Woman Goes Viral Online After Revealing How She Lives In A Car Despite Having A Full-Time Job
The image most people have of a homeless person is that they don’t have a job or maybe even skills to have one. They don’t have any possessions and no friends or family, and what they do have are drug or alcohol problems.
While for some people it is actually true, there are many homeless people who have full-time jobs and still live on the streets or in their cars. They might have family and friends but choose not to be a burden to them. They might be really smart with a college education, but life happened and they just can’t afford to rent a flat or a room.
It’s hard to believe that a person with a job would still be homeless, but that is the reality of this woman who goes by Aaliyah on TikTok. She works full-time in Home Depot but her living space is her car, she takes a shower at a Planet Fitness and is struggling to just survive.
More info: TikTok
A woman went viral when she shared she doesn’t have a home and lives in her car even though she works full-time at Home Depot
Image credits: Mike Mozart
Aaliyah made a short video showing herself dressed in the Home Depot uniform, assumedly working on her shift and put a text overlay that said that people have no clue she has to sleep in her car as she works 8 hours 5 days a week, which is a full-time job, so they can’t understand why she is so tired all the time and rarely smiles.
It seems that there aren’t too many reasons for her to smile either because troubles just like following her. There is a video on her account when she accidentally recorded the moment when a police officer wanted to search her car for no apparent reason as she was just sitting in the passenger’s seat while her boyfriend was walking the dog.
The police officer made her leave the car and searched through the car and the trunk. They explained that they did that because the tint on the window was too dark, which sounds like a weak argument. On top of that, they arrested Aaliyah’s boyfriend.
Image credits: oc.liyahh
Image credits: oc.liyahh
Homeless people often become victims of law enforcement as being homeless is illegal. Being incarcerated or getting tickets doesn’t help them with improving their situation at all. Having a criminal record actually can make it really hard to find a job or be approved for rent.
All of these things are too familiar to Aaliyah and she went to TikTok to vent about how unfair life can be. The video in which she revealed she is homeless really blew up and it has been viewed by 4.6 million people. Other TikTok users were wishing Aaliyah the best and were sharing their own encouraging stories of how they or people they know were able to rise from the bottom.
There were people who didn’t believe Aaliyah was really homeless and made the video to get some attention, to which she showed how her car looks
Image credits: oc.liyahh
Image credits: oc.liyahh
There were some viewers who also were suspicious, who couldn’t believe that she is actually homeless and were accusing her of lying for attention. The woman felt the need to clear these doubts and made a follow-up video showing her car jammed with her belongings.
Aaliyah also posted a video of her at a gym where she goes to get a shower and get changed. In the caption of the video she wrote “hate to go in with a bag and then leave 15-20 minutes later, with different clothes on.”
And showed herself at a gym where she goes to shower and change her clothes
Image credits: oc.liyahh
Some people pointed out that she has nails and lashes done, but she could save that money
Image credits: oc.liyahh
There was another category of people who believed the Home Depot employee was really homeless but they thought that she might not know how to manage her money as they saw her with her nails done and fake lashes on.
The TikToker responded to the comment about the nails showing her hands that had no manicure done. What that TikTok user might have seen was old videos in which Aaliyah sometimes shared her new nails, but that was a couple of years ago and the video of her being homeless was posted this month.
But even if the woman really had gotten her nails done or put on some fake lashes, those expenses wouldn’t cover a whole month’s rent. It is the same discourse of explaining to millennials that it is because they are so obsessed with avocados that they can’t afford to buy a house, which is ridiculous as a single avocado doesn’t cost more than a dollar.
Another TikToker user spoke for Aaliyah, explaining those things made her feel human; besides it’s not so much that it would cover rent
Image credits: oc.liyahh
It seems that these comments shaming Aaliyah for spending money on something she would enjoy really bothered her. But she didn’t even have time to explain herself or find the right words to say it before TikTok user dinabrass came to her defense.
She wanted people to understand that Aaliyah wasn’t necessarily doing her nails, putting fake lashes on or dyeing her hair because she felt ugly. She was doing it because it feels human and gives a taste of what a normal life looks like, allowing her to express herself through her appearance and forget for a moment what a disaster her life is. It also can provide her with a feeling of control and at least a little bit of power over everyday decisions.
Image credits: oc.liyahh
According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, if people want to afford to rent a two-bedroom modest apartment, on average, they should earn $21.21. The federal minimum wage in the US is $7.25 per hour but the average hourly wage is $16.38. It’s just simple mathematics and it is clear as day that such wages are not enough for a decent living.
Housing prices keep rising and the wages are still stuck at the same level, so more and more people who have full-time jobs are not guaranteed to have a place to live, which is really scary and actually humiliating.
The most recent update is that Home Depot Homer Fund will help Aaliyah out and hopefully she will be provided with permanent housing
Image credits: oc.liyahh
But there is good news for Aaliyah as many people suggested she check out the Home Depot Homer Fund which takes care of their employees who have financial hardships. It’s quite ironic that an employer has to additionally help their employees with their financial situation instead of just paying enough in the first place, but it seems that the woman got help from them and she is hopeful to get permanent housing which is all that matters for now.
Below you can watch the viral video
@oc.liyahh #fypシ #viraltiktok ♬ Sure Thing (cover version) – Tik Toker
We would like to hear your thoughts about this story and your theories on what should be done so that people who have jobs will be able to live a normal life having a roof over their heads. If you have any of your own success stories you’d like to share, leave them in the comments!
Although there were people who didn’t fully believe Aaliyah, there were significantly more who expressed their support
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People don't realise how expensive it is to be homeless. You can't cook food, so you have to buy expensive takeaways. You don't have many clothes so you have to wash more often at a laundromat. You have to pay to shower. That's why it's hard to save money. And the thing that annoys me is that when videos like this go viral, people reach out to help, which is all very nice but it doesn't solve the problems on a wider basis. Also, the person in the comments who told her to find what she lives doing and the money will come can go f**k themselves. What a piece of filth they are.
And most apartments require an application (with a fee) and only accept tenants who make 3x the rent, which can be nearly impossible with today's rent prices. So even if you can technically afford the rent, you can still have a hard time locating an apartment complex that will let you rent from them.
Load More Replies...
I lived in my car for about a year and a half with my sister and both of us working. Being homeless is expensive, especially when it comes to food. You can't "look homeless" if you want to find and keep a job, so hair and nails help keep up the facade. We were lucky and found a place, but I never forgot it really; I have a real problem with hoarding food and blankets. Keeping a lot of stuff in my car, including more food and jackets. I also give food to homeless people because that's the most expensive part of being homeless. I used to skip meals all the time, and one of the nice old guys I worked with noticed. He never said anything, but he used to "accidentally" have an extra sandwich for lunch everyday and an apple with some cheese. I remember it and try to pay it forward. Anyone can end up homeless; and it's almost impossible to escape.
I have a suspicion that some of those commenters talking about their friend who was homeless and who is now an entrepreneur are recruiting for MLMs. If that is so, how infuriating.
I lived in my car when I was in my early 20s selling drugs. I’m an entrepreneur now with businesses and a tax strategy. It can happen. I could never recruit someone to this lifestyle because most people wouldn’t agree to it tbh.
Load More Replies...
I contracted with Home Depot and couldn't believe how poorly they paid their employees. Their health insurance is good, but that doesn't mean anything when you can't afford rent. If someone doesn't help her with funds or gives her a place to live, no deposit etc required, she will be stuck living in her car. It is impossible to get out of where she is without financial help.
You need to look for another job if you are worth more than they pay.
Load More Replies...
I was homeless and lived in my car for 7 months. I got a job but was fired because the day I moved into a place, some mail had been returned from my previous residential address.
I know it's none of my business ..but I don't understand how that would get you fired ?
Load More Replies...
Land of the free my a**e!!! Disgusting that this is happening to this poor woman. Never understand why people want to emigrate or retire to the US. I really hope this lady gets what she deserves, a permanent place to live with dignity.
I like the comment at the end that stated, "Even if she's making $18 / hourly, that's only $760 (or so) BEFORE taxes". LMAO, f*****g hilarious, this fool thinks Home Depot would pay a livable wage, LOL! $18 / hourly in the US would be great, usually very few job run over $15 / hourly & this job most likely pays between $9 - $14 /hourly. It's like the person forgot what an absolute s**t show of full on corporation greed this Country honors. If you're not rich, you're no important enough to be able support ourselves on one income.
People: her nails are done, look at her lashes…. You can literally by fake nails for like $8 at Target and an eyelash kit for $6 glue included. Also I don’t know anyone who’s spending money daily to pay someone to put lashes on their face. My God people are heartless
This is not the kind of girl that isnt going to get her hair, and nails professionally done
Load More Replies...
Yay capitalism! So clearly better than socialism, feudalism and communism! Not saying that the other options are better... but they aren't that much worse either. The problem is that EVERY system has people in power that do what they can to manipulate the system in their benefit.
She shouldn't be spending money on hair dye, lashes and nails if she's struggling that badly. I don't care about how it "makes you feel human" comments that's just rediculous.
eve if she did save money like that, it would NEVER be enough to get her housing
Load More Replies...
What?.. How?.. Doesn't she have parents? Siblings? Any relatives? Friends? Is she new in the town? Let alone economics, whether there are work dormitories or not, or why prices are so high, or why she needs her nails and lashes done to feel human (?okay, maybe smth's wrong with me if i don't care abt this), but! How does she have noone to find out she's homeless, took her hand and lead to their place until her next paycheck, at least, so she can not waste all money on hotel and rent straight away? Offtop: are cars really so cheap and flats so expensive that you can have a car and be homeless?.. And is public transport something to be ashamed for using?
Unless you're in a large metro area in the united states public transport doesn't really exist. It took me 2hrs one way to get to work on public transport when I didn't have a car. With a car it was about 20min.
Load More Replies...
Without knowing the full story it's hard to work out what's happening here. My first thought is car prices are historically high at the moment, sell the car. Use the money to rent a room near where you work. If the person cannot share a place (for their own reasons), a studio apartment should be within reach as long as the deposit isn't too much of a deal breaker. But as I say, I don't know the full story.
Maybe I'm too out of touch on this topic as I've thankfully never experienced and hope never do, but if she has a full time job I don't understand how she can still be homeless. She could rent a room at an apartment or someones's house. I don't mean to sound heartless, but I feel she chooses this lifestyle rather than take the time to find a safe, suitable place to live.
Takes months to save money and you want to have some backup savings so you dont fall behind in the rent again, having a job is still a blessing for her though, some people would say why not sell the car, but the car might not be worth much, and depending on where she is transportation, horrid weather mivht be an issue.
Load More Replies...
Im in europe and I pay what you might consider 'significant' taxes. I think I have MORE choices than an average american. Because my education is free and/or affordable I can choose to work in whatever field I want without facing crippling debt. Because my healthcare is free I am not forced to work a job I hate for the health benefits it offers. Because we have a proper social welfare system I am not afraid of having to beg for money on go fund me if I should get sick or have an accident. Because I know my taxes now pay for my pension later, I can choose how I spend my retirement instead of working til I die. Socialism creates choice for everyone. Capitalism creates choice for the wealthy.
Load More Replies...
People don't realise how expensive it is to be homeless. You can't cook food, so you have to buy expensive takeaways. You don't have many clothes so you have to wash more often at a laundromat. You have to pay to shower. That's why it's hard to save money. And the thing that annoys me is that when videos like this go viral, people reach out to help, which is all very nice but it doesn't solve the problems on a wider basis. Also, the person in the comments who told her to find what she lives doing and the money will come can go f**k themselves. What a piece of filth they are.
And most apartments require an application (with a fee) and only accept tenants who make 3x the rent, which can be nearly impossible with today's rent prices. So even if you can technically afford the rent, you can still have a hard time locating an apartment complex that will let you rent from them.
Load More Replies... I lived in my car for about a year and a half with my sister and both of us working. Being homeless is expensive, especially when it comes to food. You can't "look homeless" if you want to find and keep a job, so hair and nails help keep up the facade. We were lucky and found a place, but I never forgot it really; I have a real problem with hoarding food and blankets. Keeping a lot of stuff in my car, including more food and jackets. I also give food to homeless people because that's the most expensive part of being homeless. I used to skip meals all the time, and one of the nice old guys I worked with noticed. He never said anything, but he used to "accidentally" have an extra sandwich for lunch everyday and an apple with some cheese. I remember it and try to pay it forward. Anyone can end up homeless; and it's almost impossible to escape.
I have a suspicion that some of those commenters talking about their friend who was homeless and who is now an entrepreneur are recruiting for MLMs. If that is so, how infuriating.
I lived in my car when I was in my early 20s selling drugs. I’m an entrepreneur now with businesses and a tax strategy. It can happen. I could never recruit someone to this lifestyle because most people wouldn’t agree to it tbh.
Load More Replies... I contracted with Home Depot and couldn't believe how poorly they paid their employees. Their health insurance is good, but that doesn't mean anything when you can't afford rent. If someone doesn't help her with funds or gives her a place to live, no deposit etc required, she will be stuck living in her car. It is impossible to get out of where she is without financial help.
You need to look for another job if you are worth more than they pay.
Load More Replies... I was homeless and lived in my car for 7 months. I got a job but was fired because the day I moved into a place, some mail had been returned from my previous residential address.
I know it's none of my business ..but I don't understand how that would get you fired ?
Load More Replies... Land of the free my a**e!!! Disgusting that this is happening to this poor woman. Never understand why people want to emigrate or retire to the US. I really hope this lady gets what she deserves, a permanent place to live with dignity.
I like the comment at the end that stated, "Even if she's making $18 / hourly, that's only $760 (or so) BEFORE taxes". LMAO, f*****g hilarious, this fool thinks Home Depot would pay a livable wage, LOL! $18 / hourly in the US would be great, usually very few job run over $15 / hourly & this job most likely pays between $9 - $14 /hourly. It's like the person forgot what an absolute s**t show of full on corporation greed this Country honors. If you're not rich, you're no important enough to be able support ourselves on one income.
People: her nails are done, look at her lashes…. You can literally by fake nails for like $8 at Target and an eyelash kit for $6 glue included. Also I don’t know anyone who’s spending money daily to pay someone to put lashes on their face. My God people are heartless
This is not the kind of girl that isnt going to get her hair, and nails professionally done
Load More Replies... Yay capitalism! So clearly better than socialism, feudalism and communism! Not saying that the other options are better... but they aren't that much worse either. The problem is that EVERY system has people in power that do what they can to manipulate the system in their benefit.
She shouldn't be spending money on hair dye, lashes and nails if she's struggling that badly. I don't care about how it "makes you feel human" comments that's just rediculous.
eve if she did save money like that, it would NEVER be enough to get her housing
Load More Replies... What?.. How?.. Doesn't she have parents? Siblings? Any relatives? Friends? Is she new in the town? Let alone economics, whether there are work dormitories or not, or why prices are so high, or why she needs her nails and lashes done to feel human (?okay, maybe smth's wrong with me if i don't care abt this), but! How does she have noone to find out she's homeless, took her hand and lead to their place until her next paycheck, at least, so she can not waste all money on hotel and rent straight away? Offtop: are cars really so cheap and flats so expensive that you can have a car and be homeless?.. And is public transport something to be ashamed for using?
Unless you're in a large metro area in the united states public transport doesn't really exist. It took me 2hrs one way to get to work on public transport when I didn't have a car. With a car it was about 20min.
Load More Replies... Without knowing the full story it's hard to work out what's happening here. My first thought is car prices are historically high at the moment, sell the car. Use the money to rent a room near where you work. If the person cannot share a place (for their own reasons), a studio apartment should be within reach as long as the deposit isn't too much of a deal breaker. But as I say, I don't know the full story.
Maybe I'm too out of touch on this topic as I've thankfully never experienced and hope never do, but if she has a full time job I don't understand how she can still be homeless. She could rent a room at an apartment or someones's house. I don't mean to sound heartless, but I feel she chooses this lifestyle rather than take the time to find a safe, suitable place to live.
Takes months to save money and you want to have some backup savings so you dont fall behind in the rent again, having a job is still a blessing for her though, some people would say why not sell the car, but the car might not be worth much, and depending on where she is transportation, horrid weather mivht be an issue.
Load More Replies... Im in europe and I pay what you might consider 'significant' taxes. I think I have MORE choices than an average american. Because my education is free and/or affordable I can choose to work in whatever field I want without facing crippling debt. Because my healthcare is free I am not forced to work a job I hate for the health benefits it offers. Because we have a proper social welfare system I am not afraid of having to beg for money on go fund me if I should get sick or have an accident. Because I know my taxes now pay for my pension later, I can choose how I spend my retirement instead of working til I die. Socialism creates choice for everyone. Capitalism creates choice for the wealthy.
Load More Replies...
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