth hostels in major cities sometimes offer dorm beds for $20–$40 per night – not sustainable long-term, but maybe for a week or two if you have a bit of cash to buy time. Some hostels also give discounts for longer stays or work-exchange as mentioned. Extended-stay motels or single-room occupancy (SRO) hotels rent small rooms by the week or month for relatively low rates (compared to regular hotels). These still cost money – e.g. $200/week or similar – but if you have a job starting soon, a week in a motel might be a bridge to your first paycheck. Just be careful not to burn through all your money on motel nights if you have free alternatives.

In some cities, rooming houses or boarding houses offer very basic rooms with shared bathrooms for cheap. These can be found via local classifieds or word of mouth. For example, you might find a house where you rent a room for $400/month with no deposit – a possible scenario if someone is subletting informally. Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and community bulletin boards could have postings for rooms or sublets that don’t require hefty upfront costs. If you go this route, always be vigilant for scams – never wire money in advance for a room you haven’t seen. It’s best to arrange to see the place in person and pay week-to-week at first if possible.

4. Shared Housing and Creative Living: Paying full rent on your own place is usually impossible with no money. So think shared. Look for roommate situations where someone has an extra room to rent in their apartment. Often these require at least a small deposit or first month’s rent, but occasionally you’ll find a more flexible arrangement (especially if you find roommates through community connections). Co-living spaces or “pod shares” have sprung up in some high-cost cities – these are basically bunk bed dorms for adults, where you rent a bunk in a big shared room for much cheaper than an apartment. For example, a pod share bed in L.A. or NYC might be $500-$700/month, which is still a lot, but far less than $2000 for a private apartment. The upside is you get a mailing address and stable spot; downside is zero privacy.

Another approach: subletting. If you can find someone who is going out of town and needs someone to take over their lease for a short time, they might sublet a furnished room to you for relatively cheap and possibly without a large deposit. Lauren did this informally by staying with friends, but you can also check sites like Facebook housing groups, Craigslist sublets, or apps like Airbnb’s monthly rentals (some Airbnb hosts give steep discounts for month-long stays ). A sublet or temporary furnished room can give you a month or two of breathing room to save money for your next step.

5. Utilize Housing Charities and Assistance Programs: There are non-profit programs that specifically help people in unstable housing situations. For instance, Catholic Charities, Salvation Army, and local churches often have emergency housing funds or even hotel vouchers for homeless families or individuals in certain cases. Some cities have funds to help with security deposits or first month’s rent if you have a job but just can’t afford move-in costs – the moving.com guide notes programs like the Housing Industry Foundation’s Emergency Housing Fund that do this. You might also find that community action agencies or United Way programs provide one-time grants or loans for housing needs. It varies a lot by location and usually you have to qualify (low-income, at risk of homelessness, etc., which you likely do). As mentioned earlier, 211 can connect you to these services. Don’t hesitate to explain your situation to a caseworker or social service agency and ask if there’s any relocation assistance or housing help available. In some cases, even moving companies partner with charities to offer free moving services for those fleeing domestic violence or facing eviction – while that’s more about physically moving belongings, it shows that help is out there for those in crisis.

6. “Free Relocation” Programs (Use Cautiously): You may have heard of cities giving homeless people free bus tickets to somewhere else. Indeed, for decades various U.S. cities have had relocation programs offering one-way bus (or plane) tickets to people living on the streets. These are often called “Homeward Bound” or informally “Greyhound therapy.” The idea is to send someone to a place where they have family or support. If you already have a willing friend or family member in another city who can take you in, and you’re currently homeless in your starting location, this could be a way to get transportation paid for. For example: San Francisco’s Homeward Bound program has sent over 10,000 people to other towns (usually to relatives) since 2005. However, these programs usually require proof that someone will receive you on the other end (they don’t want to just dump you in a random city with no plan). And keep in mind, they exist mainly to reduce a city’s homeless count, not necessarily to guarantee your long-term success – outcomes are mixed. If you use such a program, be sure you really do have a support network on arrival. This isn’t so much a housing solution as a travel solution, but it’s worth knowing about if your main hurdle is “I can’t even afford a bus ticket to get there.” Check if your current city (or nearest large city) has a homeless outreach that provides relocation travel assistance – ask a shelter staff or call the city’s homelessness department. Also, organizations like Traveler’s Aid International operate in some bus/train stations to help stranded travelers – they might occasionally fund a ticket in emergencies. Again, these are last-resort options, but they’re out there.

Summary for housing: In the beginning, you might patch together multiple housing strategies – a few nights on a friend’s couch, a week in a shelter, a month in a cheap sublet, etc., until you stabilize. This can be exhausting, so remember to take care of yourself and stay safe. Keep important items locked or on you, and if one option falls through, have a Plan B (even if Plan B is going to the shelter or sleeping in your car for a night). It’s not forever – it’s a bridge to get you to a position where you can afford your own room or apartment.

Finding and Lining Up Income Quickly

The faster you can start earning, the faster you can regain stability. Here are concrete steps to secure a job or income source as soon as possible in your new city:

1. Job Hunt Like It’s Your Job: Treat finding employment as your top priority from Day One. Hit the ground running – the morning after you arrive (if not the very same day), start making contacts and filling out applications. If you have a phone or laptop, get on Wi-Fi (public library, coffee shop, shelter resource center) and scour job sites. Indeed, Craigslist, LinkedIn, and local job boards are obvious places. But also consider walking into places that tend to hire on the spot: restaurants, retail stores, supermarkets, hotels – anyplace with a “Help Wanted” sign or that you suspect has high turnover. Present yourself as enthusiastic and available immediately. You might say, “I just moved here and I’m ready to work right away – can I fill out an application?” Even day labor aside, a lot of restaurants or small businesses will hire someone who shows up in person with a friendly attitude, especially for under-the-table day work or trials.

2. Register with Temp and Staffing Agencies: As mentioned earlier, temp agencies can be a quick ticket to employment. Lauren found NYC “was rife with temp agencies looking for candidates”. Many cities are similar – there are agencies for general labor, clerical work, healthcare aides, etc. Find a list of agencies (a quick Google search or 211 might have a list of workforce programs). Go to their offices, call them, or apply online to their pools. The advantage of temp work is you don’t necessarily need a long work history in the city or strong connections; if you have basic skills (typing, customer service, etc.) or can do physical labor, they may place you in a short-term job that could start within days. Even a one-week temp assignment is money and experience. Tip: Some agencies pay quicker than others; ask if they offer daily or weekly pay. Also, honesty about your situation can help – if you’re essentially homeless, some nonprofits have specialized workforce programs (for example, day labor programs specifically for homeless individuals) or can connect you to day jobs with supportive employers. Don’t hesitate to mention to agency reps that you’re new in town and very eager for any work; your desperation can be framed as high motivation.

3. Use Free Job Hunt Resources: Most cities have One-Stop Career Centers or workforce development centers where you can get help for free. They often provide access to computers, resume writing help, and listings of local jobs. Some even have relationships with employers. Since money is tight, utilize these resources instead of paid services. Public libraries also often host job search workshops or have bulletin boards with job postings. If you lack proper attire for interviews, look for charities like Dress for Success (for women’s professional clothing) or career closets that provide free work clothes.

4. Network Creatively: It may seem odd to “network” when you’re broke in a new city, but human connections lead to jobs more often than blind applications. Use any connection you have – however tenuous. That might mean reaching out to alumni from your school who live in the area, or attending free community events (job fairs, church gatherings, support groups). For example, Ali literally made a spreadsheet of contacts friends had given her and systematically met people for informational chats. It paid off as those people introduced her to others and eventually helped her learn of job openings. You don’t need to reveal how little money you have; just present yourself as “new to town and eager to work.” People often respect someone trying to rebuild and might offer leads or even a ride to an interview. Online networking: Join local Facebook groups or subreddits for job seekers; sometimes people post odd jobs or day work there. LinkedIn can be useful if you have a professional background – update your location and let your network know you’re seeking opportunities.

5. Be Open to Temporary and Seasonal Opportunities: Your first job in the new city doesn’t have to be your dream job. It just needs to pay the bills now. So be open to seasonal gigs or jobs with housing included. For instance, seasonal jobs with housing are available in places like national parks, resorts, or summer camps – websites like CoolWorks list many jobs that provide housing as part of the deal. If timing aligns and you can get one of these, it solves both income and shelter for a season. Examples: ski resorts hiring winter staff (lift operators, hotel housekeepers) often have dorms for employees; summer lodges in Alaska or Yellowstone provide cheap or free housing to staff since they’re remote. Some of these jobs even include meals. Case in point: a remote lodge in Alaska on CoolWorks was recently hiring for kitchen and maintenance staff, offering free lodging/meals plus a bonus. If you have the flexibility to relocate again for a seasonal gig, it could be a stepping stone to save money. If not, look at local seasonal needs: holiday retail (Nov-Dec) can be easier to get hired quickly; spring and summer have tourism and festival jobs, etc. Also consider day-to-day gigs as a stopgap: day labor pools (as discussed), or even things like plasma donation (not a job, but a way to get ~$30-$50 cash for donating blood plasma – many struggling folks do this once or twice a week to get by).

6. Don’t Neglect Longer-Term Career Moves: While the immediate focus is survival income, keep an eye on the horizon. As you settle, try to transition from odd jobs to something steadier and better-paying. Use whatever background or skills you have. If you don’t have much work experience, consider training programs (some cities offer free short-term training in trades, CDL trucking licenses, coding bootcamps, etc. for low-income residents). Even as you work a survival job, keep job searching for roles that offer growth or benefits. And when you do land any job, budget carefully so you can start saving an emergency fund – that will prevent you from being one small crisis away from homelessness again. The ultimate goal is not just to get by, but to build stability and eventually thrive.

Throughout your job hunt, remember to set realistic expectations and be kind to yourself. Even with a solid plan, it might take longer than you hope to secure employment. You might face rejections or radio silence on applications – that’s normal. Don’t get discouraged. Celebrate small wins: you got a call back, you made a new contact, you earned $50 doing yard work – these are progress. Stay persistent and keep updating your approach (if nothing’s hitting, ask someone at a career center to review your resume or do a mock interview). And crucially, keep yourself healthy enough to work: use free clinics if you get sick, get sleep when you can, and try to manage stress (even just taking a daily walk or journaling can help). Your ability to earn income is tied to your well-being.

Practical Resources to Know (U.S.-Focused)

To wrap up, here’s a quick-reference list of resources and links that can help when you’re starting over with no money:

• 211 United Way: Just dial 2-1-1 from any phone to be connected to a local resource specialist. They can direct you to shelters, free clinics, food banks, job programs, and more in your area. It’s available 24/7 in most areas. (As noted, 211 has helped millions get connected to help – over 8.5 million housing and utility referrals in 2024 alone.)
• Temp and Day Labor Agencies: Look up agencies like Kelly Services, Adecco, Manpower, PeopleReady, or local day labor centers. These can place you in quick jobs. Many cities also have a Day Labor Center or Worker Center often run by nonprofits – a safe place to get matched with people who need casual labor (construction, moving, etc.) so you don’t have to stand on a street corner. Ask local nonprofits about this.
• Gig Work Platforms: If you have a smartphone, consider apps like Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Instacart, TaskRabbit, Rover (pet sitting), etc. Each has its requirements (e.g. for rideshare you need a car; for TaskRabbit you might need some tools or skills). Even without a car, apps like DoorDash might allow bike or foot delivery in dense cities. Upwork and Fiverr can be useful if you have any freelance-able skill (writing, graphic design, coding, virtual assistance). And Amazon’s Mechanical Turk or Appen offer tiny online tasks – not huge money, but if you have zero and only a laptop, it’s something.
• Social Services and Benefits: Department of Human Services (DHS) or equivalent in your state – apply for SNAP (food stamps) and Medicaid right away. If you have children, look into TANF cash assistance. Also, WIC if you have small kids or are pregnant (for food assistance). Many states have emergency assistance programs that can help with a bit of cash or a motel voucher if you qualify – ask your caseworker. Career OneStop Centers (funded by the Department of Labor) can help with job training or unemployment if you’re eligible.
• Housing Help: Homeless shelters and transitional housing programs (find via 211 or Homeless Shelter Directory online). Catholic Charities – in many cities, they offer housing counseling, emergency rent help, or shelter. Salvation Army – shelters, soup kitchens, sometimes rental assistance. Coordinated Entry – many cities now use a system where you call a hotline or go to a center to get on the list for housing assistance; find out how your city handles this and get on that list if you’re homeless. National Shared Housing Resource Center (nationalsharedhousing.org) – for home-sharing opportunities with seniors. Couchsurfing.com (for short-term stays with hosts). Affordable housing search: websites like AffordableHousingOnline or local housing authorities can list low-income apartments (though waitlists can be long). If you’re a veteran, contact the VA or organizations like Volunteers of America – there are specific homeless veteran programs that can rapidly rehouse vets. If you’re fleeing domestic violence, reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline; they can sometimes arrange safe relocation and housing.
• Relocation Assistance Programs: As discussed, some cities have programs like Homeward Bound (San Francisco), Family Reunification Program (various cities) that provide free bus/plane tickets. Use with a clear destination/support plan in mind. Travelers Aid International – present in some major transport hubs, helps stranded travelers and may offer assistance (their help varies by city).
• Health and Safety: Free clinics for medical care (find via 211 or directories), Planned Parenthood for reproductive health (often low-cost or free). Mental health: the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (just dial 988) if you’re in emotional crisis. Many cities have drop-in centers for counseling or support groups – don’t hesitate to seek mental health support; the stress of starting over can be intense, and staying mentally healthy will help you succeed. Substance abuse help if needed:  Twelve Step meetings (AA/NA) are free and everywhere, and some shelters require sobriety, so getting support if you’re struggling with addiction is crucial.
• Miscellaneous: Public libraries – free internet, a place to be indoors (very important if you’re on the streets during the day), often helpful librarians who can point you to local info. Libraries sometimes have free passes to local transportation or museums too. Laundry: look for laundromats and see if any churches run a “free laundry day” program (some do for homeless folks). Food: aside from pantries, remember you can get a free meal at many religious organizations (like Sikh gurdwaras offer langar/community meals, some churches do weekly dinners). Showers: YMCA sometimes lets you shower for a small fee, or look for a shelter or outreach that has a shower program (some cities have mobile shower trucks). Maintaining hygiene will keep you feeling human and job-ready.

This is a lot to take in, but keep this list handy. You might not need all of it – maybe you avoid shelters because you found a roommate situation quickly, or maybe you never need a free bus ticket because you found a job the first week. Everyone’s path will differ.

A Compassionate Reality Check

Starting over in a new city with no money will be hard. There will be moments of doubt, loneliness, and exhaustion. It’s important to maintain a realistic mindset. Even best-case scenarios often involve a few rough months of scrimping and uncertainty. You might land a job and still have to wait weeks for the first paycheck, or you might secure a couch to crash on but feel anxious about overstaying. Anticipate these hurdles so they don’t knock you down when they happen. Set small, achievable goals each day: today I will apply to five jobs; today I will visit two shelters; today I will earn $20 doing X. Each small win builds momentum.

Also, have a backup plan in case things don’t work out initially. For example, you might tell yourself: If I can’t find any job within one month, I’ll consider moving to a cheaper town nearby or I’ll call my sibling to see if I can stay with them after all. Or, if I find myself without any housing, I know which shelter to go to or which safe public place I can rest for a night. It’s not pessimistic to think of worst-case scenarios – it’s empowering, because you’ll feel less panic if one occurs since you have a contingency. Lauren did this by knowing she could fly back home for a reset if absolutely necessary. You don’t want to use your escape plan unless you must, but it’s comforting to have one.

Importantly, give yourself grace and seek community. You are not the first nor last person to face this challenge. There are others in your city right now going through similar struggles – consider visiting a support group or even talking with people you meet at shelters or workforce centers. Sometimes exchanging stories and tips with peers can lighten the load. If you find a church or community center that’s welcoming, you might gain an emotional support network even if you’re not religious. The tone of your “comeback” should be one of patience and self-compassion. Yes, work hard and hustle, but also acknowledge the courage it takes to do what you’re doing. Not everyone has the bravery to start from zero in a new place.

Finally, celebrate progress. When you get that first job or move into your own rented room for the first time, recognize what an accomplishment that is. It might seem minor compared to being “back on your feet” fully, but it’s a huge step. Each milestone – first paycheck, first month’s rent paid, first friend made in the new city – is proof that you are rebuilding. Over time, these small bricks turn into a solid foundation.

Starting over with no money is a journey that demands grit and realism, but also hope. The fact that you’re seeking out information and reading guides like this shows you haven’t given up on yourself. Keep that spark. Others have done it, and you can too. It won’t be like a Hollywood movie; it’ll be more like a day-by-day grind, with little victories slowly adding up. But as Lauren said about her leap of faith: “Moving with zero funds isn’t glamorous… You just need a strategy (and maybe a little hustle)… If you’re craving a fresh start and ready to get scrappy, it’s 100% possible.”.

Take it one step at a time. Good luck on your journey – and welcome to your new city and new chapter of life!