I'm sure that Charles would suggest a lovely aPodment: the Stranger's official solution for affordable housing!!!

#bootstraps

@3 And you have a job you can give him? One that can be done by someone with severe eye problems, yes?

He should have got an apartment right away with that 4K he got. But.....,he did this, he did that ......with the money. I guess a new place wasn't a priority for him.

@5 Just having a check for $4200 does not qualify someone for an apartment. Most places look for income of 3x the rental rate, and proof of that income.
Besides, he was assured that he could move back once the repairs were done. I wouldn't risk losing that cheap apartment.

Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses?

Well, if you're going to try and make it on disability, you probably shouldn't live in one of the most expensive markets in the country.

Can he not pick apples in Yakima?

"His monthly rent for his bedroom in Ramirez's building was $375—dirt cheap for Seattle."

$375 is dirt cheap pretty much anywhere . . .

An average 1-bedroom apartment of Detroit costs $877 a month.

@9 he could get a hostel in Anchorage, plus after a year he would qualify for the PFD. That's a $1000 check from the state every year.