I have been out on my own since I was 14 as well. I am 34 now. I WORKED. I had a job at Taco Johns in the morning and Burger King at night. I smelled horrible but got free food. I stayed in crappy but clean hotels and ended up renting a room for some years from a chance encounter with an older woman. She kept me rent free if I kept her house clean. I would have HER in my home now if she hadn't of died a few years back. I did not have grandparents growing up and she was like family to me. I raise a son, have never been on public assistance (aside from medical care for my son) and struggle sometimes, but I love knowing what I can do on my own. Life gives you many chances and choices, it is up to you which ones you grab or which ones you let slide by because you are entrenched in self pity. There is so much help out there if you ASK for it and prove you are willing to earn it. Put your feet in the road and walk into every place you see, even if they don't have a help wanted sign. My son makes 100 bucks a week picking up dog poo for most of our neighbors, and he is TEN. Be your own biggest cheerleader!