/r/homeless

Photograph via snooOG

This group is for advice and to share experiences and stories of homelessness. We are a tight knit community made up of formerly homeless and currently homeless as well as others. NO soft begging will be tolerated here. No cash donations , No freemoney, No begging . Someone can normally answer your questions or concerns quickly and with experience. If you are currently homeless and need help or facing homelessness and have questions you found the right sub and welcome.

Rules

  1. No posting of anything that violates Reddit Content Policy. You will be banned and forwarded to the admins. Be helpful and respectful to others. Reddiquette is required.
  2. No begging or soft begging. Begging and "soft begging" are NOT allowed. Your post will be immediately removed, and you may be banned. Soft begging is playing on the sympathy of others in order to receive donations. Cashapp requests, gofundme links, paypal requests are not allowed unless approved by mods first.
  3. Posts must be directly related to homelessness.
  4. No fundraising or crowdfunding. You will be banned. Exceptions can be made for serious organizations combating the issue. Message the mods first to ask for permission to fundraise or it will be removed.
  5. No posting of personal information. This is the same as Rule 1 but for some reason it's been a problem here recently and we need to be explicit.
  6. No calls to violence. This is the same as Rule 1 but for some reason it's been a problem here recently and we need to be explicit.
  7. No judging. This is the same as rule 1. Addiction problems, a series of poor life-choices, financial irresponsibility... it's all irrelevant. This sub is here to help people facing homelessness figure out what their next step is. We're here to provide information, not to judge, not to call people out, & not to victim-blame. If you feel someone doesn't deserve your help, then don't help, but keep it to yourself. Please use the report button if you see anyone being rude, disrespectful and/or hurtful.
  8. Do not suggest people use/sell their body or drugs. It's insulting, presumptuous, & dangerous, not to mention illegal in most cases. No dick pics. No r4r or hook up posts. or sex in exchange for housing/hotel/good times.

Homelessness isn't a competition. Everybody's experience with homelessness is different. Just because someone may be working, living in their vehicle, have a drug addiction, victim of abuse, whatever... it doesn't make anyone's experience more or less valid. Homelessness is homelessness.

Welcome to /r/homeless!

First time here? Check out our wiki

This subreddit focuses on articles about the homeless, advice to those who are or may become homeless, and help in other ways where we can give it.

  • With estimated homelessness figures in the United States ranging from 600,000 to 2.5 million at any given time, and more than 100 million homeless worldwide, we strive to bring awareness to the plight of the homeless.

  • There are many misconceptions often associated with the homeless, and we hope to do our best to maturely discuss them here. While many homeless might be addicts or mentally ill, there is still a significant population of homeless that does not fit within this stereotype. Many people are forced out of their homes after losing a job, receiving expensive medical care, refusing to stay in an abusive or toxic environment, or are pushed onto the streets by family or friends who cannot care for them any longer. These are very broad examples, and not every homeless person's story will be the same.

  • Homelessness is a very serious issue and we think that it's time that Reddit united to combat this problem.

This subreddit needs people like you! Please subscribe and contribute if you can. All suggestions for improvements are welcome here, or by messaging the mods.


Similar Subreddits

JOBS
/r/jobs
/r/forhire
/r/Jobopenings
/r/freelance
/r/internships
/r/GetEmployed
/r/resumes

ASSISTANCE
/r/Assistance
/r/legaladvice
/r/RandomKindness
/r/Charity
/r/care
/r/Food_Bank
/r/medicaid
/r/WeforYou

MONEY
/r/frugal
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OTHER

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FOOD

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/r/EatCheapAndVegan

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Where to Find Help

Redditor compiled list of legit work from home jobs.
[US] Free/Low Cost Clinics
[US] Free Medical and Dental Clinics
[US] Legal Services by State

United States Government Assistance
VA.gov - ending veteran homelessness
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act - Federal law mandating that assistance must be given to educate homeless children and youths.
SNAP - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
WIC - Women, Infants, and Children
HUD and Section 8 Housing
TANF - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

Canadian Resources
Canada Benefits website
Income Assistance - For Disabled
Income Assistance - For Veterans
Income Assistance - For Seniors

/r/homeless

70,207 Subscribers

3

How in the HELL do i climb out of this hole ive gotten myself in???

Ugh. I’m overwhelmed with life😫 and I’m finding it very hard to present, and carry myself, in such way that makes people want to help me So I’ve been homeless since may of last year. I didn’t get evicted from my apartment, since it was red tagged and they wernt supposed to be renting to me to begin with(🙏thank god lmao) however, I did gamble all of the rent money I held in an escrow account per the city’s request, fwd to wwhen my lease ended, they sold the complex I made a deal with new owners where they would call it even Steven’s no evection on my record it would be like I was never there. However I had no where to go and it’s been hell since, I started out working full time, with a car, but bc of my idiotic addict brain, I’ve gambled my entire life away, and my baby daddy got my car impounded, which than costed me my job, on top of already being homeless. I’m now in a domestic violence shelter, with no car and no job. I got approved for a housing program that seems cruel and purposefully hard requirements to meet along with a strict deadline (30days) since I am having the hardest time finding anything within the permeiters they gave me price wise/location wise. And the ones I have found, my applications are still getting denied, even with the housing program voucher (not section 8 ran differently I guess). The shelter adress is weird, like I can’t even type it out correctly in the blank spots, I have no employment, no transportation, and no rental history… I keep landing job interviews, and submitting housing applications, but I’m finding myself running into the same problems of not being able to explain myself properly on the problems listed above, without rambling on and not making sense. I can’t get my point across and it rubs people the wrong way lol And when I lie about my situation just to get the job, I end up feeling stupid when I can’t find a ride even though I assured them I had reliable transportation , so I’ve ghosted a couple opportunities as well, out of embarrassment 😭 Not to mention the location of the program is completely different county then where I’m at in the shelter, so coordinating rides and figuring out where to apply, when I don’t know where il be living, is so incredibly exhausting. Am I the only one like this? Why do others seem to keep it simple or get further without even caring or trying as hard…. People who are getting all this help with dhs buying them a car, finding a place , securing a job and working on up from there it seems so simple yet I’m almost year later litterly running in place not getting anywhere .

So long story short, I need a vehicle to acquire employment, I need employment history on application for apartments, I need a valid address AND employment, in order to get a damn loan for a vehicle 😭 . how do I explain myself better, communicate effectively on paper, and in person, to show my unfortunate circumstances are NOT reflective of my work ethic or me as a person. Im not coming across how I want and it’s rubbing people the wrong way … how do I fill in gaps on paper n in person so people will actually want to hire/rent to me. 😭🙏 thanks in advance yall i hope that makes sense

5 Comments
2025/02/02
16:42 UTC

3

Considering escorting to help me get out of this grim situation

Has anyone else been an escort to successfully escape homelessness? I can't find any work anywhere, and I'm always on the brink of starvation. I've lost 15 pounds already, which means I'm not eating enough at all. I need a way out. I'm fortunate to have a good size 🍆, and my physique is getting better. I'm taking the next steps to try this option, any tips and insights are appreciated

3 Comments
2025/02/02
16:21 UTC

2

My Unknowingly Adopted Friend is Homeless and can’t Get an ID

I genuinely don’t even know where to post this. I have been helping out my friend who has become homeless and he’s trying to get a job but he doesn’t have an ID because he is adopted. He didn’t know that he was adopted until after he became homeless. He is from New York, but now he doesn’t know if he actually is or not. He tried calling my states DSS office but they were no help to him. I have no idea how to help him do this. Is there anyone else who can offer some advice on this?

2 Comments
2025/02/02
15:01 UTC

20

Dang it's cold out, -15f overnight, currently at -10f

Cat didn't even want to go out to go potty, had to pull out the "just in case" littler box.

https://imgur.com/a/ZAT6jN9

I'm glad winter is coming to a close fairly soon, ready for sunshine and warm weather, yes indeed.

16 Comments
2025/02/02
13:15 UTC

2

bout to be homeless in long beach need help and advise please

so im in a rehab but the people here are super abusive and have brought this up go mh case maniger again and again and i cant keep doing this im about to leave here soon need advise asap please

6 Comments
2025/02/02
03:53 UTC

26

My body is suffering

This is more of a rant... I was chronically ill before homelessness and of course homelessness has amplifed them. I am also understandably worn out and my body is YELLING at me to relax and calm down. I have been trying really hard today to remember to breathe, pay attention to my thoughts and actions, and listen to take breaks. I am SO TIRED? Not me, but my BODY. Suddenly the past few days ive been sleeping a ton, and waking up feeling like shit:) but once I get up I feel better, and somehow the most relaxed ive been in a while? Its strange. I am in pain suffering really bad but somehow in the middle of it I feel super relaxed at times. Idk. But my body the other 98% of the time is showing me pain and suffering. Homelessness is so hard.

10 Comments
2025/02/02
03:49 UTC

2

Homel Furnishings Assistant and more for individuals experiencing homelessness in Alameda County, California

Alameda County Home Stretch Housing Assistance Fund in California

The Home Stretch Housing Assistance Fund, managed by Alameda County Health, provides financial support to help eligible households maintain stable housing. The fund covers essential home furnishings and household items, as well as move-in costs, rental assistance, and safety/accessibility modifications to promote long-term housing stability.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must meet all of the following conditions:

  1. Currently Homeless or Recently Exited Homelessness

    • Must be currently experiencing homelessness or have exited homelessness within the last 60 days.
    • Deadlines for full and complete applications vary depending on the type of assistance requested and the location of the new home but typically 30 to 60 days from move in.
    • Applications should be submitted as early as possible to ensure timely processing.
  2. Must Have a Case Manager

    • A case manager must submit the application on behalf of the household, as Alameda County Home Stretch Fund does not work directly with clients.
    • If you do not have a case manager, contact Alameda County 211 and ask to be connected with a local Housing Resource Center.
  3. Consent for Follow-Up

    • The household must agree to follow-up communication from Alameda County for up to 13 months after receiving assistance.

Eligible Expenses:

The fund provides support in the following areas:

  1. Home Furnishings & Household Items

    • Covers: Beds, mattresses, kitchenware, linens, and other essential household items.
  2. Rental Assistance

    • Covers: Security deposit and first month’s rent only.
    • Does not cover: Past-due rent or eviction prevention.
  3. Move-In Assistance

    • Covers: Utility start-up costs, housing application fees, non-emergency moving services, and other housing-related costs.
    • Limits:
      • Up to $4,000 for a single-person household.
      • An additional $500 per household member (up to a maximum of $8,000).
  4. Safety & Accessibility Modifications

    • Covers: Home modifications and equipment to improve accessibility and safety (e.g., ramps, grab bars, hospital beds).
    • Landlord approval is required for modifications.
    • Limit:Up to $8,000 per household, based on need.

How to Apply

  • A case manager or housing provider must complete and submit the application on behalf of the household.
  • Applications must include necessary documentation, such as an HMIS record, lease or rental agreement, and any required approval documents.
  • Deadlines for complete applications vary based on the type of assistance and location of the new home—case managers should check requirements early in the process.

For more details and application guidelines, visit the Alameda County Home Stretch Housing Assistance Fund website: https://homelessness.acgov.org/home-stretch-fund.page

1 Comment
2025/02/01
21:12 UTC

5

I’m 18, My Family is Abusive, and I Need to Escape. What’s My Best Move?

I’m 18M, living with my mother and 21M brother. Our father isn’t around, and both of them are emotionally and physically abusive. My mother has yanked my hair multiple times, and my brother has tried to get physical, but I’ve been able to stop him—so far. The problem? He has a gun, and I genuinely fear that if I stay here much longer, something terrible will happen.

They constantly gaslight me, telling me I "do nothing" when in reality, I work harder than either of them ever have. I run an online business, study obsessively to improve myself, and push myself every day to become better. But they refuse to see it. Instead, they mock me, belittle my autism, and seem to actively conspire against me. One second, they’re screaming at me like I’m their parent. The next, they act like nothing happened—because, to them, I’m just an emotional punching bag.

I have no phone, no outside support, and nowhere to go. But I refuse to stay stuck here. My plan is to make as much money as fast as possible and leave for good.

I need advice.

  • What are the fastest ways to make money legally?
  • What resources exist for people escaping abusive homes?
  • How do I stay safe while I prepare to leave?

I can’t afford to wait too long—I feel like if I don’t get out soon, I won’t make it out at all. Any advice or support would mean everything right now.

19 Comments
2025/02/01
20:47 UTC

32

Small wins feel huge

After starting my new job a couple weeks ago I finally got paid 😁. Felt so good to have money in the bank just in case something failed on my car I can actually pay to fix it now, the stress of knowing I couldn’t before was daunting

I got a storage unit today and it’s right by my gym!!! Got all the shit out of my car, now I just have my blankets, a weeks worth a cloths and gym cloths and some can goods. Now my car doesn’t look absolutely insane with how packed it was before

Finally did laundry, holy shit did that feel so good to do , I haven’t done laundry since I became homeless. You really don’t think about how nice it is to be able to do your laundry whenever u want when living in a house. Now I won’t be smelling like b.o at work ( honestly doesn’t even matter with the people I work around they all smell especially like alcohol when they start sweating 😆.

Today was a good day , going to work out til I feel like dying, shower and then crash while watching my free subscription to Hulu 🤣

Hope everyone is well and staying warm ,love yall

12 Comments
2025/02/01
19:59 UTC

49

Try "grocery oulet" stores

I was recently donated a twenty. I'm super hungry so I wanted my $$$ to go far. You should definitely try grocery outlet, it's very low cost. I bought water, 3 large bean cans, loaf of bread, coffee drink, 2L root beer, brownies, potato chips [large bag], apples, & cinnabuns all for less that $17 . This normally Costs way more in my region, I wanted to share to help others save $$$ 🍏 🥪

25 Comments
2025/02/01
18:02 UTC

3

I made balaclavas to raise funds for my homeless fundraiser

So far I've sold 18!☺️ I'm hoping this will help me get a home or something like it soon!

1 Comment
2025/02/01
14:45 UTC

34

Just get homeless. 1 pant, 1 shirt, 1 knife, a phone with 61% battery. No money, no id. Need advise guys.

I haven't eaten since morning, sleeping first night in the park. Thinking about robbing a convenient store so i can go to jail. Any advice is welcome. Please comment, I feel a little bit lonely.

60 Comments
2025/02/01
14:31 UTC

5

Advice needed want to volunteer help

Sorry if this is not the right sub first. I'm in the uk and not homeless. I want advice on the best charities to volunteer at that actually help people? Any advice appreciated.

2 Comments
2025/02/01
10:43 UTC

9

homeless tips in the philippines?

just turned 17, might be forced to run away and be homeless, basically cuz parents are abusive. i dont wanna make a sob story out of it, just wanna get it over with

5 Comments
2025/02/01
10:10 UTC

71

Finally!

I just wanted to share tonight that I finally got a home. After years and years of being homeless, sleeping in cars, friends couches, rehabs, and hotels. It's finally over and I cannot be more grateful for everything. I got all my stuff put in the place and sat down and cried because I'm just so overwhelmed with happiness. I really hope everyone can experience this type of piece. I hope this year is everyone's year to have a home.

27 Comments
2025/02/01
05:03 UTC

3

youth/family shelters in ocean county, nj

If anyone has any suggestions I'd appreciate it. The ones in my area are packed and an opening I found required a thirty day hold. Any other type of temporary housing works as well.

2 Comments
2025/02/01
03:37 UTC

105

It's Happening

It's finally happening. They're pulling this diseased organ out tomorrow. The thing that caused me incredible pain and helped me completely destroy my life with alcohol for over a year, the thing that helped me become homeless, is finally going to be defeated. I have literally not been this happy in over a year. This is everything to me. I can finally start rebuilding my life. Thank you Reddit friends who told me to apply pressure at the ER. It worked. It absolutely friggin worked. My quality of life is actually going to return to normal.

I get to be happy again. Oh my fuck.

Edit: Surgery Successful. No complications or other issues found! I'm in the painful initial recovery stage then I'm free 30

47 Comments
2025/02/01
02:47 UTC

15

Homeless for 2 years with my woman, and my dog.

We live in Melbourne Victoria, and it's currently summer and we have spent it in a tent (illegal here, so super grateful we are left alone) hidden away out of the sight of the local council. All we have for entertainment is my phone, and thankfully a 300+watt power station which has saved our butts more times than I care to admit. It's 36c today, in this tent with its minimal breathing ability, reminds me just how far we have fell and why the climb back up is taking so long. We are humbled and would be honoured to receive any kind of assistance, support, referrals, advice, or even just a kind hello to let us know that we were a thought. It would mean the entire world to us both. We have had minimal, if any support from the official homeless channels that we have been referred to or linked to.

I miss my April having a bed to sleep in, and a shower either before or after bed.

Yours kindly: Matt, April and kelpie Abbie.

10 Comments
2025/02/01
01:36 UTC

8

Dies anyone I've in a shelter and have a horrible case manager?

So when I first came to the shelter I had a case manager who was very nice, thoughtful , asked questions, wanted to know how you are doing your goals on how to get out the shelter but then she left . Now I have a case manager very young but she has such a bad attitude when I go to my meeting every 2 weeks it takes like less then 5 minutes she seems to only be concerned about getting the form signed and if the next date is good for the next meeting. I told the supervisor about her attitude and that she seems to always be in a hurry and that I would like a new case manager and of course the supervisor said I can't. So I had a meeting with this same woman on the 28th when I went the supervisor saw me and said that they are not having any meetings with clients because the staff are having meetings. So I received a letter placed on my bed to go in for tge meeting the next day which I couldn't because I started work at 8 am. I emailed the case manager on the 29th and did not hear from her I even said today I'm gonna talk with the supervisor and saw the case manager come out tge office and didn't say a word to me . So I decided to email her again and she emailed bad telling me that I need to address her by her last name which I've never had and she never seemed to have a problem and told me when the next appointment would be . But I'm thinking if I didn't reach out again would she have told me . I told her I would like to change my case manager and she said that's your choice and you need to speak with the supervisor and said ok by God bless being very sarcastic bit she's not genuine at all and I've done nothing to her.

11 Comments
2025/02/01
01:34 UTC

13

Homeless after kicked out of college dorm

I’m 21 in San Diego and just got kicked out of my college dorm. I’ve been homeless before but I had a car at least to sleep in and 2 jobs. I haven’t found anything here and I don’t know what to do.

Anyone have any advice/recommended areas?

24 Comments
2025/01/31
21:40 UTC

3

question about food and essentials

I'm getting together a bunch of care packets of sorts with food, drinks, sanitary items and those instant air activated heat packs. I'm just curious about what canned food items would be best, I don't want to just throw in cheap random crap like canned tuna or plain spam, I'd prefer to do legit ready to eat items like canned chili, SpaghettiOs's, chef Boyardee, etc. So the overall question is what food would you be most excited to get or find the most fulfilling?

12 Comments
2025/01/31
21:22 UTC

0

How can I make cash while being homless

18(FTM) So I posted earlier today/last night I'll be homless anyway now. I've had no luck getting a job and I've been non stop sewrching- like as soon as I post this im gonna go out and search some more. I don't know why I'm not getting hired. Im even more worried with the new administration team trying to revoke the equal employment opportunities act. Like I know a lot of places still discriminate but write it off as something else. I like I don't mention im disabled or im trans. And im trying my hardest to find a job but I'm having no luck. I got advice to do panhandling but based on how I look I don't think it will go well- and I'm afraid it's not a steady flow. And like before all this i would always give what I could. But my family wouldn't and I would see people being assholes to them and I honestly don't think I can handle any of it. I've thought about selling photos of myself on the internet but I know that's a way to get scammed, I have art experience but it costs to even get a shop up online and just I don't know what to do. At all.

30 Comments
2025/01/31
19:54 UTC

25

im near homeless and terrified.

so i have massvie anxiety about getting kicked out, i also have a lot of mental health issues (bpd 2, trauma trust issues etc) and ontop of that autism and a disability. My biggest fear if im homeless is having people help me or that Will/Could take advantage of me and me not knowing and that scares the fuck out of me. Who can i trust to help? What if i cant trust people in the shelters? How do i figure it out if they genuinely want to help or if theyre tricking me? Like im horrible with social cue shit and idk how to survive by myself nor do ik how to navigate well bc of my physical disability. Im terrified to depend on myself bc what if im wrong and i get myself hurt Or worse?

21 Comments
2025/01/31
19:45 UTC

3

Day 1

Mountain snow storm on day 1, Giving the apartment keys back this evening, cleaned out apartment yesterday, I have a fat tire bike, plans to sign up at the community center to use pool, gym, and showers when needed ❄️❄️❄️🌨🏔 have great day!

3 Comments
2025/01/31
17:06 UTC

0

No food for a week

Hello,

I am done paying rent but will not get food stampz for another week. Can anybody help me with even 10-20$? Cashapp: $wickedfirst

I dont know what else to do. No food banks near. No car. No odd jobs near. Been two days with no food. Feeling really dizzy and like giving up. Have no energy.

10 Comments
2025/01/31
13:40 UTC

0

Let's help each other cashapp

If everyone help each other honestly we can all be living comfortably. Drop your cashapp below and help bless the next.

11 Comments
2025/01/31
12:59 UTC

0

Homeless single mom

My ex s a douche and kicked me out the house, I have no family and a one year old. He's abusive and controlling and he got upset when I said I could no longer be with him. Anyways I've been outside for hours and trying to get into a shelter. Nothing to eat, I feel so alone.

39 Comments
2025/01/31
12:57 UTC

2

Rough sleeping in London 'bad as it's ever been,' Sadiq Khan warns no improvement until 2026

1 Comment
2025/01/31
11:26 UTC

5

Finding a homeless family member

I read through the rules but if I missed something and this isn’t allowed please let me know

I (F19) “lost” my mom to addiction when I was 10. I put it in quotes only because I’m not sure if she’s still around or not. She struggled her whole life but it got worse when my family moved to a specific place for the military. I’m adopted by my step dad, but my bio dad is an addict too but he’s been sober for two years and we’ve reconnected. I haven’t seen my mom since 2015/2016, the last my dad heard from her was signing off the adoption papers for me. Not for lack of trying to help her either, he did all he could. I feel like now though, I’m unable to have closure without knowing if she’s still out there. I don’t want that to sound selfish but it’s true. I know she was homeless the last I heard, and am looking for advice on how to find her. I live across the country from where she would be, I’ve tried social media and reaching out to certain programs. The last time she posted was 2022 I believe, but I keep discovering new accounts with her name every so often. Sometimes with different last names but with our shared one in parentheses. If anyone has any advice I’d greatly appreciate it. If she’s still out there I want to do something for her.

5 Comments
2025/01/31
09:23 UTC

7

Homeless soon. need advice

Hey so uhm im having the realization i will be homeless any day now. Story; i was kicked out early November for being transgender. And I've been couch surfing, and one of my friends took me in but they move in a months. I've been searching for a job non-stop I've applied to 70 places heard back from 6 but haven't been hired at all. And I can't find a job and it's really starting to scare me. And im terrified. I'm in Washington state a couple miles out from Seattle. And I've reached out to more friends and they can't do anything; and i fans go with family. I'm starting to get really worried. And just need advice on what to do when I no longer have shelter. I've looked in temporary and emergency housing and I can't even afford that. I looked into shelters but it's closed during the day and open at night. And im gonna be 100% open here. Im honestly scared to go to one. I know people mind their own business and jsut im short, im only 18, and im Afab (born female) and im just. I've had some really scary experiences- and im afraid that will happen again.i just don't know what to do and would appreciate guidance on what to do when I'm homless

30 Comments
2025/01/31
07:59 UTC

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