Things aren't going so well...been living in a hostel for a few days, having no luck in finding a job or a place to live. Is there anyone in the Chicago area that knows of a place to live or a place to work right now?

I'm afraid I don't know Chicago at all. But I have been in your position.

I'd just like to suggest that you can make it. Keep to your principals, don't impose them on anyone else, (you can never sort out the world anyway), and watch for opportunities. Try to keep clean.

Watch your stuff and don't collect too much. Keep your cash in your pocket.

At the risk of sounding overbearing, stay away form all intoxicants. You need a clear head. Not to mention the money.

Believe me, you will make it.

take brisk safe walks to keep healthy and happy and find a library or reading room where you can get all the news papers and call all the job agencies and take any job that will put you in nice people so you don't get depressed at lack of money and keep looking for the opportunities to rent a room in a family house as there will be loads of people with rooms to let to nice clean tenants.

I've lived here (Chicago) all my life.  I know the place pretty well.    PM me and let me know what you need.  I'll do whatever I can to help.