Difference between revisions of "Live on the Street"

#Keep a blanket with you. Lack of sleep is a major issue for individuals living on the streets because you let down your guard when you fall asleep. Always carry your blanket so that you can take advantage of a good sleeping opportunity.<ref name="rf1">https://www.thenation.com/article/ten-things-you-need-know-live-streets/</ref>

#*Try a bivy sack, which is like a body-sized tent. It’s collapsible and will protect you from the elements.<ref name="rf2">http://www.thesurvivalistblog.net/how-to-survive-being-homeless-2/</ref>

#*If you live in a very cold area, sleeping on the ground is risky even if you have a sleeping bag and warm clothes because the ground will absorb your body heat. You will need an inflatable insulated sleeping pad to keep in your heat.<ref name="rf2" />

#Sleep in groups. If you are able to make friends with other individuals who are living on the street, arrange to sleep in a group so that you can designate lookouts. Your group doesn’t have to be large to be effective. Even one trusted individual can make sleeping safer.<ref name="rf1" />

#Try a shelter. Shelters offer a roof and usually showers, but they can be difficult to get into. Most cities have one, and many cities with a high concentration of homeless people have multiple shelters. Google Maps can help you locate the shelters in your area.<ref name="rf3">http://vetscountwv.org/Tips_for_the_homeless.php</ref>

#*Be aware of your surroundings when you sleep in a shelter because other people in the shelter may pose a threat.<ref name="rf4">http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-homeless-prefer-streets-violent-shelters-article-1.2564370</ref>

#Sleep during the day. You are most at-risk while you are sleeping, but sleeping during the day will help you stay safer. While it may be difficult to get used to sleeping while it’s light out, you are less likely to be a victim of crime or to be arrested during the daytime.<ref name="rf3" />

#Choose public places. This is especially important if you choose to sleep at night. While you may dislike having people see you sleep, stay safe by choosing well-lit, high traffic locations where you are less likely to be a victim.<ref name="rf3" />

#Visit soup kitchens. Find a hot meal and possibly other services at soup kitchens, which are commonly run by churches and charities. Soup kitchens also offer networking and outreach opportunities. You can get to know other people who are living on the streets, and may find someone who can help you better your circumstances.<ref name="rf1" />

#*If you can’t find a soup kitchen, try religious facilities, which usually offer some type of charitable support. You may be able to get a few grocery items or a store gift-card.<ref name="rf3" />

#[[Dumpster Dive|Dumpster dive]]. Stores and restaurants throw out food every day, and some of that food could be going into your stomach. Dumpster diving has become common because even people who can afford food choose to do it.<ref name="rf3" />

#*Check the area around the dumpster so that you can avoid confrontations with people who may not want you to remove items from that dumpster, such as a business owner or someone who already dives there.<ref name="rf3" />

#Prioritize proteins. Your diet will likely suffer when you’re living on the streets, but you can keep yourself in better health by making sure you get enough protein. While you might not be able to get meat, low cost options exist. For example, try peanut butter for cheap protein that doesn’t need refrigeration. Beans are another great option, though you may need to warm them.<ref name="rf1" />

#Keep lightweight snacks. Supplement your soup kitchen meals, samples, dumpster scores, and donations by keeping a snack stash. Depending on how much money you can find or earn, purchase or collect low-cost, non-perishable food that you can carry in your bag. Try nuts, trail mixes, and nut butters, which contain protein and fats. You can also try dried foods like raisins, beef jerky, and granola bars that are light and often nutritious, though they cost more.<ref name="rf2" />

#*Remove packaging from food to make it less bulky and reduce weight.<ref name="rf2" />

#*Collect free condiments that you can use in a pinch when other food is unavailable.<ref name="rf3" />

#Carry a water bottle. Water is more essential than food, so keep a water bottle with you at all times. Fill up your water bottle every time you see a water fountain or clean sink, even if it isn’t empty. While water is easily found in the city, you don’t want to risk being caught with an empty bottle because dehydration is one of your biggest risks.<ref name="rf2" />

#*If you aren’t in a city, then look for flowing water or catch rain water.<ref name="rf2" />

#Wash yourself in bathrooms. Public bathrooms are essential when you’re living on the street. Aside from being a place to relieve yourself, they offer you free running water, soap, and privacy. While it’s best to carry your own toiletries, if you can’t afford to buy soap or shampoo you can use the bathroom’s hand soap.<ref name="rf1" />

#*Look for available public bathrooms in places like fast food restaurants, shopping centers, airports, libraries, colleges, and office buildings.<ref name="rf2" />  

#*Try turning a stall into a private wash station by bringing a container of water and mirror into the stall. If you are able to purchase one, you can acquire a collapsible bucket from an outdoor store.<ref name="rf2" /> This is a great option if you cannot find a private bathroom.

#*Try visiting gyms or the YMCA.<ref name="rf2" /> While you may have to pay gym fees, you can ask if the gym offers free trials. You may be able to take advantage of one of these options, giving you access to the gym’s facilities.

#*Use the showers at a beach or campground.<ref name="rf2" /> While these showers may sometimes lack privacy, they make washing yourself easier than it is in a sink. Act as though you belong, and it’s unlikely anyone will question you.  

#Try baking soda. Baking soda is cheap and can be used to keep both yourself and your clothes smelling better. Use it to wash your clothes and to deodorize your armpits and groin area. You can even use baking soda as natural deodorant.<ref name="rf3" />

#Use the library. Public and university libraries are excellent resources for people living on the street. You can use the computers, access the internet, apply for jobs, read a book or magazine, gain shelter, and take advantage of the bathroom. If you are interested in finding a steady job and housing, the library can help you attain that.<ref name="rf1" />

#Travel light. You don’t want to alert people to the fact that you are living on the streets because they will make assumptions about you and are likely to want you to stay away from them. This is especially important for if you are accessing stores, office buildings, and other facilities. Look for somewhere safe to stash extra items, or reduce your possessions so that they easily fit into a backpack and tote.<ref name="rf1" />

#Get a post office box. While you will have to pay for it, a post office box can be instrumental in helping you maintain a lifestyle or get back on your feet if that’s your desire. You can have mail sent to your post office box, store small items in your box, and use it as an address on job applications. You may not be able to use it as an address to get services, but some post office box options will provide you with a usable address, so ask about your options.<ref name="rf1" />

#Stay with a group. As the cliche says, there is safety in numbers. Try to form partnerships with other people living on the streets so that you can keep each other safe. Living as a group will also allow you the option of keeping more possessions because you can take turns watching each other’s stuff.<ref name="rf1" />

#Learn police patterns. While the police usually mean security, for a person living on the streets they can also be a threat. Because of prejudices against people on the streets, you may be viewed as a criminal, especially in certain neighborhoods. Know where they tend to patrol and use that information to make the best decisions about where to sleep and where to seek shelter.<ref name="rf1" />

#Know your rights. When you live on the streets, you have to know the law well enough to protect yourself. No matter what anyone says, you still have rights. For example, in the U.S. you can legally hold up a sign asking for money in a public location because that falls under the First Amendment. On the flip side, some cities do have laws and ordinances that address the homeless population, so you need to check with local nonprofits to get that information.<ref name="rf1" />

#*You can find pamphlets and more information at organizations such as the ACLU and nonprofits that focus on helping those who live on the streets.<ref name="rf1" /> If you don’t know where to start, ask for help at your local soup kitchen or use the resources at the public library to do research.  

#Seek shelter during a storm. During harsh weather, don’t follow your normal sleeping patterns. Storms present an emergency situation when you’re living on the streets. Try places like transit terminals where you can blend in with stranded riders, or walk the aisles of an open shop if it’s during the day. You can also look for 24-hr waiting areas at airports or hospitals.<ref name="rf2" />

#*If you do have a local airport, blend in with fellow travelers, which should allow you to take a nap in the waiting area. Be sure to move around, though, so that no one becomes suspicious.<ref name="rf2" />

#Wear a hat. The sun can be dangerous, so use a hat to protect yourself from exposure. Additionally, a hat can help you stay warmer in cold weather. Visit a thrift store to find an affordable option that goes with your clothing so that it looks like a style choice.<ref name="rf3" />

#Wear sunscreen. While it costs money, sunscreen will protect you from both skin cancer and detection. Sunburn is a common ailment among those living on the streets, so keep your status hidden by avoiding a red face.<ref name="rf2" />