My grandfather often used hobos to work around his store. There was always something to be painted, a mop to be swung, and so on. Not a whole lot different from a temp. They’d trade an afternoon’s work for money or dinner.
The smart ones worked for food. My grandmother was an incredible cook!!
A True “American Hobo”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aND3fydxwjw