Way's to Survive Being Homeless with a Bad Economy!

Last year I had the horrible experience of being homeless with my family. It was a horrible experience but if you learn, some basic tips to survive the rough times you can get back on your feet. Therefore, I compiled a list of ways to survive being homeless.

Realization & Shock

The economy has caused millions of people and their families to go homeless. The realization of this can almost be a shock on your system if it happens to you. There are many reasons why a person or family might become homeless such as Job Situation, Health, Drug Problem, Family Issues, and Divorce the list is endless. This is the time where you have to be strong and develop a game plan to overcome your situation that is ahead of you.

Food

Food is something we as humans cannot live without and being homeless means if you cannot afford a place to live you more than likely cannot afford food. There is many options out there you may pursue some are more difficult than others here is a few Food Stamp Assistance, Food Banks, Food Shelters, Left Over's from Food Joints, and trash are to list a few. Most shelters that provide housing also provide daily meals. You will need to find a local shelter and ask them what times do they serve free meals.

In some circumstances, you may apply for Emergency Food Stamp Assistance! You will find this assistance at your local Human Services Department. Sometimes depending on the food joint, they might give out left over items that did not sell. This is a very risky situation due to the fact if you ask without knowing the manager or store owner it may be considered soliciting so, you might need to know the owner of the business or a friend that works there to get this. In addition, worst-case scenario there is trash. I know it sounds bad but you sometimes have to do what you have to do to survive that is just life. I personally did not have to peruse this option but I know there is 1,000's of people that do it daily just to live. My best advice is ask for help at a local church or shelter they can always lead you in the right direction after all that's what they are there for to help people that get in bad situations.

Health

While being homeless you need to absolutely make sure your health is in good condition if you do not know one else will. This means if you are in need of medication or a doctor's help you need to find that help by visiting your local emergency room or by asking the shelter or place you are living at what options are out there for you. It is very important that you get the medication you need especially if you have factors such as Heart Problems, Diabetes, or Asthma. Sometimes the help is hard to find and the process is difficult but the one thing you need to take care of is you and your family!

Shelter

This may be difficult for some but most the time the only option is a local homeless shelter and with the way the economy is sometimes this can even be difficult. Many people have had to relocate to larger cities just so they had a shelter to live in. Most of the shelters out there now even require some sort of small fees to stay there. If they can help, I am sure they will! Shelters have certain rules you need to abide by such as leaving by this time and not returning tell this time basic rules no stealing, fighting or cursing. For the most part this is a temporary solution that will help get you back on your feet. Some have resorted to living in a tent, something that my family and I did a lot. It is a great way to save money and really do not cost very much money. Buy a cheap $25 to $30 dollar tent from Wal-Mart or even a yard sale and find a local camping ground that cost from $15 or so a night. If you have a part time job, the money saved equals to almost a full time job. This is a very cost effective way of getting back on your feet.

Work

Day Labor, Is by far the best option for anyone homeless & jobless. There are many places' to find you work and will pay you daily. Most the time it is just enough to get you by for that day once you pay for your housing, food, and whatever else you might need for that day. There is many ways to earn money from doing side jobs such as mowing a lawn, which requires a lawn mower. In the end, Most of the time it depends on your job experience. Fast Food Joints hire and fire as quickly as possible and can be a good solution as long as it is close to where you are living. Keep a clean appearance, which can be hard to do without money. Apply for the jobs explain to them that you do not currently have a phone but you would like to setup a interview to come in and that you're very dependable, That is if you are and you do not have a cell phone. Just keep your head up and things will work out never give up. Find a local job work force and apply for whatever jobs you can. Alternatively, find a local library and log on to the internet there is many opportunities out there now to find work.

Friends

Homeless can be a very embarrassing time in your life. Let your friends know your situation and take any help they are willing to give. Notice I said give for me it was a choice to which you might be turned down or just let them know the situation and usually if they are a friend and can help, they will help. Again, this is totally up to you and your situation and pride if you want to ask a friend for help after all that is what friends are for after all right? Just keep in mind they have different circumstances also to worry about you do not want to be a burden and bring a friend down. Besides them helping they can help so much just by being a ear to talk to about your problems or might even be able to help you find work or lead you in the right direction for getting the help you need.

Family

If your family is homeless with you keep your faith and spirits alive and keep the love of a tight family together. This will be a very hard time especially if you have children you are taken care of daily. Look into different options such as School, Day Care or babysitters who might just help while you are at work. Take time out and visit a local park or library this helps a lot to keep occupied. With your family be honest with them let them know the situation you are in and what you have to do to get out of it. Let them know there is or will be hard times ahead but things will get better. Take whatever helps family members are willing to offer regardless of food, clothes, money, or shelter. More than all love each other.

Weather

A very important topic is Weather it is something a lot of people just don't think about. It can be a very big problem especially if it is Rainy, Extreme Heat, or cold weather. Always dress for the occasion and take care of yourself seek shelter if you need to. If the local shelter will not let you in to stay out of the weather, go to your local library or maybe park that might have cover. In the worst case, scenario and you know not what to do visit your police station and ask them questions they should be able to help give you the information you are looking for.

Transportation

Being homeless the only reliable transportation you really got is a good pair of shoes! It is the truth but if you have, the money the best alternative is a bus pass they can be somewhat expensive but is a great value because now you can get back and forth to work or your local mall just about anywhere you want to go. Another good transportation is a bicycle this does not require any fuel and can get you around just anywhere you want to pedal.

Education

Even though you are homeless you can still pursue your education. If you have, children get them enrolled in school and explain to the school your situation they can make special arrangements for your children to get to school or taken home at the end of the school day. The local library or job work force can give you the correct information on trying to get your G.E.D or start college. Always consider your situation when enrolling yourself or children in school such as, how long will I be at this location, If I move will they still be in this school? The school or other organizations can provide other things such as school supplies.

Entertainment

Once you survived your day of being homeless you may need to relax. There is many free alternative ways of doing this such as Walking, Talking to friends, Dollar Theater, or going to the park. I always loved spending my time at the library reading books or playing on the internet and meeting new people who have the same circumstances. Just keep your head up things will get better.

I hope that this Article has been helpful take care and God Bless!