What to do if you suddenly find yourself homeless

dangerbabegang:

FOOD

• Find your nearest food bank or mission, for food


• grocery stores with free samples, bakeries + stores with day-old bread


• different fast food outlets have cheaper food and will generally let you hang out for a while.


• some dollar stores carry food like cans of beans or fruit

SHELTER

• Sleeping at beaches during the day is a good way to avoid suspicion and harassment


• sleep with your bag strapped to you, so someone can’t steal it


• Some churches offer short term residence


• Find your nearest homeless shelter


• Look for places that are open to the public


• A large dumpster near a wall can often be moved so that flipping up the lids creates an angled shelter to stay dry

HYGIENE

• A membership to the YMCA is usually only 10$, which has a shower, and sometimes laundry machines and lockers.


• Public libraries have bathrooms you can use


• Dollar stores carry low-end soaps and deodorant etc.


• Wet wipes are all purpose and a life saver


• Local beaches, go for a quick swim


• Some truck stops have showers you can pay for


• Staying clean is the best way to prevent disease, and potentially get a job to get back on your feet


• Pack 7 pairs of socks/undies, 2 outfits, and one hooded rain jacket

OTHER

• first aid kit


•  sunscreen


•  a travel alarm clock or watch


•  mylar emergency blanket


•  a backpack is a must


•  downgrade your cellphone to a pay as you go with top-up cards


•  sleeping bag


•  travel kit of toothbrush, hair brush/comb, mirror


•  swiss army knife


•  can opener