Don't you guys get free hosting from your ISP? Over here in Belgium all the big Internet Providers give you some free space to mess around with. Mine currently gives out 50 MB to every user, it's not much but it's never down, always gets good speed and has unlimited bw. It will get slower when you push 20k over there but it's free so ideal for starting out or putting a few free sites or galleries on there.
Maybe go take a look at
www.crazyfuckedupshit.net if you're still looking for cheap (or free if you're lucky) hosting. Post a thread in the hosting area and maybe someone will cut you a deal. Seen alot of threads in there from ppl offering some free space.