100 Tips for the Soon to Be Homeless

With many eviction moratoriums ending next week, it's anyone's guess how things will shake out.  Without significant government intervention, however, I foresee a lot of people becoming homeless in the near future.  Hopefully things don't end up that dire but as preppers, it is always a 'plan for the worst, hope for the best' thing.  If you could find yourself in this situation, here are 100 tips for the soon-to-be homeless...

1. Know what the eviction process is for your county (Google the name of your county and eviction process for info on your specific area).  Even with the moratorium ending, in the vast majority of cases your landlord can't just tell you to get out, there is a process for evicting someone; make them follow this process.
2. Get legal help if possible.  Again, Google your county and eviction prevention assistance.  Many tenant organizations are gearing up for the possible mass eviction crisis and are putting together programs for people who are in the process of eviction.
3. Consider alternatives to eviction.  An eviction on your record can make it difficult if not impossible to rent another place so things like "cash for keys" might be an option.
4. If you have exhausted all options for staying in your home, try securing temporary housing with friends or family.  And for the love of all that's holy be an exceptionally good guest.  Many people open their homes to homeless relatives only to find them messy, they won't help around the house, they come and go at all hours, they eat all of their host's food, and they make no effort to move on to their own housing.  Don't do those things.
5. Consider alternative housing options to keep a roof over your head.  Being a caretaker, a WWOOFer, or these ideas are all ways to exchange work for housing.
6. Try to find programs in your community that can help you secure temporary housing.  Simply call 211 or Google homeless resources for your community and reach out for assistance.
7. Sign up for any assistance you qualify for which may include but is not limited to Medicaid, TANF, SNAP, WIC, unemployment, PUA, etc.  Again, calling 211 or going online can give you contact information for these programs.
8. Sign your kids up for any services or programs that they qualify for.  Register them for school (even with online school, districts are providing lots of social service help for families), homeless kid's daycare programs, HeadStart, etc.
9. See if there are assistance programs that fit your demographic: homeless veteran, homeless college student, homeless child, homeless parent with children, battered woman, etc.  There are many programs that specifically work with vulnerable populations to find them housing.
10. Get a mailing address before you move out of your home.  Private mailbox services will give you a steady, secure address to receive correspondence at and many of these places will receive packages and even forward your mail if you move out of the area.
11. Get cell/internet service before you move out.  If Mint works in your area, pre-paying for an annual plan will give you a steady number and internet access for an entire year.
12. For free or cheap cell phones and service, check out the various government programs that provide this.
13. To go even cheaper for a cell phone/messaging plan, consider setting up a Skype account.
14. Even if you don't have cell service, carrying a cell phone that doesn't have service will still allow you to call 911 in an emergency.  You can also use this phone with free wifi service to access email, social media, and entertainment services.
15. Ensure that you have all of your important documents in your possession or in a secure location.  These include a valid driver's license or state ID card, passport, Social Security card, etc (see list here).  Be sure to scan and back up these document to the cloud or a thumb drive so you always have access to them.
16. If any of your important documents will be expiring, try to get them renewed before you move out.  This includes your driver's license, passport, credit cards, etc.
17. Also set up banking service if you don't have an account.  You can use any of these services, a local credit union, PayPal, Venmo, etc.  This is a good way to receive Social Security/welfare/unemployment benefits as well as a way for friends or family to send you money if needed.
18. Set up any bills you have so that you can pay them online (car payment, storage locker payment, cell service payment, etc).
19. If you aren't in arrears, be sure to get back any deposits you are entitled to (housing security deposit, utilities deposit, etc).
20. Consider what to do with all of your stuff as far in advance of moving out as possible.  Selling it (garage sale, FB Marketplace, etc), giving it away, etc.  Some people will put their stuff in a storage unit but this can be a big monthly expense and if you can't make the payment you may lose your stuff.  For the most freedom and least expense, consider keeping only your most important stuff.
21. If you will be living in your car, watch every one of this guy's YouTube videos and commit the information to memory.  His channel is by far the most informative I've seen for living in a car/van/camper/etc.
22. Hoard as much cash as you can before you leave.  Cash is king and you will need money to make the transition from home to homeless.
23. Get needed gear together whether you will be living in your vehicle or in a tent.  Cold weather gear, camping gear, a bag or backpack for your stuff, etc.  Many of these items can be found for cheap or free at thrift stores or by asking friends or relatives for the things you need.
24. If you have a vehicle, do what you can to make it ready for living in.  Set up a sleeping area, get an oil change, get tires if needed, get the windows tinted, etc.
25. Also if you will be living in your vehicle, stay on the right side of the law by having a valid license, required insurance, no illegal after-market parts, etc.
26. Know where you can legally camp for free.  This includes public land and many other places.  Be aware that camping in urban and suburban areas may be illegal so know the local laws.
27. Prep for sleeping.  Do you need a tent?  Sleeping bag?  Sleeping pad?  An area set up in your van?
28. Prep for eating.  Do you have basic dishes, pans, and utensils?  A way to cook like a backpacker or camp stove and fuel?  A way to store food and/or keep food cool?
29. Prepare to stay hydrated.  Always carry a water bottle with you and fill it up in public places.  Keep larger bottles of water in your vehicle.
30. Prepare to always have food.  Know where the local food pantries and meal programs are and always carry food/snacks with you even if you buy this stuff at the dollar store.
31. Prepare for hygiene.  Do you have personal hygiene supplies?  A place to take showers?  Supplies for a sponge bath like Wet Wipes and a towel?
32. Prepare to stay connected.  Do you have a cell phone with internet?  A tablet or laptop?  Do you know where you can access free internet?
33. Prepare for your power needs.  A battery bank is a good idea and can be charged just about anywhere.  If you have a vehicle you might consider a basic solar power system to provide needed electricity.
34. Prepare for your bathroom needs.  This includes using public bathrooms (there's even apps for that) as well having a bucket system in your car to use in the event of an emergency.
35. Get a library card and make use of your library system.  Libraries often serve the homeless with everything from entertainment (free books and movies), computer and internet access, a place to stay warm or cool, etc.
36. Do what you can to get any sort of income coming in.  This can be working a regular job, making money online, or one-time gigs.
37. If you will be living in one community and don't have a vehicle, consider getting a monthly local bus pass.  This is good for transit as well as a place to go to get warm or cool off.  Many transit services have free or discounted passes for those in need.
38. Find a "tribe" to live with.  This could be other people/families living in their vehicles, joining vehicle caravans, or banding together with other homeless living on the streets.  There's safety in numbers.
39. Avoid the legal system if at all possible.  Whether it's a ticket for loitering or using a deadly weapon to protect yourself, plan ahead to avoid situations that could have a bad outcome and land you in legal trouble.
40. Don't commit crimes.  Buying/selling drugs, shop lifting, B & E, theft or robbery...in these cases it isn't if but when you will be housed...in the local jail.
41. Prepare to blend in to your environment.  You don't want to be a flashy homeless person in a sea of homeless people, you also don't want to look (and smell) like a homeless person if you are going to a job interview.  Aim for being as nondescript as possible and make sure your vehicle/backpack/gear is the same.
42. Consider volunteering.  If you have all the time in the world, volunteering may snag you a free meal, free services, or maybe even a free place to stay when people see that you are responsible, helpful, and a hard worker.
43. Avoid some types of homeless people (the mentally ill, the violent, drug addicts, users) and make friends with other types of homeless people (travelers, vagabonds, the homeless by choice, etc).  All homeless can teach you good survival skills but there is something to say for avoiding people who will cause you problems.
44. Consider where you want to be homeless.  There's something to be said for moving with the weather, living near friends or relatives even if you can not live with them may or may not be a good idea, and personally I would avoid cities that are overwhelmed with the homeless already (I'm looking at you LA, San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle).
45. Be ultra safety conscious in where you choose to sleep.  Obviously living in a vehicle is safer than sleeping on the streets, living alone in the woods is safer than being in an urban "skid row" area, and staying in a homeless shelter may (or may not?) be safer than sleeping in an alley.
46. Consider weapons.  This will vary greatly depending on where you are.  In some places it is perfectly legal to carry a firearm concealed without a permit in other places this is a quick trip to jail, mace is generally acceptable in most places, and carrying a knife can be legal or illegal depending on where you are and what kind of knife you carry.
47. Avoiding violence is your best bet.  Needless to say, there is a lot of violence on the streets, even more so for the homeless demographic.  Avoiding violence is always the best option and hand-to-hand combat should be your last option.
48. Consider security,  Maybe a money belt to protect your cash and important documents, a locker to store your gear in, and tying your bag to yourself when you sleep.  
49. Avoid anything that makes you vulnerable on the streets.  Alcohol, drugs, even legal marijuana will lower your guard and make you a vulnerable target for robbery, theft, and violence.
50. Consider getting a dog.  This is a personal choice, of course, but dogs can be both a companion as well as a source of protection (or at least an early warning signal) when sleeping on the streets.
51. Be ready to leave your camp spot at a moment's notice.  Whether you are sleeping in a tent or in your vehicle, always have your stuff ready to pick up and go in the event of an emergency.
52. Pay attention to your health.  Staying healthy is of the utmost importance on the streets.  As is avoiding heat stroke and hypothermia.  Be sure to address medical/dental problems early rather than later, carry your own basic first aid supplies, and hit up a free clinic if necessary.
53. Most communities have homeless services, ranging from shelters to meal programs to transitional housing/work programs.  YMMV  Some people absolutely refuse to sleep in shelters (often with good reason) while other people don't want anything to do with the government so refuse to apply for any type of service.
54. Have a good pair of shoes and a few changes of socks.  You may end up walking a lot and there is a world of difference between cheap, ill-fitting shoes and a good pair of walking shoes.  You can buy these on sale and sometimes even find a good pair at a thrift store.  Dry socks are also important for keeping your feet in good condition.
55. Dress in layers.  This is the best way to stay cool/keep warm.
56. Prepare for rain.  In a car, this means having good windshield wipers and a full tank of windshield wiper fluid.  On foot, this mean having all of your gear in plastic bags to keep your gear dry and using rain gear/an umbrella/a poncho to keep yourself dry.
57. Study up on backpacking and camping skills (example here) as these skills are often transferable to living homeless.
58. Study up on being homeless.  With the internet, there is an endless amount of material on this topic (example here).
59. Do something while you are homeless.  This guy was homeless and decided to write a book about the topic, this guy is homeless and has a very successful YouTube channel on the topic, and this formerly homeless lady used her experience to become a homeless advocate.
60. Homelessness may be all in the attitude, case in point, people who are homeless by choice include this guy, this guy, and this guy.
61. Speaking of attitude, having a positive, upbeat attitude, as well as good social skills, will make you a person other people want to be around and want to help.
62. Always be on the lookout for things you can use: food you can forage, change on the ground, possible sleeping places, a good fishing spot, plastic bags, etc.
63. Also carry useful items with you: a silcock key, fishing line and hooks, basic tools in your car, etc.
64. Up your situational awareness skills.  Learn how to read your environment, how to read people, and learn how to think on your feet.
65. Look at options that may help you avoid homelessness like joining the military, joining job corps, getting student loans and going to college, etc.
66. Use social media to your advantage.  You can use social media for everything from keeping in contact with people, to sharing your story (sometimes with surprising outcomes), to building community, etc.
67. Be on the lookout (via social media, online local newspapers, etc) for pop up programs that can help you: free vaccination clinics, the annual homeless count where they hand out clothing and supplies to the homeless, free community events, cooling/warming shelter locations, etc.
68. Use your free time (and free wifi) to learn new job skills (examples here and here).
69. Consider starting your own business while you are homeless.  This can range from busking if you have a talent and a good location to any of these ideas.
70. Get answers to your questions about being homeless from people you meet who have been living homeless for a while as well as from forums on the topic (examples here and here).
71. Hit up the dollar store for all kinds of cheap but useful homeless supplies: tarp, paracord, food, flashlight, batteries, matches, sewing kit, first aid supplies, etc.
72. Carry some cardboard and a big marker for sign making (hungry need money, need a job, need a ride to X, etc).
73. Be sure to tell people what you need.  Ask for gift cards, ask for socks, if your backpack is almost trashed, ask those who want to help for a new backpack.  Many people want to help the homeless but don't really know what they can use. Be specific and reap the rewards.
74. Be careful about loaning money or things to other people (you will probably never see it returned) and also try not to owe people favors.
75. Don't do drama.  Don't talk about others, gossip about others, snitch on others (depending on the situation of course), tell other people what to do, etc.  Keep to yourself as much as possible.
76. Consider getting a gym membership.  If you can afford it, this is a popular option, especially for traveling homeless as they can exercise, maybe go for a swim, and take a shower at gyms around the country (like 24 Hour Fitness, etc).  YMMV during a pandemic of course.
77. YMMV with churches as well.  Some churches are really helpful, some host food pantries or meal programs, and some have full-fledged homeless outreach programs.  OTOH, beware of cults and cult-like activities at some churches, you may need to check your religious opinions at the door, and not all church program workers are as saintly as they appear.
78. Always have plenty of plastic bags on hand.  From ziplocs to huge trash bags, these are useful for keeping your stuff dry, organizing your stuff, and to use as trash bags or for collecting foraged produce.
79. Basic self-care activities should include taking a daily multi vitamin and brushing and flossing your teeth.  You want to ensure your basic health and these are simple activities to do so.
80. If you eat at a fast food place, be sure to save packets of condiments for future meals.  Salt, pepper, mayo, ketchup, Tabasco...all will help make your rough-cooked meals more palatable.
81. Speaking of food, once again backpacking food tips work equally well for the homeless who don't have the luxury of a refrigerator or food storage options.
82. Seek out assistance for problems that are keeping you homeless like mental health problems or addiction issues.
83. Make a plan to get out of homelessness.  This could include learning job skills, getting a job, getting into alternative housing, etc.  Lots of people have done this, there is always hope.
84. Consider moving to a state that offers more homeless resources.  Some states offer better homeless resources than others.
85. Live as minimally as possible.  Unfortunately it isn't if your stuff (backpack, even your vehicle!) will get stolen, but when.  Not everyone has their stuff stolen but it is a pretty common occurrence in the homeless community so the less you have, the less you have to lose.
86. Use clever ways to hide your valuables while you are homeless (examples here and here).
87. Join local homeless advocacy groups.  These groups work to remove obstacles to getting people into housing, abolish laws that punish the homeless, and work to increase homeless services.  If you are front and center in these organizations, you are more likely to benefit from their programs.
88. Beware dangerous activities when you are homeless.  Train hopping is risky, as is hitchhiking.  Squating can be dangerous as is going off alone with strangers.
89. And while I pointed out the danger of squatting and train hopping, know that there are a lot of people (AKA 'misfit travelers' AKA homeless folks) who do just that either by choice or circumstance.
90. Logically look at your homeless options.  Some people rave about being homeless in Hawaii, the reality if often much different.  Would living in a "lawless" city of homeless be ideal?  Is living in the tunnels under Las Vegas really a good idea?
91. Be aware that violence is very common in the homeless community.  Being attacked by a mentally ill person, stabbed by someone out of their mind on drugs, being tricked into prostitution, and random violence just because a homeless person looks like an easy target are all too common.  Be aware of this and take precautions to avoid these situations.
92. Did you know that if you have been homeless and traveling, there are programs that can provide you a free bus ticket home?  Examples here and here.
93. For people who have a little money (on Social Security, have a tiny pension) but can not afford a home in the US, living overseas in a very cheap country might be an option. 
94. You've heard of leave no trace camping?  Homeless people who leave no trace (set up camp after dark, be packed up and leaving at daybreak, not leaving trash behind, etc) will be more welcome in a community than those who throw up a tent on the sidewalk and use people's front lawns as their bathroom.
95. The same is true for people living in their car.  Switching locations each night, blacking out your windows so it doesn't look like people are living in a car, not leaving a mess around your car, and even disguising your car as a work vehicle will make your unorthodox living arrangements more stealth and less likely to draw the ire of the locals.
96. A couple more car tips: avoid parking tickets and moving violations.  Also don't leave stuff like drugs or stolen goods in your vehicle which could make your vehicle subject to civil forfeiture.
97. Check your local state parks for cheap camping options.  In New Mexico, for example, a local senior can camp for an entire year in their state parks for a grand total of $100!
98. Some other options for homeless travelers, getting a free place to stay through CouchSurfing, Servas, or Warm Showers.
99. Another option for traveling and settling in the cheapest places possible is becoming a digital nomad.  There are a bajillion YouTube videos on this topic as well.
100. More info on homelessness here.

Finally a disclaimer:  First, with the covid situation, these tips may or may not work.  Libraries are a great option for the homeless, on the other hand libraries across the country were shut down for months on end due to the pandemic.  Also, while I have been homeless for a couple years by choice, I've never been homeless due to circumstance (meaning I had plenty of money and options while traveling around the world and was never desperately broke and living on the streets...there is a world of difference between those two types of homelessness). 

Sleep Out for Homeless Report...Or Why You Need to Get Prepared NOW

Last week was the annual Sleep Out for Homelessness event which is used to bring awareness of how the homeless are forced to live every day. these events take place across the country annually in late November. Although I didn't participate in the event, a friend across the pond sent this article about one reporter's experience sleeping outside over night with his family. If this doesn't make you reinforce your preparedness position (ie: get out of debt, have an emergency fund, pay off your house), I don't know what will...


CAJUN CORNER
A night without, much harder than I expected
By STEVEN DEDUAL
Central Kitsap Reporter Staff writer
Nov 26 2009, 12:17 PM · UPDATED


I think it is fair to say if I were to say the word “homeless,” many would think of people standing around with various signs attempting to get money or food. Many of us would conjure up visions of alcoholics who choose to live day-to-day looking for just enough to get a buzz. I know I have had these thoughts before. I am ashamed of myself for it, but I am at least willing to admit it.

Those thoughts changed for me when I was able to meet a few homeless people here in Kitsap County recently who found themselves without shelter due to positions lost through the degradation of our national and local economies. These were hard-working folks who found themselves without jobs because their employers had to downsize or even completely shut down.

What happens in times like these is a shift in job classification. Specific jobs within a company can often be added to the workload of another job classification without much drop in the quality of that company’s product.

This is the case for many of the new homeless, victims of foreclosure who once were productive members of society, homeowners and taxpayers. In fact, these people make up the largest portion of the homeless population.

These are the real faces of homelessness. Meeting them made me realize I may not be far away from where they are. As the field of journalism continues to struggle to find profitability in the Internet age, many in the business have seen their friends lose longtime jobs. And it hasn’t stopped. A headline like, “Newspaper circulation may be worse than it looks?,” from the Associated Press, Nov. 23, keeps many concerned. What if I lost my income? How long could I keep my life together?

Doing some math, I was shocked at the answer to my own questions. In the worst-case scenario, I could end up living in my car with my wife and two kids, in less than a year.

Armed with this knowledge and constantly being bombarded with comments from my children like, “I’m so bored” or “There’s nothing to do,” I decided to take part in last Friday’s Sleep Like the Homeless event. I wanted my kids to see what could happen and I wanted a taste of what it might be like if we had to live that way. It was an absolutely terrifying and educational experience neither my kids nor I will soon forget.

The night began at 6 p.m. We drove to a local grocery store and parked beneath one of the lights in the lot. I was trying to get as much light as I could for the children so they could do some homework. At first, they handled it quite well and seemed almost defiant, as if they would just stick it out and prove to me it was no big deal. Then I shut off the car.

“Uhm, the heat doesn’t work without the motor on,” my son said.

“We don’t have enough gas to run the motor son, I’m sorry,” I said.

The children looked at each other and shrugged. A mumbled, “Whatever,” came from the back seat in stereo. They were standing strong, but the night had just begun.

The first complaint came by way of my daughter. She wanted to wait until we got home to do her homework. I explained the purpose of our night out was to do things as though we had no home to go to. She said, “But my back hurts from sitting in this car bending over to write.” I asked her what she thought kids who really lived in their cars did in the same situation. She sighed and went back to her homework, rubbing her neck.

After that, my son, now done with his homework, said he was getting cold. I jumped out and grabbed him the blankets I had stored in the trunk.

“These smell like gas,” he complained.

I apologized to him, explained there was no gas on the blankets and told him his options were to cover up with the gas-smelling blankets or be cold.

“This is stupid,” he replied as he covered up and pinched his nose. “Can we at least listen to the radio?”

“Sorry, son, but that would drain the battery. We can’t do that,” I told him.

Again he sighed, this time accompanied by a little eye-rolling.

“So all we can do is sleep?” he asked, though I don’t think he was really looking for an answer.

My daughter finished her homework and asked about dinner.

“We have two cans of potted meat, a can of kidney beans four granola bars and a pack of two crackers,” I said.

The look they both gave me hurt.

“Are you freakin’ serious?” my son asked.

“Sorry, son,” I replied. “That’s all we have.”

“Someone’s coming over,” my daughter said.

I rolled down the window a bit and a young lady who I assumed was an employee of the store told me we couldn’t stay in the parking lot. I told her we had nowhere to go and I wanted my kids to be safe, so I parked where there would be light.

“I understand,” she said. “I really do. But I still have to ask you to go or else they will call the cops.”

She told me a lady saw the kids under their blankets and told the store manager he should call Child Protective Services on me for endangering my kids.

“Oh well,” my son said smiling. “I guess we will have to go home now.”

But that was not the plan. I started the car and started driving.

“Can we turn on the heater now since we’re driving?” my daughter asked.

I told her running the heater would cause the car to use more gas, so we couldn’t run the heat. She said nothing.

I was trying to find a place to park where we would not be harassed. I decided on another grocery store parking lot, but this time we went to the far back of the lot, near what I perceived to be employee vehicles.

We broke out the food and began dinner. I did not bring a can opener so the beans were useless.

“So all we have now is nasty potted meat and granola bars,” my son said with disappointment. But he was right, and it made my heart hurt.

In that moment, watching my kids eat potted meat from a can with their fingers because we had no utensils, I realized what the hardest part of being homeless would be for me. Not being in a position to provide for my kids would be devastating. I knew they were still going to be hungry after their dinner of meat-from-a-can and a granola bar each. I also knew they were going to be uncomfortable sleeping in a cold car, exposed to the elements and any person who chose to walk by. I didn’t like that feeling.

Now it was 10 p.m. We were fortunate enough not to be asked to move again, probably because we did a good job of being inconspicuous. It was much, much colder now. We were passing the time trying to guess the jobs of people we saw exiting the store. I could tell they were bored and when we were quiet, I could hear someone’s stomach growling, other than my own. Neither asked for more food, but I could see in their eyes they wanted to eat more.

My daughter decided she was tired and asked if we had more blankets because she was still cold. I suggested the kids huddle together and cover up with all of the blankets rather than each covering themselves individually. They complied and laid together, stretching across the back seat.

“Goodnight, guys,” I said, but they didn’t reply. They always told me goodnight. Every night it was a ritual. It was not to be this night.

I sat staring out the window. I couldn’t sleep. I wanted them to be warm so I had very few blankets myself. It was cold. The chattering of my teeth kept me awake the entire night. I just sat there, thinking.

My kids did not sleep well. I watched them all night. They both tossed and turned trying to get comfortable. Their lips and cheeks were almost blue by 5 a.m.

At 6 a.m. I woke them up and told them we were heading home. I have never seen them that excited to go to our boring little house. We pulled into the driveway and they bailed out of the car as if it were on fire. My daughter approached my window.

“Please don’t ever make us do that again, dad,” she said. “I don’t want to be homeless.”

I smiled until she made it inside, then I laid my head on the steering wheel and cried.

“No one does, baby,” I whispered. “No one does.”

Some Basics If You End Up Homeless

I know a woman who will end up homeless soon. There were a number of complications and through a death, having never worked, having no savings, no life insurance, no family, and a looming foreclosure, the sheriff will be moving her out of her home soon. She is one of the people who falls through the cracks because she has no children so doesn't qualify for social welfare intervention and is not old enough to collect her husband's social security. Having never been homeless I am probably the last person who should be giving her advice, but here are some of the things that I felt were important for her to do to get her ducks in a row as soon as possible:

• Shelter, even a temporary roof over your head, is critically important. This woman will move in with a friend temporarily but these arrangements don't often work long term so she needs to look for other options. Soon. Other immediate options for shelter that I can think of include: camping/living in your car (not optimal), house sitting (better but irregular), section 8 welfare housing (usually there is a long waiting list and unless you need shelter for your kids, I would say don't get caught in the welfare trap), homeless shelters (from what I've heard these aren't the best places and usually have a time limit but better than nothing), live-in helper (it's a room), apartment manager (it's a job and usually includes a free apartment), etc.
• A source of income. Your first priority in a situation such as this should be securing a source of income. Fortunately we found out that this lady qualifies for a widow's pension because of her husband's military service, unfortunately it is tiny (around $600 per month). Your full time job should be finding a full time job. After you get a job, your part time job should be either getting an education to get a better job, using your time to find a better job, or starting a small business on the side. Other options for income include: welfare (again, my least favorite source of income), unemployment. social security, veteran's benefits, temp jobs, part time jobs, a paper route, etc.
• A cell phone. Funny how this didn't used to be a necessity but these days it kind of is. When you are homeless like this women will be, you will lose your home phone so having a means of communications is pretty much necessary. My advice, check the pre-paid plans for all of the cell phone providers in your area and pick the one that best meets your needs. If you don't want to waste your minutes, let all but the most important calls go to voice mail then return calls at the end of the day (or better yet, respond with an email which will save minutes).
• A PO box. Another thing you lose when you lose your home is your mailing address. A PO box is an excellent option, just be sure to send in a change of address before you leave your home. Choose the smallest box available to save money and check around at local post offices as rates vary from branch to branch for the very same sized box.
• A bank account. These days, money mostly flows through banks and it's a good bet that at some time or another you will need to cash a check or put your money somewhere for safe keeping. Many banks offer free checking and/or savings accounts along with a visa/debit card that is a better option for cash strapped people that a credit card.
• Identification. You can't get very far in our society without identification. If you have no ID you severely limit your ability to work, travel, cash a check, rent an apartment, et al. At the minimum you need one or more of the following: a state ID card, a state driver's license, a passport, a military ID card.
• A bus pass. If you live in an area that has a bus system, purchasing a monthly bus pass will often provide one of the cheapest forms of transportation (aside from a bicycle). Many homeless people have cars which are great for shelter but bad in the amount of money it takes to keep it insured, gassed up, and repaired. Going without any of these things can cause you to receive tickets and fines if you get caught without insurance or a car in bad repair. If you do get a bus pass, see if they offer any discounts for low income, students, vets, etc.
• A library card. Libraries are often the de facto "safety net" for the homeless. It is warm place to shelter during the day, you can enjoy free books, free music, and often free computer and internet use.
• An emergency fund. This is something that can obviously be a boon to someone who is facing homelessness but very rarely, if people are in such dire straits, do they have this luxury. If you see homelessness coming, by all means do anything you can to get some cash into your emergency fund. I was amazed when I saw foreclosed homes on TV that were full of furniture and tons of other stuff that the families just left behind. I can't imagine why they didn't have a garage sale or Craigslist the stuff to make some extra cash before leaving.
• A monthly pass to the Y. I understand that some homeless people will purchase a monthly pass to a local gym or Y in order to have a place to shower. Depending on the cost, this may be an excellent option.
• An email address and internet access. Like cell phones, this didn't used to be a necessity but now it kind of is. Email addresses are free (Yahoo, GMail, Hotmail, etc) and are an excellent way to stay in communication with friends, families, and potential employers. Internet access can be found free at libraries, some coffee shops, some public places like the mall, schools, and other locations. Often you can use computers free of charge at libraries but if you have a laptop, which continue to get smaller and smaller (and cheaper and cheaper) and/or the ability to access the web from your cell phone, you may even be able to start a blog a la 'Homeless at NYU' or 'Hobo Stripper', and make some money this way.
• Secure storage for your stuff. Obviously if you are homeless but have a car you have a (somewhat) secure place to store your stuff. You may want to consider getting a safe deposit box at a bank to store your really important papers including birth certificate, passport, Social Security card, etc. For larger items (or your gear when you are at work) you may want to find other storage options such as storage lockers at bus or train stations, or even at bowling alleys. Note that self storage units have been turned into shelter for some creative homeless people however this is not usually allowed or legal.
• A backpack or messenger bag for your daily carry stuff. If you have storage for your bigger gear, it is best to carry only what you need for the day so that you can more easily blend in with the crowd and not stand out as a homeless person.
• A printed list of resources. Many cities have fairly comprehensive lists of homeless resources including lists of homeless shelters, food banks, churches that serve free meals, etc. It would be a good idea to carry this list with you for reference.

Some things I didn't mention: depending on the situation, if and what kind of weapon you carry will be a very personal decision; there are positive and negative aspects to either decision. A lot of homelessness has much to do with other variables including alcoholism, drug abuse, domestic violence, divorce, job loss and sometimes all of these things at once, which require treatment and other social service resources. While I never recommend going into debt, getting a student loan that covers school, room, and board may be an idea. A network of friends to help you out is a good resource however the longer you require help, the fewer, it seems, friends you will have. On a side note, many people who become homeless, especially from the upper reaches of society, often report that their supposed friends will no longer want to be associated with them once they lose everything so you may need to rebuild your entire friend network. These same preparations may be useful for victims of domestic violence. That was about all I could think of to tell her.

Homeless Count

Last night I participated in our city's homeless count. This is an annual event that tries to get an estimate of how many homeless live in our city (and therefore form the basis of data that is used for funding and planning). At first glance, and in most all cities, you see homeless people hanging around downtown streets, however the actual numbers of homeless--including people who live outside, "couch surf" with friends and family, and live in transitional type shelters--is in the many thousands. Here's some observations from the count:

• It's hard to interview someone "tweaking" on drugs. They keep bouncing and moving and it is a bit disconcerting. You would think drug addicts would be a large population of the homeless but they are actually not one of the larger groups.
• Mental health issues came up a lot in the people surveyed. Depression seemed to be the biggest mental health problem. I'm not sure if the depression came first so they had difficulty working then ended up homeless or if difficulties in life, being laid off from work, family drama, etc, exacerbated the depression which catapulted these people into homelessness.
• Many people said that job loss was one of the main causes of their homelessness. Which makes me think that the recent round of thousands of layoffs may send many more people out to live on the streets and with friends and family.
• I was shocked at the number of homeless families we saw. Many people we surveyed were single mothers with kids and intact families (mom, dad, kids) who have no place to call home. I can't even imagine what I would do if I was homeless with kids.
• The majority of people we talked to were so normal. They looked like the average person on the street, not your typical "homeless" looking person.
• Homelessness can happen to anyone. Many of the people I talked to listed a cascading series of events that made them homeless (ie: loss of job so loss of insurance, then a medical catastrophe, then loss of a spouse due to death or divorce, followed by depression and sometimes the use of drugs and alcohol to deal with the pain, followed by eviction from their home...)
• The people we interviewed were all very nice. Some were more talkative than others, a few seemed angry (who wouldn't be), some offered to help haul the donations as we made our rounds; overall a nice group of people.

Here's what I took away from the experience (ie: some ideas for not becoming homeless):

• Stay away from drugs and alcohol; these make a bad problem worse.
• Pay attention to preventative health measures (vitamins, exercise, nutritious food, seat belt use, etc).
• Stay on good terms with friends and family when possible. Give and help them when you can but also learn how to take from others as well. Some people are always the "givers" and the "tough guys" so when a problem comes up, they find it very difficult to ask for and take help from others.
• Always have an emergency fund in reserve.
• Have multiple sources of income (if your one and only source of income dries up you are in trouble).
• Be as resourceful as I can be. Know what resources are available. Experiment with "alternative" living situations: bartering, selling things, I might even try dumpster diving...
• Get a grip on my living expenses and downsize. I talked to one guy who was previously homeless--he had been a multi millionaire and when he lost his business he was in such a state of denial and shock that he just continued to live in his huge house and drive his fancy car until everything was repossessed and he became homeless (then his wife left him then he was deeply depressed...). I am happy to report that he is now once again successful but still comes back to help the homeless community when he can. I think many people live the way they think they should live whether or not makes in their current financial circumstances.
• Pay attention to changes that are taking place around you and be proactive instead of reactive. If it looks like your industry is heading for the crapper, don't wait around until you get a pink slip, start now to learn a new skill, look into new job prospects, network with new and different groups of people, etc.

Homelessness--Some Thoughts

I've never actually been homeless. The people I have known who were homeless happened to be so by choice; generally they were travelers who had no home but did have money, a way to earn more money, and a purpose (usually getting to the next country or the next experience). However the topic has fascinated me ever since I followed the blog of a guy who was homeless at NYU quite a few years ago. Recently I read the book "Breakfast at Sally's" and also had the opportunity to interview some illegal immigrants who came here with nothing and were basically homeless. I did a bit of further research and the following are some thoughts I have on the topic:

• Anyone can become homeless...a divorce, long term injury or illness, fleeing from violence, losing a job...all of these can move a person from a 3000 square foot home in the 'burbs to a downtown alley.
• Alcohol, drug, domestic violence, and mental health issues seem to exacerbate such situations.
• Stuff to have if you're homeless: a PO Box, ID (passport, ID card, driver's license), a prepaid cell phone would be nice, a bank account, social skills, a monthly bus pass, a monthly membership to the Y or a gym (for showers), a library card (for free computer use), contacts in the community for couch surfing opportunities also would be nice.
• Stuff to be if you're homeless: presentable (if you look homeless you seem to be hassled and targeted much more often), creative and clever and able to identify and take advantage of any opportunity that arises.
• Challenges: finding a dry place to sleep every night, the possibility of violence, social stigma, being shunned by society/friends/former coworkers/family, not being able to trust anyone in your new circle of associates.
• Resources: free meals in the community for the homeless, social service benefits (food stamps, maybe housing, etc), discounts (low income bus passes, low income cell phone service).
• Cars: some homeless have cars or motor homes which adds a bit to the person's safety, dry sleep environment, and ability to get around however paying for gas, maintenance, repairs, and insurance can be a challenge.

I guess the best way to avoid becoming homeless would be to stay sober and sane, have a wide variety of contacts who would help you out if needed, keep money in an emergency fund (especially if you are in a domestic violence situation or if your job is in a tenuous situation), and be proactive in whatever situation you find yourself in (ie: some people see their job being more finite than expected yet they still keep shopping and spending like they will have the job forever or they know they are losing their house but make no concerted effort to find another place to live or a bundle of new jobs to pay for it).

Can You 'Live Homeless'?

I pass homeless people on the streets of my city, I've walked through local forests helping with a homeless count, I've camped numerous times in the wilderness by choice, but fortunately I have never been homeless. Since we need to be prepared for anything and since being homeless is a reality that many people are currently facing in our country, I figured now is a good time to find out how others do it. Mostly they seem to be creative, often they just get back to basics, looking for a dry place to sleep. Keeping a low profile and blending in also seem to help. Here's some ideas:

• Homeless at NYU (this guy had an excellent blog during his homeless days at NYU, unfortunately its been taken down).


• How to Live Homeless


• The Couple Who Lived in a Mall


• The People Who Live at Heathrow


• How to Be Homeless


• Hiding Yourself


• Urban Camouflage (creative!)


• Hobo Poet (check out the links to other hobo blogs)


• How to Become a Hobo