You need to rebuild your confidence. Providing that you are reasonably competent at development (which I assume you are), I would focus on learning React and applying for mid-level jobs related. Don't apply for a junior role, you are selling yourself short. You are not a junior.
- I wouldn't be too afraid of "Word getting around" - that sounds like fear driving you rather than faith.
- Try to find a family or friend who will allow you to register at their address for tax/banking purposes. You will need to get paid and you need these systems in place in order to do so.
- If you can get a registered address (even if you aren't officially living there), I wouldn't even tell them about your current situation of being homeless, unless of course you have no choice.
- Look for 'nearly' successful startups. From my experience startups generally have less weighted interviews, more casual recruitment processes, my last two contracts I have landed have paid really well but I didn't even have my references examined. Most people in the startup scene (at least in Europe) don't care about references, they just look at the work you do after a couple of weeks and let that be the deciding factor on if you worth the money or not.
- Become a great React developer (or Vue.js) if you want to get involved in startups, this is because its the 'coolest' technology going around and most CTO's choose the most popular tech stacks. Familiarize yourself with the related technologies so you know what you are talking about in an interview. I would get familiar with Redux, but I would personally use Mobx for state management. I would also look at Next.js and know about SSR apps. Formulate opinions of these technologies so you can talk about these to your interviewer.
- Formulate opinions about emerging technologies, such as Rust and its implementation in Firefox, hence which is why i use firefox over chrome today.
- Familiarize yourself with basic AWS, gcloud, k8s, so at least you have touched on these technologies and you are aware of them. You don't need to be an expert.
- Setup a portfolio website! You can get free 1 year hosting with AWS. I would setup AWS with SSL and host a next.js React application on it, using the latest design ideas etc. Look at other developers portfolios for inspiration. This is a great way to have a nice portfolio piece using the latest tech, it illustrates that you can do your job.
Believe in yourself. The biggest obstacle in this world, is no other, is no grand oppressive state, it is yourself. You must redefine who you THINK you are. You are not a homeless person, but a person in transition. You are not poor, but a person about to find truth and wealth. Be thankful and grateful for what you have, however little that may be. Be thankful that you have a skill that is highly sought after and highly lucrative. You can make hundreds of thousands of dollars a year if your redefine the image of yourself. Use your experience on the streets as a strength, rather than a weakness.
You are a versatile person. I have no doubt you will make it to where you need to go.