Find a safe place to stay temporarily with a friend, relative, coworker, or trusted acquaintance
Call local shelters, youth services, domestic violence hotlines, or community housing services
Save every possible dollar from any income, gifts, or reimbursements
Sell unused items online, in person, or through local buy/sell groups
Open a separate bank account if possible and keep funds private
Gather essential documents: ID, birth certificate, Social Security card, passport, medical records
Pack only essentials first: clothes, medications, chargers, toiletries, important papers
Use free transportation options: rides from trusted people, public transit, community shuttles, walking
Look for rooms for rent, shared housing, or sublets instead of full apartments
Search for move-in deals with no deposit, reduced deposit, or first-month-free offers
Apply for emergency assistance, rental aid, food aid, and utility assistance programs
Contact local charities, churches, nonprofits, and mutual aid groups for help
Find immediate income through day labor, gig work, temp agencies, or quick-hire jobs
Use free resources for furniture and household items from community groups or giveaway pages
Keep your phone charged and maintain contact with supportive people
Change passwords and secure personal accounts before leaving if safety is a concern
Remove yourself from shared accounts, subscriptions, and family tracking services when appropriate
Create a basic budget for rent, food, transportation, and phone costs
Prioritize safety and leave immediately if the current home is abusive or dangerous
Ask about tenant rights, eviction protections, and local legal aid if you are being forced out
Move in stages if needed, taking essentials first and returning only if it is safe to do so