I spend an inordinate amount of time on Craigslist of Baltimore these days. This ad, I think, will become sort of the “everyman” template of the near future, as far as labor and housing goes:

Hello there,

I can do a little bit of everything–I’m just looking for a couple of hours of work each day in exchange for board. I’m hardworking and reliable. Thanks all.

A couple tips on this sort of thing: I’d offer more than just a “couple of hours work” per day, and also list what skills you can offer someone, along with a ready list of community and local references. You might want to start developing those references right now, if you don’t already have them. Noteworthy figures such as business owners in your community are a good place to start. Also consider volunteering at places like a firehouse or senior facility to have your name, face and skills out there as a matter of active community knowledge. We’re going to have to depend on each other maybe a little more heavily than we’re accustomed to in the days to come. There’s nothing wrong with getting yourself into a good position before the shit hits the fan. It’s not opportunistic; it’s smart.