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A man who said he works as an Amazon delivery driver has posted a series of TikTok videos in which he shares what it's like working while being homeless.
Starvin_like_marvin's first video, which amassed more than 800,000 views since it was posted earlier this week, shows him purchasing food before getting into his delivery van to start a day of work.
"Day 1 of being homeless Amazon worker till [I'm] up," the text over the video reads.
The TikToker documented five days of his experiences by the time of publication, and his videos showcased him driving to make deliveries, showing where he lives and going grocery shopping. Many commenters commended him for his dedication and others recalled their own experiences of living without a home.
"Yo bro exactly one year ago I was homeless, now I got a place a truck AND MONEY IN MY POCKET," one commenter wrote. "Keep up ma boy."
"Props to you for working and trying to turn your life around instead of letting the circumstances get the best of you!" another TikTok viewer wrote.
Other commenters gave their suggestions on how starvin_like_marvin can save money while food shopping and others noted that he can shower by purchasing an inexpensive gym membership.
According to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, many people who experience homelessness are employed but do not earn enough money to meet their basic needs.
The National Coalition for the Homeless said while sustainable employment is vital to ensure housing stability, there are several factors that feed into homelessness.
"Unemployment, underemployment and low wages relative to rent are frequent causes of homelessness and burden millions of families with the risk of becoming homeless," the organization said. "At the same time, individuals experiencing homelessness face obstacles to finding and maintaining employment."
In his most recent video, starvin_like_marvin showed the shed he was living in while working as a delivery driver.
"I help clean [an] Airbnb," he explained in a comment. "Landlord let me use the shed to work in return."
He opened the door to show a sheet of cardboard, a blanket and a pillow on the floor. Panning over to the side, some food sat on what appeared to be a countertop.
Responding to another commenter who suggested that he rent a room, starvin_like_marvin said he hopes to take that next step when he has enough money saved. He continued and said that he believes he'll be in a better place once he receives his paychecks but has only just started working.
Alisa Carroll, a spokesperson with Amazon, confirmed with Newsweek that the man just began working as an Amazon delivery driver less than a week ago and officials are looking into the situation.
"I'm sprinting my way up taking all the hours I can to have a better life," starvin_like_marvin wrote. "I'm gonna keep posting. The motivation is thru the roof with you guys. This is crazy!"
Newsweek reached out to starvin_like_marvin for comment.
Updated 11/09/2021, 5:44 p.m. ET: This story has been updated with a statement from Amazon spokesperson Alisa Carroll.
About the writer
Catherine Ferris is a Newsweek reporter based in New York. Her focus is reporting for the U.S. Trends Team. She ... Read more