Many people find themselves living on the streets because they have no other choice.There are strategies to make living on the streets manageable.You can live on the streets with a bit of planning.
Step 1: There is 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.Carrying your blanket will allow you to take advantage of a good sleeping opportunity.Sleeping bags can be used outdoors.A bivy sack is a body-sized tent.It protects you from the elements.If you live in a cold area, sleeping on the ground is risky even if you have a sleeping bag and warm clothes.An insulated sleeping pad is needed to keep you warm.
Step 2: Group sleep.
If you can befriend people who are living on the street, you should arrange to sleep in a group.To be effective, your group doesn't have to be large.It is possible to make sleeping safer with one trusted individual.Before you trust someone, get to know them.You are all trying to survive.
Step 3: It's possible to try a shelter.
It can be difficult to get into a shelter that has a roof and showers.Many cities with a high concentration of homeless people have multiple shelters.You can use the maps to find the shelters in your area.It's a good idea to be aware of your surroundings when you sleep in a shelter.Some shelters are for profit.Discuss your options before taking a bed, as you may be charged a fee for using the shelter.
Step 4: It is advisable to sleep during the day.
Sleeping during the day will help you stay safer while you are sleeping.You are less likely to be a victim of crime or be arrested during the day if you sleep while it's light out.There is a public park.It is possible to spread out your blanket as if you are at a picnic.Take a nap on the beach.Sleeping at the beach during the day is a good idea.If you want to blend in with other sunbathers, you can fold your blanket like a beach towel.Don't use your sunscreen in the hottest parts of the day.
Step 5: Public places to choose from.
If you choose to sleep at night, this is important.If you don't like having people see you sleep, choose a location where you are less likely to be a victim.
Step 6: Visit soup kitchens.
Churches and charities often run soup kitchens, where you can find a hot meal and other services.Networking and outreach opportunities can be found in soup kitchens.It is possible to get to know other people who are living on the streets and find someone who can help you.Religious facilities, which usually offer some type of charitable support, can be used if you can't find a soup kitchen.You may be able to get a gift card.Don't ask the soup kitchen staff to give you money or allow you to stay if you want to get off the streets.
Step 7: Ask for food.
Panhandling for food can keep you fed while you live on the streets, even if you don't want to walk up to people and ask for help.People are more likely to give food than money.
Step 8: Get some samples.
You can get free samples if you blend in with other customers.Unless the person working the table gives you permission, don't take multiple samples from the same booth.Track which store has the most samples so that you can return there.You should act like a customer.It is a good idea to make a small purchase, even if it is just a single piece of fruit or a pack of noodles.If you can get leftover produce for free or very cheap, go to the farmer's markets.
Step 9: A dumpster dive.
Stores and restaurants throw out a lot of food.People who can afford food choose to do dumpster diving.If you want to avoid confrontations with people who may not want you to remove items from the dumpster, you should check the area around it.Don't eat food that may have been bad.Extra food is thrown out by most chain grocery stores.There are bins behind the stores.Don't go into bins that are in gates if you know if dumpster diving is legal in your area.
Step 10: Prioritize the things that are important.
When you are living on the streets, your diet will likely suffer, but you can still keep yourself in better health by making sure you get enough nutrition.There are low cost options if you can't get meat.For cheap peanut butter, try it.You may need to warm beans.
Step 11: The snacks should be lightweight.
You can 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 can be carried in your bag.Try nuts, trail mixes, and nut butters.You can eat dried foods that are light and often healthy, though they cost more.To reduce weight, remove packaging from food.While you are dumpster diving, look for snacks.They are usually good for awhile even though they are past their sell-by date.You can get free condiments when other food is unavailable.
Step 12: You should carry a water bottle.
You should keep a water bottle with you at all times.If you see a water fountain or sink that isn't empty, fill up your water bottle.One of the biggest risks of dehydration is being caught with an empty bottle of water.If you don't live in a city, look for flowing water or rain water.
Step 13: You can wash in the bathroom.
When you are on the street, you need public bathroom.Aside from being a place to relieve yourself, they also give you free running water, soap, and privacy.You can use the bathroom's hand soap if you can't afford to buy soap.Fast food restaurants, shopping centers, airports, libraries, colleges, and office buildings have public restrooms.Bring a container of water and a mirror to the stall to make it a private wash station.You can buy a collapsible bucket from an outdoor store.If you can't find a private bathroom, this is a great option.
Step 14: You can find a shower.
Most of your bathing will consist of bathroom sponge-baths, but there are options for showering.You may be able to find a public shower if you try shelters.Try visiting a gym.You can ask if the gym has free trials.You may be able to take advantage of one of these options, which will give you access to the gym's facilities.The showers can be used at a beach or campground.These showers make washing yourself easier than a sink.It is unlikely anyone will question you if you act as though you belong.
Step 15: You should wash your clothes.
People are less likely to suspect that you are living on the streets if you keep your clothes smelling good.If it's not possible to go to the laundromat weekly, you can wash your clothes in the sink.Do you know if the soup kitchen has facilities for washing clothes?Change can be used in the laundromat.There are coin-operated washers and dryers.Hang-dry your clothes after you wash them in a bathroom sink.
Step 16: Baking soda can be used.
Baking soda can be used to make your clothes smell better.You can use it to wash your clothes.Baking soda can be used as a natural deodorant.
Step 17: The library can be used.
People living on the street can use public and university libraries.You can use the computers, access the internet, apply for jobs, read a book or magazine, gain shelter, and take advantage of the bathroom.The library can help you find a steady job and housing.
Step 18: It's travel light.
You don't want to let people know that you are on the streets because they will make assumptions about you and want you to stay away from them.If you are accessing stores, office buildings, and other facilities, this is important.If you want your possessions to fit into a backpack and tote, look for a safe place to keep extra items.If you carry a backpack, try to look like you are either a hiker or a bicyclist.If you use a bag that looks like a standard tote or grocery bag, people will assume that you are on your way home from shopping.
Step 19: You can get a post office box.
If you want to maintain a lifestyle or get back on your feet, a post office box can be helpful.You can use your post office box as an address on job applications if you have mail sent to it.You may not be able to use it as an address to get services, but some post office box options will give you a usable address, so ask about your options.
Step 20: Be aware.
Being aware of your surroundings is important for your safety.Since you can't always tell who to trust, living on the streets can be dangerous.Some people pose a threat to your safety, and people may assume that you are the same person.Be courteous and cautious.
Step 21: Stay in a group.
There is safety in numbers.You can keep each other safe if you form partnerships with other people living on the streets.You can keep more possessions if you live as a group because you can take turns watching each other's stuff.
Step 22: Police patterns can be learned.
A person living on the streets can be a threat to the police.You may be seen as a criminal in certain neighborhoods because of your prejudice against people on the streets.If you know where they patrol, you can use that information to make the best decisions about where to sleep and seek shelter.A police presence can make a place safer or less safe for sleeping.If you have a good relationship with the police in your area, sleeping on their patrols could be an option for you.Even if you feel like you're being treated unfairly, always be respectful with the police.
Step 23: Know your rights.
You have to know the law in order to live on the streets.You have rights no matter what anyone says.In the U.S., a sign asking for money in a public place can be held up if it falls under the First Amendment.You need to check with your local nonprofits to find out if your city has laws that address the homeless population.You can find pamphlets and more information at organizations that help those who live on the streets.If you don't know where to start, ask for help at your local soup kitchen or use the resources at the public library.
Step 24: Seek shelter during a storm.
Don't follow your normal sleeping patterns during harsh weather.There is an emergency situation when you are on the streets.You can blend in with stranded riders at transit terminals or walk the aisles of an open shop during the day.There are waiting areas at airports and hospitals.You should be able to take a nap in the waiting area if you blend in with other travelers.So that no one becomes suspicious, be sure to move around.
Step 25: Wear a hat.
Use a hat to protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays.In cold weather, a hat can help you stay warm.It is possible to find an affordable option that goes with your clothing at a thrift store.
Step 26: It's a good idea to wear sunscreen.
sunscreen protects you from both skin cancer and detection.Sunburn is a common condition among those living on the streets, so keep your status hidden by avoiding a red face.
Step 27: You should protect your belongings.
Living on the streets requires you to either reduce your belongings to what you can carry or establish a home base.You can take turns guarding each other's possessions if you work with a partner or group.Find out if the shelter allows people to store things there.Carry an umbrella or stick to ward off thieves.If you can, cover your belongings when you sleep and wrap a piece of the bag around your arm or leg to make it harder for someone to steal them.