I would suggest you reach out to people who are widow or retired women are usually begging for someone to help with home projects. The physically challenged are another group that need assistance. There are so many (men and women) who do not have the skills or the time to do the kind of work you can offer. It only takes one person for the word to get around.
As for being mysterous, you just tell her you are going out. Never lie but don't go into details. Keep answers short and vague. Q - "Where you going?" A - "Out for a while." A-"To do what?" A - "Got a project going.....may be late."
Anything, even riding around for a while, to look for projects, can "be" a project. Do you know any neighborhoods where you could put some flyers up?
