IMO start paying taxes:
http://www.companiontax.com/ this person has great services.
Once you have a tax return you should be able to use that + proof you're an independent contractor (i.e. a business license) to get a place. I rent my own home, my incall, and I had a car loan for a bit (paid off). No one's ever bat an eyelash. Places will work with you, but not if you can't show you have steady money coming in.
And I realise you need help now, but you also need to plan for the future (we all do, really). Money in a shoebox will not help you in the long run :/