HOW HOMELESS PEOPLE CAN MAKE MONEY
Yes, individuals experiencing homelessness can and do find various ways to earn money. These methods range from traditional employment opportunities to more unconventional options like panhandling and recycling. While some options may be more reliable or lucrative than others, there are diverse avenues available for those seeking to generate income while experiencing homelessness.
NOTE: The advice that follows is for people living in the United States. Some information might apply to other countries.
Here’s a breakdown of some common ways homeless individuals make money:
Traditional Employment:
- Day Labor: Many cities have day labor services where individuals can find temporary work, often in construction or landscaping, according to Yahoo Finance.
- Temporary Staffing Agencies: These agencies can connect individuals with various short-term jobs, including office work, retail, or warehouse positions.
- Food Service and Retail: Some homeless individuals find employment in fast food restaurants, coffee shops, or retail stores, says Quora.
- Service Industry: Roles like cleaning houses, waiting tables, or working as a janitor can also provide income.
- Skills-Based Work: Individuals with specialized skills, such as writing, graphic design, or computer programming, can find freelance work online or through local networks, according to JustAnswer.
- Nursing Home Attendant or Security: Some nursing homes and security companies offer part-time positions that can be accessible, says Quora.
Other Income-Generating Activities:
- Panhandling: While not always reliable or legal, some individuals resort to panhandling (asking for money) as a means of survival.
- Busking: Street performers, such as musicians or artists, can earn money by performing in public spaces, says Yahoo Finance.
- Selling Goods: Individuals may sell items like bottled water, used clothing, or furniture they find.
- Collecting and Selling Recyclables: Scrap metal, aluminum cans, and other recyclables can be sold for cash.
- Selling Plasma: Some homeless individuals sell their plasma for a small fee.
- Academic and Medical Studies: Some research studies offer compensation for participation.
- Finding Lost Items: Individuals may earn rewards for finding and returning lost items.
- Starting a Business: In some cases, homeless individuals have successfully started small businesses, such as selling coffee or cleaning services.
- Online Platforms: There are various online platforms where individuals can offer their skills or services for payment.
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One Online Platform example follows:
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- Earn Up to $100 this Month By Answering Survey Questions About the News — It’s Anonymous.
- (NOTE: This website performed a search to see if YouGov is legitimate and found that it is ok.
“Reputation and recognition results for YouGov:
YouGov polls are frequently cited by major news outlets and used in academic research, indicating their acceptance as a credible source. They are also a member of the British Polling Council and adhere to its rules.”)
“The news is a heated subject these days. It’s hard not to have an opinion on online platforms.”
Good news: A website called YouGov will pay you up to $100 or more this month just to answer survey questions about politics, the economy and other hot news topics.
Plus, it’s totally anonymous, so no one will judge you for that hot take.
When you take a quick survey (some are less than three minutes), you’ll earn points you can exchange for up to $100 in cash or gift cards to places like Walmart and Amazon. Plus, Penny Hoarder readers will get an extra 500 points for registering, and another 1,000 points after completing their first survey.
It takes just a few minutes to sign up and take your first survey — and you’ll get your points immediately.
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Important Considerations:
- Safety: When engaging in any income-generating activity, prioritizing personal safety is crucial.
- Legality: It’s essential to be aware of local laws and regulations regarding panhandling and other activities.
- Reliability: Some income sources are more reliable than others, and individuals may need to explore multiple options to find sustainable income.
- Support Services: Many communities offer resources and support services for homeless individuals, including job placement assistance, access to shelters, and social services.
Ultimately, making money while experiencing homelessness can be challenging, but it is possible. By exploring various options, utilizing available resources, and prioritizing safety, individuals can find ways to generate income and improve their circumstances.
Posted July 21, 2025 by Score Card