Where does one go when one finds oneself homeless?

[NobodyHere]

I ask this because this seems quite a real possibility on my future.

[hollysmom]

1. relatives or friends, pride is not excuse

[JanMichael]

2. It depends where you live. There are shelters in most large towns.

Some places have a system where different organizations (civic, churches, etcetera) host a family for a week.

It really just depends where you live. Rural areas typically have the least support.

[Chan790]

3. Where are you?

The answer depends on your location.

[TexasBushwhacker]

4. Call 211 or go to 211.org

It's a service run by United Way to help people needing assistance to organizations that can help.

http://www.211.org/

A city of any size will probably have an agency for the homeless. Kind of a one stop shop. In fact, if your city or town has such an agency, you should go ahead and contact them. They will know about every shelter, food pantries, churches serving meals, etc. They may also be able to keep you from becoming homeless.

When I was facing homelessness. I went ahead and spent a night at a shelter, just to take away the fear factor. The showers were hot, the towels were clean, the food was filling. I slept on a mat on the floor. They didn't have pillows, so I had to lay my head on my purse. They didn't turn off the lights to cut down on theft, so if I had to so it again I'd take a pillow and an eye mask.

All shelters have different rules, so you should find them out before you go. If you take any prescription medications, they are some shelters that won't allow you bring them in.

[ghostsinthemachine]

5. The library, public pools, parks....

Internet at the library.

Public pools for showers. Or a cheap gym membership but make sure they have showers, some of the cheaper ones do not.

Parks, hang out and treat them like your extended living room. Bathrooms, etc there. Lot of similar people there too so they will help you navigate your new life. BBQ's and water too.

Get a van of some sort and take out the seats so you have a sleeping space. In a van, as opposed to an RV, allows you to find on street parking where you can fit in. Around apartments and such. An RV is too obvious. And a car, well that won't work at all. If you do park on private property remember they have security etc so it has to be a place without security or they will call the cops on you. On public property, they really don't care as long as you are not obvious. And fitting into a bunch of cars that are parked on street is easy. be sure to get some shades etc so lights won't wake you.

Know your rights, especially where car storage time etc is concerned. They cannot tow your car unless they go through the proper procedures.

[Liberal_in_LA]

6. I hope it doesn't happen

[lindysalsagal]

7. Check out craig's list for people needing a boarder

It's more common than you might think- People get help paying the mortgage by renting out a bedroom.

Good luck- Contact your city or county agencies to find out what services are available to you. A congressperson's office might also be useful.

[panader0]

8. Get a tent and a fishing pole and head up to a National Forest.

Go all mountain man.

[cwydro]

9. I lived in a campground for several months.

Surprisingly, quite a few people live in campgrounds pretty much permanently.

[mackerel]

10. I know a few homeless people. Most of them live in homeless shelters or a tent

Last edited Wed Jul 15, 2015, 12:24 AM - Edit history (1)

near the homeless shelter. A couple of them told me they have memberships to a really inexpensive gym in town and that's how they stay clean (Plantet Fitness). I know one woman who lives in her car because the shelter won't take her dog. She knows a few places where it's safe to have your car overnight. Most of them hang out at the library during their free time and there is a community college in town that has a good library. The homeless shelter here will let you use their mailing address if you check your mail once a week.

[floyd1]

11. Don't give up.

Don't give up. The system has taken everything from you. Your money. Your way. Your dignity. It is not your fault. Fight Back. Fight to change the system.


Vote for Bernie.