Hi all,

There's a pretty... Substantial... Tent city in a neighbouring town. It's being taken down yet again due to unsanitary conditions and garbage, but it always gets picked back up and reoccupied.

Anyway, to anyone living in a tent city (for lack of a better term), does anyone stop to drop off bulk goods? Are these usually fairly distributed? What kind of good do you often find yourselves without, but is infrequently delivered by missions etc. Would you rather goods be delivered quietly, or do you prefer a conversation?

Winter is on its way, too. How do you stay warm?

I was homeless for one month short of 2 years, ⅔s of which was spent living on the street. That ended a few weeks ago — I've finally got an apartment, and the nightmare is over. But the homelessness crisis continues, and I'm already getting a taste of being on the other side of it.

I should preface by saying that my apartment is a little bit unusual — it's not in the main building of my complex, but an outbuilding adjacent to it. My apartment used to be used by a live-in property manager or something of the sort, but now the property is managed from an office in a nearby complex owned by the same company, so it's been rented out to me. It's particularly unusual in that my front door opens up into the complex's laundry room, which I have to pass through before going outside. I generally like this, since the electronic keypad on the laundry room door gives me an extra layer of security, and it's not readily apparent that there's even an apartment here.

For the past three nights, a homeless man, who has somehow learned the code for the door, has been sneaking in and sleeping in the laundry room. Since I was in his shoes not long ago, I have tried to turn a blind eye to it. It was almost a problem the first night, since he was smoking in the laundry room and it was seeping directly into my apartment — tobacco smoke makes me extremely sick — but I was able to flush it out of the apartment and it hasn't been as much of a problem since. Tonight it's been weed, but cannabis smoke doesn't bother me nearly as much. So if this was all he was doing, I would let him be.

But this morning, I found trash and fentanyl paraphernalia all over the laundry room floor where he slept, and a friend who came over caught him in the act of smoking it in there. I draw a very hard line at fentanyl in my space. The dude also stayed in the laundry room nearly the whole day, which puts me in an awkward position since it's much harder for me to claim that I simply didn't know he was there if the property manager decides to interrogate me. After giving him several warnings that he failed to heed, I had to contact the property manager, and the city was going to send their community safety unit out to get him off the property — but, in typical Albuquerque fashion, they never showed. I'm going to have to let the property manager know tomorrow.

I really don't like taking action against other homeless folks, but there has to be a line. During the year plus that I spent on the streets, I busted my ass to not leave trash and to treat people around me with respect — as much as I could while still respecting myself and my own needs. This, despite all the hardships of living on the street, and the many people in this city who did not return that respect. Still, I think this is a bare minimum standard to expect. I don't judge people for using drugs, even fentanyl, but that shit is poison and I can't have it wafting into my apartment. I wouldn't care if he went around the corner and did it and then came back. This man should have a right to safe and adequate shelter — but so do I, and this is a major breach of that. The guy isn't hardly communicable and doesn't seem to care to settle the matter amicably. I would have just let him sleep in there if he hadn't made it a problem.

I got into a little trouble and got 24 months probation with 30 hours of community service. I am down to 272 left, I have been homeless the entire time. I wanted to go back home to MO, but the probation officer I was getting transferred to was bullying me, which was making the compact transfer hard to get approved. I have been staying with AC since May and was told that if I went somewhere other then that address I would more likely get approved, but in order for another compact transfer request to be entered I had to go back to the case state. Which sucks, cuz I have to live in a tent for a bit,I have Nyctophobia which makes this super hard. I had to take a leave of absence from work so I can get this straightened out. The PO I currently have is amazing person they set me up in a pre paid camping site at a campground with a electric so I can use a little light and got me a few things to make this a little easier. I am trying to get my life back on track, but it's hard when your coming from nothing and with nothing and want to actually go somewhere in life. I currently get paid minimum wage, but in a week I'm supposed to be starting my new job with better pay, I am doing my best not to complain since it could be worse.

Going through alot. Need help I have no one at all I'm starting to for real give up I don't know what else to do. I'm so lonely. And I have no family no friends I go days with out eating and days being out side.

Homeless with my 8 month old in nyc how do i get a place for low income that the government can help me with

anyone have any tips on keeping ur hygiene up while living in a car? i know there's truck stops and gyms that u can shower at, can u also brush ur teeth there? i think paying for haircuts is a luxury and i cut my own, any suggestions on where to do that at? are there any compact and cheap shower products u recommend? Where can i keep my towels while they dry? i know there's very simple answers to these questions but im just wondering if anyone knows of a more efficient and easier way to do it. Hygiene is very important to me and i work a labor intensive job where i sweat for a full ten hours so i really want to make this as easy as possible since i am going to have to do it daily. Thanks

I’m 33f in NJ. I am on SSDI, but my food stamps were cut off when I became homeless in February Working on getting back on, as well as GA.

No friends, no family. I have my car and two storage lockers, and nothing else. I suffer from mental illness and alcoholism. I’m in a lot of debt (credit, loans, medical bills) and facing a DUI (wasn’t driving, car parked in a lot, not intending to drive), so will potentially lose my only “home”.

I had planned to camp, but I can’t even afford that after all my bills and other surprise mishaps (fell asleep w AC on and car battery died, had to pay for a jump, had to get car from impound due to DUI: $600+)

I’ve been sleeping in my car and spending some time at my ex’s to shower/eat/laundry (I lived w him for 6 months when I got kicked out of my home), but I’m not allowed to be at his house anymore due to his family hating me.

So my car is gonna be my home. I know it’s my fault I got into this mess, and I will have to face the consequences, so not looking for criticism.

I’ve been sleeping at rest stops, and am planning to get a gym membership for showers & changing.

If anyone could give me some tips or advice, I’d greatly appreciate it. Or if there is already a similar post that someone can refer me to (and I’ll delete this one).

Thanks

I’ve asked this question to many different people and have been chewing on it for a while…

Isn’t there a way we can build a program for people to house the homeless in their homes.

The main arguments I’ve heard but can’t answer is the legal issues, security issues, how to deal with damage to property.

My counter to that is an organization that helps screen hosts and those in need, offers of security cameras and legal support should something happen, and insurance in case of damage.

Maybe churches alike with homeowners would join together to largely solve our homeless crisis in large cities across the country

Perhaps there’s ahead a program out there like this? If so, please share!

Hello, I am currently in Iowa looking for work. My passport has expired, and I have an Expired ID that can’t be used. The only ID I have is my Social security, And my birth certificate. Does anyone know any documents I need to get accepted for a job?

So I'll start by saying hello, I'm Michael of Denton Texas. Originally from Amarillo, I've been homeless multiple times during my life. Mostly a symptom of my own doing. You see, I hate working so bad, and hate the fear of living paycheck to paycheck, barely getting by and sacrificing all your hard earned time and money to see it go down towards bills, food, rent etc... I hate it so bad that I would rather be homeless, because to me there is a freedom in it. Staying in shelters, no responsibilities of having to work to provide myself meals, a place to sleep, keep out of the cold etc. I can sit back most of the day bumming the internet at the library, or hanging around the park when it's warm and just waste life away, without the stress of having to work to provide. And I have. I'm currently not homeless now, as I live with my parents and I help take care of my disabled dad. I have bipolar and ADHD, which probably contributes to my decisions on the matter of homelessness, due to my apathy, lack of ambition, purpose, passion, etc. Once before it almost cost me my life. I was sleeping in a sleeping bag under the overpass, next to the railroad, and a pickup came through and ran me over. I got extremely lucky, and I only suffered deep contusions and a bruised spleen. Nonetheless, would have thought that would be my first and last time homeless. Nope. For years I bounced back and forth between having an apartment and being in the salvation army. Few times I camped out in a smoked out abandoned house, or found a spot in the backwoods under a tree where it was clear enough to lay blankets and sleeping bag, and slept under the light of the moon. Sad thing is, after my dad dies and living with my parents comes to an end, I will more than likely be back living homeless, with no intention of getting an apartment whatsoever, or working. I know I got to be insane to consider such outlook, But I've always been one I have no problem accepting handouts, resources, food stamps or government assistance etc. I take advantage of it with no thought or regard to taxpayers, who's having to pay the price for the things I'm taking advantage of, etc. I don't really think it's entitlement because I don't think I'm owed anything. I don't believe that I'm better than others. I just refuse to lay down and die and I will continue to survive by any means necessary, But I wouldn't do anything illegal. Just sponge off the good grace of people.

I got out of homelessness about 6 weeks ago with a room and board job off coolworks. My credit is like 580 and my car repossession in March is listed as a closed charged off account. I spoke with one shit credit auto finance company and they told me I had to have 40-50% down, like fckn seriously? I guess I'll get a $200 secured credit card and see what that does for my score. Before I got my car reposessed I was doing Uber and Doordash and I want to go back to that but I can't do Uber with a $4K car 🤦. I can do Doordash in one but fuck....I feel like I'm doing the right thing being here and doing this job but this was a setback. Like, you lose a apartment and car and you're fucked for a long ass time.

If I rented, it would be like $300/wk. Plus, the $325/wk I'd spend on a hotel room. That's like $2,400/mo on car and room like WTF?

I think I'll have like $3K-$3,500 when I leave here October 30th. Should I just get a Toyota/Honda that's forever old but has low miles and just do Doordash? Or should I go to a buy here/pay here shitty place?

I really don't want to go to CDL school for a trucking company and be a trucker (you keep your truck during off time). I'd be "home" for 3 day's every 3 weeks and I have a 9 year old son I want to see. I don't wanna be in a damn truck for 90% of my life.

I am inwardly mentally ill. I am socially aware and wouldn't be perceived as mentally ill unless I for some unknown reason shared my thoughts on some topics. I'm paranoid but can cover it up. I can pass as antisocial loser.

I read that the shelters for the mentally ill are really bad. But I'm also worried I would miss out on resources i might need.

Advice is appreciated.

Ad said $1 down and a free month, worded like 2 months for the $1 https://www.planetfitness.com/gyms/?promoCode=HSSP24TSOCIAL&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0BMAABppFVlRwo1DCCFCEIUNgtdB52xyOt2f96m3RI1sttLQ6PAgAXgPEoGUCwzA_aem_p_QmQYO5Ndlq1h8jiTFPbg

https://www.firstalert4.com/2024/09/06/ordinances-ban-homeless-encampments-festus-crystal-city/

Well its finally happened.I had made a couple posts on here detailing my situation and i was finally evicted this morning and dropped off by my mother at a publix in Jupiter, FL. Made it down do the lewis center shelter and introduced myself. Unfortunately its friday and i wont be able to get my declaration letter and turn it in until monday and hope get into the lewis center after 90 days with no delays. Until then the only thing i can do is stay moving and find a place to sleep. If anyone on here is in the palm beach county near west palm or lake worth i could really use someone to talk to or some advice on where i can sleep. Take it easy everyone, much love.

I wasn't feeling very strong this morning after donating plasma the despair started to sleep in again I was feeling weak. the hopelessness of my situation started to take route but after seeing prevews this last week for the new Beetlejuice movie I decided f*** it and I spent some money that I planned on buying a propane stove so I can start cooking again.

I bought a ticket and went and saw the movie. I'm right now walking away from the theater feeling 100 times better than when I went in.

I cannot express enough how important it is for all of us to not only take care of our health, but to really take care of our mental health, our emotional health. It is so AMAZING to feel normal again. To feel like I'm worth it.

WE ARE ALL WORTH IT! KEEP FIGHTING

I seems like every where I look there 0 available places everything affordable or remotely affordable is taken even place that have sleeping rooms nobody leaves because there's no where to go. So hate to say it but my new home is gonna be in a van...

I used to be in active addiction (10 months off fent) and i was used to the sleeping under bridges/ in and out of shelters, couch surfing, trap houses, living in houses with no electricity/ plumbing, bla bla, but i never slept in a tent while homeless. it always scared me more being a young addict woman alone in a tent than shelter (im lucky to be young enough that younger adult / teen shelters here took me) i know living in a tent is the last choice for a lot of people so no disrespect. anyways, recently where i grew up, in a public park there has been dozens of tents put up there recently. i have love for both sides, they shouldn’t have to set tents up in the park for one.. they deserve safe housing, though it also worried me for the elementary/high school kids where that park is known for the path to school. i just wonder everyone’s opinions on it is? housing is a right for everyone, and i want everyone to be safe, i think i just want more insight because sometimes i feel a bit like im losing my humanity for those on the streets - even though i was recently once with them. i wish there were an easier way for those who hit rock bottom or a low spot, to find the support because its not as easy as it seems. What do you think?

I live in the American Northwest in an area with a large number of homeless people. A lot of them ask for things at intersections, and I want to help. My solution was to make bags to quickly hand out as I stop at an intersection or to bring over in a parking lot. I know every person’s needs are different, but I would appreciate any advice.

Current bags include: 1x drawstring bag 1x Bible (maybe controversial, but I believe it’s necessary) 2x granola bars 2x bottles of water 1x umbrella (not sure if it’s a great item. I don’t want to give people junk, but I was asked for one once and I can see how it can be helpful to stay dry) 1x gift card for food (currently Subway. I know all gift cards have the potential to be abused, but I think the more degrees of separation the less likely it is)

What do y’all think? Is there something that I should take out? Is there something I should add? Is a gift card for somewhere like Walmart a better idea as it gives more flexibility, even though the potential for abuse is higher? As it gets colder I plan on swapping the umbrella for hand warmers and a space blanket, but other cold weather ideas would be appreciated.

I have a friend who is married that needs a place to stay, but there's a lot of homeless shelter that doesn't allow animal or people with Foley catheter. Does anyone know place?

At the beginning of 2024 my life was still set. I had my car and a good job and a nice apartment, but my mental health was absolute shit. I was suicidal, ended up getting a dui and totaled my car and lost my job when I spent 3 days in jail. Which led to me losing my place to live. I've spent a couple months now trying to find a place to stay and a job to work. I've applied to every place I could find and have had no luck. I'm outside of city limits so I can't take the bus to get to work and it's much too far and unsafe for walking or biking. To top it all off I'm pregnant and I really feel so hopeless, I'm doing everything in my power and getting nowhere. Any advice would be great!

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I lost my backpack in the train which had sentimental stuff, my contact lenses, phone charger and headphones. I looked for it everywhere but couldn't find it. I am pretty sure it was stolen since I immediately took the next train and asked the train operator to contact the train ahead of her to retrieve my backpack, but he couldn't find it. He looked for it about 15 minutes after I lost it and he couldn't find it so definitely stolen!! I was almost gonna lose it until I checked my email and saw that a super kind and generous redditer sent me some money which I immediately used to purchase a phone charger from Amazon that is going to be delivered to an Amazon locker today!!!! I still can't see though. I went to the clinic for the homeless and was told that they only do eye exams on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the first 6 people, and they may and may not be able to cover the contact lenses/glasses. I am going to be literally blind until I am able to have an eye exam done and get glasses which may take weeks. I don't know why it keeps getting worse and worse for me. I don't deserve this.i have never done anything bad to anyone. The universe is enjoying torturing me and seeing me suffer. I am going to a few places to apply for a job in person and I really hope I get hit by bus while doing so so that the torture and suffering ends and I can finally rest. I don't see a point in trying to survive. It's not like I chose or was expecting/prepared for homelessness. It literally happened overnight. I went from the top 1% to the bottom 1%. The dramatic change in the lifestyle I'm used to especially alone in a foreign country is making me want to unalive myself but I'm too much of a p*ssy to do it myself.

I had an unfortunate incident the 29th and had to pay for my freaking prescription. I'm also in CT if that helps. Everything is expensive as hell here. I will say I'm sick of beans peanut butter and crackers so those are out of the picture.

maybe because I stand out in some ways, for example being the only white person when most residents are black. but I've heard confusing conspiracies, like me being undercover or part of a security team. I don't mean to generalize, I just mean I've encountered this many times now. I'd believe other shelters are similar, just contextualizing that the ones I've been in were like this

often the beliefs are hurtful, so I feel like I haven't tried to remember most. but when it happened again this morning, it felt like a long pattern or common phenomenon that I guess started to recognize and wonder about as a pattern

I’m asian and never been homeless in my life but now i kinda feel like i wanna sell everything, quit my job and be homeless.

Any of you tried or been in this position before?

I’m a female so i suppose it’s dangerous out there. But idk anymore… maybe it’s worth the danger. I just wanna be gone and eat dirt

I spent all night awake, planning to sleep today during the day. At about 5:45 am, I got caught in a downpour (15% chance of rain forecasted) and sooooo.... I guess I'm up for the day. I had to treat myself to a coffee that I really couldn't afford to charge my phone and dry off a bit. Still got a smile on my face though.

am I the only one that come to the airport to sleep 😂😖🤫 FREE WIFI , safe , 24/7 , restrooms