30 Proven Ways to Make Money While Being Homeless

According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, over 5.5 million people in America are experiencing homelessness on any given night. 

The numbers are all too familiar to anyone who has experienced homelessness themselves or knows someone who has. 

This resource guide is a comprehensive list of resources for the homeless and how to get help.

So, We are here with our post on 30 best ways to make money being homeless.

How I made money with Fiverr while Homeless

Fiverr is an online marketplace for freelance services. 

When I was homeless, Fiverr gave me a way to make money without having to deal with traditional employers. 

By creating an account and listing my services, I was able to quickly find people who needed help with projects like website design, editing, and marketing. 

With Fiverr, I could work from wherever I had access to the internet, even on the street.

With Fiverr, you can list your services and charge whatever price you think is fair. 

You can also get tips from clients, which can help you make more money. Some people have even made a living off of Fiverr.

Using Fiverr was one of the best ways to make money while homeless that I found. 

It allowed me to earn money from anywhere in the world, and it was easy to do. 

All I had to do was create an account, list my services, and start working! 

If you are currently homeless and looking for ways to make money, Fiverr may be the perfect solution for you.

Same Story with my friend 

My friend and I have both been homeless at various points in our lives. We’ve both been able to make money while homeless, but it was definitely a struggle. 

There are many ways to make money being homeless and here are some of the ones that worked for us: 

1. Fiverr

2. Get a job

3. Apply for government assistance

4. Sell items

5. Perform odd jobs

6. Seek help from charities and non-profits

7. Online work

8. Start a small business

9. Crowdfunding

And many more ways to earn while being homeless

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Get a job

Finding a job can be one of the most effective ways to make money while homeless. 

It’s important to note that there are some limitations when it comes to getting a job as a homeless person. 

However, with a bit of creativity and hard work, you can still find some ways to make money. Here are some tips for how to make money being homeless: 

1. Look for Temporary Work: Temporary positions are perfect for the homeless person because it doesn’t require any long-term commitment and provides flexible hours. If you’re able to land a temporary job, make sure you’re on time and work diligently, so you can make a good impression and stay employed for longer. 

2. Ask Around: Talk to your friends and family and ask them if they know of any job openings. Networking is an effective way to find employment opportunities and expand your contacts in the area. 

3. Check Job Boards: Check online job boards like Craigslist or Indeed for potential employment opportunities. You can also look for jobs at homeless shelters, soup kitchens, or community centers in your area. 

4. Get Creative: Think of creative ways to earn money and consider working odd jobs, such as babysitting or pet sitting. Offer up your skills or services to people in your community, such as handyman services, gardening, or car washing. 

5. Don’t Give Up: It may take some time and patience to find a job while being homeless, but don’t give up. Keep looking and use every opportunity you get to showcase your talents and abilities.

Apply for government assistance

When you are homeless, there are a number of ways to make money while homeless. 

One way is to apply for government assistance. Depending on your situation, you may qualify for housing or employment assistance, cash benefits, health insurance, and other resources that can help you get back on your feet.

You should first contact your local Department of Social Services to see what kind of aid you may be eligible for. 

Depending on where you live, they may be able to provide you with food stamps, free or reduced-cost health care, temporary housing, or other forms of help. Many states also have programs specifically designed to help those who are homeless.

It’s important to remember that the process of getting government assistance can be lengthy and time-consuming, so it’s best to start early. 

Also, be sure to document everything you do and keep a record of all your correspondence. This will help if there are any issues or questions about your application. 

Finally, don’t give up; there are resources out there that can help you get back on your feet and make money being homeless.

Sell items

If you are homeless and need to make money, one of the best ways to do so is by selling items. 

This could include anything from clothes and books to electronics or furniture. 

You can look for items at local thrift stores, flea markets, yard sales, and even online marketplaces such as Craigslist or eBay. 

You can also try offering to sell items for your friends or family.

When it comes to making money while homeless, there are a few things to keep in mind. 

First, make sure you always price your items fairly, as this will help ensure that you get the most money possible. 

Second, always make sure you keep your items clean and in good condition. 

This will make them more attractive to potential buyers and give you a better chance of making a sale.

 Finally, don’t forget to advertise your items in whatever ways you can; post ads on social media and other websites, post flyers, or even talk to people in the street. With a little bit of effort, you should be able to make some money off of the items you’re selling.

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Perform odd jobs

One of the most effective ways to make money while homeless is to perform odd jobs. 

This can include a variety of tasks, such as yard work, cleaning, construction, and delivery services. 

Depending on the area in which you are living, you may be able to find odd jobs posted online or through word-of-mouth. 

You could also consider putting an advertisement up in your local community offering your services. 

This could be a great way to make some extra money while still maintaining your anonymity. 

If you are able to obtain tools and materials needed to do odd jobs, then you can potentially increase your income significantly. 

However, be sure to check with local laws and regulations to ensure that you are allowed to perform any tasks you plan to undertake. 

Furthermore, consider offering yourself as a mover or handyman to help people move their belongings or repair items around their house. 

These are typically paid positions and can offer a great way to make money while being homeless. 

No matter what type of odd job you decide to take on, be sure to stay safe at all times. 

Working for strangers can be dangerous, so be sure to research them before agreeing to any job. 

Additionally, make sure that you get paid upfront for any job that you complete, as this will ensure that you don’t get left with no compensation for your hard work. 

By utilizing the various ways to make money while homeless, such as performing odd jobs, you can make money while still maintaining your privacy. 

Just remember to always stay safe and ensure that you get paid for any work that you do.

Seek help from charities and non-profits

When someone is homeless and facing a financial crisis, they may feel there is no hope. 

Thankfully, there are a number of charities and non-profits that offer services specifically designed to help people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. 

These organizations provide food, clothing, and other essential items, as well as financial assistance. 

This can be an invaluable resource for those trying to make money while homeless. 

In addition to direct financial aid, many charities and non-profits provide support services such as job training and counseling. 

This can help individuals build skills and knowledge that will help them find employment in the future. 

With the right support, it is possible to make money being homeless and start building a more secure life.

Start a small business

Starting a small business is a great way to make money while homeless. 

There are many ways to make money being homeless through this route, such as selling handmade items, providing services, or selling food. 

All you need is some startup capital, and you can find ways to acquire this, such as asking for donations or crowdfunding. 

You will also need to be creative and resilient in order to build your business and make it successful.

However, with the right attitude, you can make money even when you are homeless.

Online work (Being homeless)

There are many ways to make money while homeless, such as online work. 

These include becoming a virtual assistant, taking online surveys and completing tasks for cash, becoming a freelance writer, blogging, or selling products online. 

You can also look into platforms like Fiverr, where you can list services and projects you’re willing to do and make money being homeless. 

There are many other options available on the internet, but these are some of the most common ones.

Crowdfunding (Being homeless)

Crowdfunding is one of the most popular ways to make money while homeless.

It involves asking for donations or investments from a large group of people online.

This type of fundraising can be done through platforms such as Kickstarter and GoFundMe. 

You can create a crowdfunding campaign and ask the public to help you out with whatever needs you may have. 

Many homeless people have turned to crowdfund as an alternative way to make money and find assistance in their time of need. 

There are many success stories out there of homeless people using crowdfunding to get back on their feet.

Networking

When it comes to ways to make money while homeless, networking should not be overlooked.

 Networking can open up many possibilities, from creating new business relationships to finding work opportunities or resources. 

It’s important to find networks of people who can help you and connect you with others who can give advice and resources on how to make money being homeless.

This could include connecting with local charities, businesses, churches, and other organizations that may be able to offer assistance or support. Additionally, consider volunteering at a local shelter or soup kitchen, which could potentially lead to connections for potential job opportunities.

Be creative and persistent

When it comes to ways to make money while homeless, you need to be creative and persistent. 

Doing odd jobs or selling items will only get you so far. Look into starting a small business or getting an online job. 

Networking and crowdfunding are also great options.

Put yourself out there and don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed. 

Finding new and inventive ways to make money while being homeless is a great way to give yourself the best chance of success. 

You just need to believe in yourself, stay positive, and never give up.

Street performances

One of the best ways to make money while homeless is by street performing. 

Whether it’s busking, juggling, music, or even magic, there are many ways to make money by showing off your skills in public places. 

By doing this, you can attract people’s attention and earn some spare cash. 

Street performing can be a great way to get out of your comfort zone and make money being homeless. 

Just remember to always have fun and entertain the people who are watching you!

Offer cleaning services

Cleaning services are one of the most popular ways to make money while homeless. 

You can make money being homeless by providing a variety of cleaning services, from housekeeping to window washing to pressure washing and beyond. 

Not only will you be able to earn a living, but you’ll also gain valuable skills and experience that can be used in future job prospects. 

Plus, you’ll be able to help out your community in the process. 

Consider setting up a website or blog with pricing information, availability, and reviews from former customers to help increase your client base.

Collect and resell items

One of the ways to make money while homeless is by collecting and reselling items. 

This can include anything from clothing, furniture, appliances, electronics, and other items that you find. 

You can source items from thrift stores, yard sales, flea markets, online sites like eBay and Craigslist, or even by asking around your community. 

Once you have the items, you can resell them at a markup and make a profit. 

This is an easy way to make money being homeless, as it requires very little investment but can result in some good profits if done right.

Food vending

Food vending is a great way to make money while homeless. 

There are a few different ways to go about it. You can set up a shop in a public area and sell homemade food items, or you can work with local businesses to sell their food products.

If you’re creative enough, you could even start your own mobile food truck business. 

With the right preparation, you can make good money by selling tasty snacks and meals on the street. It’s important to remember to follow all the laws and regulations in your area when starting your own business, but with the right amount of effort and determination, you can make money being homeless through food vending.

Offer laundry services

One of the best ways to make money while homeless is by offering laundry services.

This can be done in several ways. You can offer to pick up laundry from people’s homes and drop it off after it’s been cleaned. 

Alternatively, you can set up a mobile laundry service where you bring your own supplies to different locations and provide a cleaning service. 

By advertising your services online, you can easily attract customers and start making money while homeless.

Pet grooming

One of the great ways to make money while homeless is to offer pet grooming services. 

If you have a knack for caring for animals and have the ability to groom them, this can be a great way to make some extra money.

You can either travel from home to home or set up shop in one place and advertise your services. 

Just remember that pet owners need to trust you with their beloved animals, so be sure to keep them safe and groom them with care.

Handyman services

Handyman services are a great way for homeless individuals to earn money. 

These services include a wide range of tasks such as fixing leaky faucets, painting, carpentry, and basic electrical and plumbing work. 

With some basic knowledge and skills, you can offer your handyman services to people in your community. 

This could be a great way to earn some extra money, and it also gives you an opportunity to improve your skills and gain valuable experience.

 It’s important to note that before offering handyman services, you should check local laws and regulations regarding the necessary licenses, permits, or certifications required to perform these services.

Babysitting

Babysitting is another way for homeless individuals to earn money. 

It involves taking care of children while their parents are away. 

To be a babysitter, you need to have a caring and responsible attitude, as well as some basic knowledge of child care. 

You can offer your services to families in your community and charge a fee for your time. 

This is a great way to earn some extra money, and it also gives you an opportunity to interact with children and gain valuable experience.

It’s important to note that some states may require a background check, CPR certification, or other certifications before being able to offer babysitting services, so please check the local laws and regulations before starting this type of service.

Photography

• Photography is a great way for homeless individuals to earn money, as it allows you to use your creativity and passion for capturing images to make a living. Here are some key points to consider when starting a photography business:

• Develop your skills: While having a natural talent for photography is beneficial, it is important to develop your skills in order to produce high-quality images that will appeal to customers. This can be done through taking classes, workshops or practicing on your own

• Build a portfolio: A portfolio is a collection of your best work that showcases your skills and style as a photographer. Having a portfolio can help you market your business and attract clients.

• Identify your niche: Specializing in a particular type of photography, such as portrait, nature, or event photography can help you stand out in a crowded market.

• Invest in equipment: Having the right equipment is essential for producing high-quality images. Consider investing in a camera, lenses, and other accessories that will help you capture the images you want.

• Networking: Networking is key in any business and photography is no exception. Get involved in local photography communities, attend photography events, and connect with other photographers to expand your network.

• Marketing: Create a website and social media accounts to promote your business. Use these platforms to showcase your work, share your portfolio, and attract new clients.

• Be creative and persistent: Remember that making money as a photographer will likely require a combination of hard work, creativity, and persistence.

• It’s important to note that before offering photography services, you should check local laws and regulations regarding the necessary licenses, permits, or certifications required to perform these services.

Offer tutoring services

Offering tutoring services can be a great way for homeless individuals to earn money. 

If you have expertise in a particular subject, you can offer your services to students who need help. 

This could be a great way to earn some extra money, and it also gives you an opportunity to share your knowledge and skills. 

Tutoring can be done in person or online, and it can be done in a variety of subjects such as math, science, English, or languages.

It’s important to note that before offering tutoring services, you should check local laws and regulations regarding the necessary licenses, permits, or certifications required to provide educational services. 

Additionally, it could be a good idea to check with local schools or libraries to see if they have any programs or resources that could help you connect with potential students.

Transcription services

• Transcription is the process of converting audio or video recordings into written documents.

• Transcription services are in high demand by professionals, researchers, students, and businesses.

• The basic skills required for transcription services are knowledge of grammar, punctuation, and typing skills.

• Transcription work can be done from anywhere as long as you have access to a computer and internet, which makes it a great opportunity for homeless individuals.

• Transcription work can be done on a freelance basis, and you can get paid per hour or per audio file, the rate can vary depending on the type and quality of the audio you transcribing.

• Before offering transcription services, it is important to check local laws and regulations regarding the necessary licenses, permits, or certifications required to perform these services.

Personal shopping

• Personal shopping is a service where you help people with their shopping needs, whether it’s running errands, grocery shopping or buying gifts.

• People who may need this service include busy professionals, elderly people, disabled individuals, or anyone who simply doesn’t have the time or ability to do their own shopping.

• To offer this service, you’ll need to have good organizational skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of different products and stores in your area.

• You can charge customers a fee for your services, which could include your time and any transportation costs.

• It’s important to be trustworthy and reliable when offering personal shopping services as you will be handling someone else’s money and personal information.

• Before offering personal shopping services, you should check local laws and regulations regarding the necessary licenses, permits, or certifications required to perform these services.

• It’s worth noting that personal shopping can be a great way to earn money for homeless individuals, but it’s important to have a clear agreement with the client regarding the payment and to always keep a record of any purchase made on the client’s behalf.

Dog walking

• Offering dog walking services is a great way for homeless individuals to earn money while interacting with animals.

• It requires a love for dogs, good physical health and ability to handle dogs of different sizes and temperaments.

• It can be done on a part-time or full-time basis, and the pay can vary depending on your location and the services you offer.

• It is a low-cost business to start, you only need to invest in a good pair of walking shoes and some basic dog walking equipment such as a leash, collar, and poop bags.

• It is important to be reliable, punctual, and communicate well with clients, as well as being comfortable with handling different breeds and sizes of dogs.

• Before starting a dog walking business, it is important to check local laws and regulations, as well as getting any necessary licenses or permits.

• It is also important to have a knowledge of dog behavior and first aid in case of emergency.

• It’s important to have liability insurance as a dog walker, in case of any accidents or injuries.

Note that some of the above methods may not be legal or feasible depending on the laws and resources available in your area, so please check the local laws and regulations before trying any of these methods.

Personal training

• Personal training is a service that can be offered by homeless individuals to earn money. Here are some key points to consider:

• Knowledge and Experience: Having knowledge and experience in fitness and exercise is important for providing personal training services.

• Certification: Having a personal training certification is desirable, but not always necessary. Some certifications are recognized internationally, so it can be helpful to have them to attract more clients.

• Equipment: Personal training usually requires minimal equipment, such as resistance bands, dumbbells and a mat. Many homeless individuals can find equipment at shelters or through charities.

• Location: Personal training can be done in a variety of locations such as parks, gyms, or even private homes.

• Fees: Personal training fees can vary depending on the location, the duration of the session, and the level of experience of the trainer.

• Market: Personal training services can be marketed through word of mouth, social media, flyers, or approaching gyms and fitness centers.

• Safety: As a personal trainer, safety is a key aspect to consider, making sure that the exercises you are providing are tailored to the client’s level and ability, and that they are performing the exercises correctly to avoid injury.

• Insurance: Some personal trainers may need to have insurance to protect themselves in case of injury or liability.

It’s important to note that before offering personal training services, you should check local laws and regulations regarding the necessary licenses, permits, or certifications required to perform these services.

Offer delivery services

• Offering delivery services is a way for homeless individuals to earn money by utilizing a bicycle or a cart to deliver groceries or packages for a fee. Some key points to keep in mind when offering delivery services include:

• Reliability: Make sure you can deliver packages on time and in good condition.

• Insurance: Consider getting insurance for your bicycle or cart, in case of accidents or damage to the packages.

• Time management: Plan your routes and deliveries in advance to make the most efficient use of your time.

• Good condition of your delivery vehicle: Keep your bike or cart in good condition to ensure safe and reliable deliveries.

• Cost: Charge a reasonable fee for your services, taking into account the cost of your time and expenses.

• Legal requirements: Make sure to check local laws and regulations regarding the necessary licenses, permits, or certifications required to perform these services.

• Communication: Keep customers informed of the status of their deliveries, and be sure to get contact information to reach them in case of any issues.

• Safety: Always wear a helmet and follow traffic laws while delivering packages on a bicycle.

• Expansion: As you gain more customers and positive feedback, consider expanding your service area or offering additional delivery services.

Gardening

• Gardening is a great way to earn money for homeless individuals who have an interest in horticulture and outdoor work.

• You can offer your gardening services to people in your community, including residential and commercial properties.

• Services offered can include mowing lawns, planting flowers and vegetables, pruning, and general landscaping.

• This type of work can be done on a freelance basis, and you can charge by the hour or by the job.

• To be successful in gardening, you should have knowledge and skills on how to take care of plants, soil and be able to use gardening tools.

• It’s important to note that some gardening services may require equipment, such as lawn mowers, pruners, and other tools, so it’s important to have access to these tools before starting the business.

• It’s important to check local laws and regulations regarding the necessary licenses, permits, or certifications required to perform these services before offering them.

• It’s also important to be aware of the weather conditions and seasons, and plan accordingly to have work all year round.

• Networking with other gardeners and landscapers in the area can help you find clients and get more business.

Car detailing

Car detailing is a service that involves thoroughly cleaning a car inside and out to enhance its appearance. Here are some key points to consider when offering car detailing services:

• Equipment and supplies: You will need to invest in equipment such as a pressure washer, vacuum, microfiber towels, and various cleaning solutions to properly detail a car.

• Techniques and methods: You should be familiar with different detailing techniques and methods, such as clay bar treatment, polishing, and waxing, to properly clean and maintain a car’s finish.

• Attention to detail: Car detailing requires a great attention to detail, as every nook and cranny of the car needs to be cleaned and polished to get it to look as new as possible.

• Time management: Detailing a car can take several hours, so it’s important to be able to manage your time effectively to get the job done efficiently.

• Market your services: You will need to market your services to potential customers to gain their business. Advertise your services through flyers, online ads, or word of mouth.

• Insurance: You should consider getting insurance for your business as it will protect you from potential damages and liability.

• Legal aspect: You should check your local laws and regulations regarding the necessary licenses, permits, or certifications required to perform these services.

• Price: Your pricing for the service will depend on the location, competition and the type of service you offer.

• Specialization: You can specialize in certain type of vehicle detailing, such as luxury cars or trucks, to set yourself apart from other car detailing businesses.

• Customer service: Good customer service is essential to gaining repeat business, so be sure to be friendly, professional and responsive to customer’s needs.

Offer music lessons

Offering music lessons is a great way for homeless individuals to earn money if they have musical skills. Here are a few key points to consider when offering music lessons:

• Identify your skill set: Identify the musical instruments or genre that you are proficient in, and offer lessons in that area.

• Determine your rate: Decide on a fair rate for your lessons based on your skill level and experience.

• Create a curriculum: Create a lesson plan that includes instruction on basic music theory, technique, and performance.

• Advertise your services: Advertise your music lessons in your community, through social media, or by word of mouth.

• Be patient and flexible: Remember that learning music takes time and dedication, so be patient with your students and be open to adjusting your teaching methods as needed.

• Be prepared: Prepare materials and equipment you need before each lesson, such as music sheets and instruments.

• Be professional: Show up on time, be dressed appropriately and be prepared for each lesson.

• Be adaptable: Be open to teaching students of all ages and skill levels, and be willing to adjust your teaching methods as needed.

• Be creative: Use different techniques and methods to make the learning process interesting for your students.

• Be aware of the laws: Be aware of any laws or regulations regarding the private teaching of music in your area, and obtain any necessary permits or licenses.

Offer language lessons

Offering language lessons is a way for homeless individuals to earn money and share their skills with others. Some key points to keep in mind when offering language lessons include:

• Identify your language skills: Assess your proficiency in one or more languages and determine which languages you are comfortable teaching.

• Identify your target audience: Determine who you would like to teach, such as children, adults, or specific groups of people.

• Determine your rates: Decide on how much you will charge for your language lessons.

• Create a lesson plan: Develop a structured plan for your lessons, including topics and activities that will be covered.

• Find a suitable location: Look for a suitable location to conduct your lessons, such as a library, community center, or a park.

• Advertise your services: Promote your services through word of mouth, social media, or online classifieds.

• Be flexible: Be open to different teaching styles and adapt to the needs of your students.

• Be professional: Be punctual, reliable, and prepared for your lessons to establish trust with your students.

• Keep learning: Keep updating your knowledge of the language you’re teaching, and the teaching methodologies.

It’s important to note that before offering language lessons, you should check local laws and regulations regarding the necessary licenses, permits, or certifications required to perform these services.