They likely had either supplemental sources of income or additional assistance. E.g: If you have $500/month, you can afford to pay your buddy $200/month to cra

They likely had either supplemental sources of income or additional assistance. E.g: If you have $500/month, you can afford to pay your buddy $200/month to crash on his couch. Now you have reliable access to a shower, an address to put on your resumes, a bit of cash to thrift a suit/dress clothes and a beater laptop, and it's way easier to get a job.