Before the days of tent-encampments there were plenty of people who rented small spaces in well-made but old, cheap hotels (c.f. Barton Fink). Helluva lot better than a tent. Then along came the wrecking balls.

One of my ancestors lost her husband just before the depression. For a couple of decades, she took in 'boarders' who held or found jobs because of that opportunity. They'd remember the rules, or else. There was even had a nice parlor up front for them to sit listen/read/visit in - all in a house with about 1000 sq.ft.