I’ve applied for jobs a few times and this has always been a problem. Now that I’ve been out of college for a while it’s even more of a problem. I don’t have anyone from college that would even remember me. I can’t use my current coworkers because I don’t want my current employer to know I’m leaving until I have a new job lined up. I don’t keep in touch with old coworkers. I don’t do anything outside of work as far as volunteering or anything. I know I’m not supposed to use friends or family. Who is even left after that? The only people I have the contact info for are friends, family, and my current boss.
My city isn’t teribly big so there isn’t much. I also work nights currently so the bigger issue is that most opporitunities don’t line up with my sleep schedule.
You might consider searching “[city/county name] rescue mission” to find opportunities. Shelters need people in the evenings to help with check-ins and with serving meals. Maybe they could even use someone overnight.
There are probably churches in your area that could use help as well. You do not have to be a member (or religious at all) to volunteer with them.
Alcoholics Anonymous (and similar programs) usually meet in the evening and could use help with running meetings.
Seriously, volunteer opportunities are the best way to build references. Someone always needs help somewhere. And what better reference could you get from someone than “Yeah, I know them, we volunteer together”?