Introduction to the Project
I spent nearly five years, from mid-1996 to the beginning of 2001, homeless, or as I liked to call it with a distributed household. I had storage, shelter, mailbox, telephone, shower, bathroom facilities, cooking equipment, and transportation, even access to television, radio, computer equipment, and ac power. I had the essence of a home. It was simply more geographically scattered than is traditional in our culture.
I'm not the first to do what I did, to live homeless well. I'm not the first to find advantage in homelessness. It is a well kept secret that homelessness can be freedom and comfort can attend it. The secret is well kept because revealing that you are homeless in this society is dangerous. There is stigma. There are even laws prohibiting it. Imagine that. There are laws against being homeless. Let me say that one more time. There are laws against being homeless.
There are laws against sleeping in public, in your car, on the beach, anywhere in the public view. It is the only law that I know that prohibits a behavior that is involuntary. You must sleep. There is no choice. You must do it. If you do not sleep for approximately one third of your life, you will suffer. The less sleep you get, the more physical and psychological symptoms you will suffer, until your mental faculties break down, your grasp of reality disintegrates, your self-control disappears. Your body will make you sleep, and if you use stimulants to avoid it, you will rapidly begin to become psychotic, with unpredictable mood swings, displays of aggression, and hallucinations. Nevertheless, the law in nearly every municipality forbids sleeping unless you are rich enough to afford a house or hotel to do it in. It's a human rights violation, but I will get back to that.
I've been thinking about writing this book, a guide to living well, for years. People think it will be easy to be homeless, that it is a lazy choice. Nothing could be further from true. Homelessness is very hard work. Homelessness can be very uncomfortable until you solve some basic problems. It is vital, for instance, to have a place of concealment. It is vital to assure that you will be warm, and to provide for safety, and for hygiene, and for communications, and even for a source of income. If you are newly homeless, you will not be meeting all of these basic needs, and to the extent that you don't, you will pay for that. This book will teach you to meet those needs effectively and fast.
posted by Mobile Homemaker @ 9:46 AM
66 Comments:
I just started to read this project and it's what i've been looking for, i was in danger of loosing my work a year ago and i wondered what would happen if i become homeless... Nice to read about other's experience in the subject and not get too frightened of the unknown. Good job.
I don't have any great insights or experiences to share, but I wanted you to know I found this a beautiful discussion. Empowering, hopeful, kind, respectful, and inspiring are a few more adjectives that come to mind.
I spent a year working as a case manager at a homeless agency and I have to agree--being homeless is NOT the lazy choice. For some, it's the only choice and it's an incredibly difficult way to live. I had some clients who were totally with it and chose to live nomadically, and some who were just lost and broken and couldn't find their way in life. The work also made me think about what I would do "if." The ever-present if.
In any case, the site is fascinating.
In the early part of my recovery, I came close...
I like your writing.
regards
rootsradicaluk
I have start 4 days ago and wondering what is like. That when I was about going to get a sleep in my car at deep park between golf course and resident where nobody can see me. For few minutes, I woke up and decide to look up on my Tungsten W to make google search for the information about homeless who live in car.
Wow! What an interest about site! It seems much useful information. That sure saves my ass! Thank!
I am an older mother on Ont. Works, soon to lose my housing as my kids are leaving the nest. I am 51, and cannot run as fast in the capitalist job market to pay impossible rents. I shall be perusing this blog spot alot for tips on how to survive the most vicious, misogynist, and anti-life economies the world has ever witnessed. I'm sure the police are monitoring this site. Keep them off, and thanks!
I find your blog interesting, as I have been researching homelessness as a lifestyle choice. I've been looking into living on the fringes of a city, where one can squat hidden away in the woods, yet be close enough to the bus lines so owning a vehicle would not be needed. Seems if one were to go to the the expense and hassle of owning a vehicle while homeless, one would drive a small camper rather than a car:-) The Roanoke, VA area seems to be user friendly, as it is surrounded by mountains, plenty of woods, streams, rural bus routes, and the Appalachian Trail runs nearby, affording plentiful camping and shelter opportunities not far from part-time work, groceries, libraries, etc. Also nearby is a ten thousand acre watershed land preserve, no hunting allowed, so no need to worry about getting a stray bullet during deer season. One could migrate in the colder months to FL. Similar outdoor living options in the wooded areas north of Tampa are available. I just can't see being homeless in the city. Tried it years ago and found it to be too dangerous and demeaning. Besides, those of us with strong social anxieties tend to do better in the woods away from folks. I've also considered what some folks do, hike and live along the appalachian trail or other trails during the warm weather months, then rent a room in the winter and work enough to have money for the next year's hikes. There seem to be quite a few trail bums out there enjoying this lifestyle. Google Ray Jardine for a list of his books regarding homemade lightweight gear, and pay a visit to gossamergear.com for other ideas, and downloadable plans for lightweight homemade packs. You and your readers might find the printed zine Dwelling Portably informative. It offers tips on rural homelessness, available only by mail from PO Box 190-nxn, Philomath, OR 97370. Send them a few dollars and ask for samples. I was a little concerned about it being a ripoff, but they are for real. Ten bucks got me several back issues. This zine goes back to the eighties and has tips for shelters, cooking, work, remote living, etc. Lot's of good advice for those just starting out. And of course, everyone considering dropping out of the mainstream should read the classic Walden. I put off reading that book for years, started it many times, but it seemed to drag early on. Finally, last year I made myself stick with it, and like so many others, fell in love with the book. Aside from the New Testament, no other book has been such a pleasure to read. I've never been rich, but I've never had to do without the basics of life, and have even with my meager salaries over the years managed to tryout scuba, skydiving, flying lessons, motorcycle racing, hiking, biking, camping, sailing, too many years of computers, read gazillions of library books. Worked lots of different jobs, AC & Heating, electrical, water treatment, security, truck driver, but have never really fit in anywhere. It's easy for me to consider dropping out of the mainstream as i have experienced the material world and found it lacking. My buddy Dave on the other hand, grew up poor, lacks a formal education, never had that new motorbike, or any toys, got married too young and had a kid, makes
$6.00 an hour as a security guard, and always wants what he can't afford. He can't uderstand why I would be willing to walk away from the worldly lifestyle, why I stopped wanting "things". I keep trying to explain that I've had everything I ever wanted within reason of course. ( never could swing a deal on a learjet:-) And those things, just didn't in the end make me happy. It makes it easier for me to say no to the world now. The only people that truly benefit from the hard work ethic our culture promotes, are the bankers that write mortages for those that do the hard work. The working class slaves away for the bankers, so they the workers may have the privilage of paying on a home for thirty years, pay off a few cars, then die, never having really lived free. I'm at the point in my life where I believe the only important issue is one's relationship with Jesus. Where one lives in this life is unimportant be it indoors or out, as Jesus has prepared an eternal home for his people that believe in him. It's a shame that in America with our beautifully written constitution which the patriots claim is inspired by God's laws, living freely out of doors as God intended man to live is against the law. I guess I've rambled on too long, after all, this is your blog :-) Thanks....
beautiful site, I was a carpenter for 15 years until I had back-surgery, now I cant work anymore. I hate it when people assume I am lazy, quite the contrary - I worked so hard for so little that I broke myself. Now Im three days from being homeless. Not that I couldnt survive, but it sucks for my kids. I've been denied for disability but have reapplied. It seems like no matter what I do, every time I turn around there is some other catastrophy that wreaks havok on my life.
I just tonight started my research on homelessness and surviving. What a great site and very good tips. Keep going.
Para Knoid....a beautiful post, just beautiful. Especially your last paragraph.
Once a person finds the strength to separate from the "cult of things", life quickly becomes infinitely richer. But as with any addiction, the first steps to breaking free are hard. There is withdrawal, and backsliding. But then one day, you find yourself someplace, say, walking in a mall, an activity 90% of Americans define as fun-- and the spectacle of all that consumptive gluttony looks repulsive. Yes, repulsive....
and at that point, like Neo in the Matrix, you start to know freedom...
I am not one to hate a homeless person. I planned/lived a month that way to save for an apartment move in. And I agree our society is too interested in obtaining meaningless trinkets. But no one seems to mention that the reason you are able to live a homeless lifestyle in our society is because others are willing to sell their time. The author mentions access to tv,internet, showers and libraries. Surely these would not be available to anyone if everyone in our society decided not to work. So let's not get on a moral soap box. If you choose to be homeless,you will have more time (every living beings most precious resource). But to a certain extent,you are living of the labor of others.
To much more of an extent, a landlord lives off the labor of others.
I don't know how I ended up coming across this blog, but "WOW!".
There are five of us in our little rental in Portland, OR, where the economy has gone to hell. I will stay to keep my kids in this school district and close to their father (who is an excellent dad), but it is so hard to live here. I lost my once-successful business due to the failing economy. My husband has his class A and hazmat but can't even get a job here as a pizza delivery person. Not to mention that Portland (Oregon altogether?) has become a police state. Anyway, it's no longer a joy to raise your kids...rather, it's scary all the time, wondering if someone's going to take them away from you because you didn't keep up certain appearances. I swear, it's like I'm on high-alert all the time. I'm so tired.
My fantasy has been (not that I don't want my family...I love them so much!) for so long to someday have a little teardrop trailer hitched to my little '97 Civic. The trailer is sparse...just bedding and books and music. I eat a raw-food diet, so a stove isn't necessary. Anyway, it just seems like it'd be so freeing/simple.
Nice, necessary and informative. I look forward to learning more.
I am a freshman at the Ohio University. While I am for the most part of the year not homeless, much anticipated breaks for other students are for me a survival challenge because I have no family and my friends are scattered through out the state. Before coming to college I lived in my van for 2 years while finishing highschool. I have learned like you many little ways to help me get by not only when I am kicked out of the dorms a few weeks at a time, but as a broke college student in general. So as there is not a neverending comment below the introduction to this marvelous resource I will post my own helpful hints and experiences through out the chapters.
To Whomever May Have Wrote This, Thank You very Much !
You know what dude... You are so right. I haven't read this whole blog yet, but so far you're right on the money. I was homeless for about two years, it's a sick feeling that not only are you homeless, but it's freaking illegal to be homeless. Not in the sense of being actually illegal. But, you can't even use the bathrooms at a dunkin donuts without a purchase. I'm bookmarking this blog and will read more today. Speak the truth.
antonio
It makes sense to plan for homelessness, as the permanence of affluence is merely an illusion. After a couple of life changing physical blows I decided to pursue the preparation for homelessness that was surely coming. I'm living with a friend in exchange for my services, while continuing to work and save money as a cushion. I use 10% of my money to buy what I need for four season survival: lightweight tent, hammock, sleeping bag, water processing, firemaking, hobo stove, deydrated foods, sprouting seeds, vegetarian fare, light weight clothing for smart layering, etc. I am caching these things in a triangular area where I plan to "range", and have a full set of survival/camping gear in my car. It's a combination of homelessness preparation and survival preparation, which are essentially the same thing. I am a fifty year old grandmother, battling back physically from an accident. I hike weekly on overnight treks with a local group to get and stay in top-notch physical shape. As part of my preparation I have a pre-paid cell phone of long-standing. It IS my home phone number. It is pre-paid now for two years and has 5000 minutes on it. I know my local libraries well and have cards at all that would let me. Those are my satellite offices. I have established an eBay business making a popular collectible item. I can theoretically live in a tent in a safe area of my community and make inventory, sell and mail it, within 10 miles of my safe location in the woods. These kinds of sites on the internet have been KEY to my learning the ropes, planning my survival (or escape!), and in demystifying the process of survival without total dependence upon "the grid". I can always stop the ebay business and the internet access when it is no longer useful or feasible. The true key to all this is having flexibility. Go with the flow. When bad things happen to you in life, don't dwell on the bad. Surrender it. Consider that you have been redirected by your higher power. You are meant to do something else, so you your mission is to go and do it. Don't blame people or circumstances for your circumstances. You are the ultimate manager of your circumstances within the capabilities of your skills and knowledge, and within the limits of your resources. This exercise is the ultimate affirmation of personal responsibility.
oh wow everything everybody said here is great stuff. stumbled onto this site by accident on doing research for a paper i'm attempting to write on homelessness.
anyhow, i wanted to add my two cents worth on ray jardine-type stuff. i recently learned that you can make really cheap alcohol stoves that work fairly well - the hiker bum -type people use them when they go hiking. try googling 'cat stove' or 'penny stove'.
This is extremely important to finish! This is a book that needs to be written. Good luck!
Help me please. I live in Los Angeles. My housing situation is quite annoying right now so I have pitched my tent in the back yard. I have a portable TV, CD player, dome lighting, fan, etc. (all battery operated) I also have a cooler, trashcan, airtight storage bin, etc. I even have a combination lock. :o) I have been doing this since mid to late June. My car is acting really crazy now and may die at any moment. I only go in the house in the mornings to potty, shower and change clothes. I would like to pitch my tent somewhere "SAFE" in the LA area for a few months and save my rent money to buy a car. I want to join a Gym, get in shape and I'll have somewhere to take showers daily. What SAFE place can I pitch my tent? ( I'm female) I can't find anyone to do this with me. Any addition advice would be appreciated.
I did a search on terms related to living in a car and found your web site. Recently, I was homeless, in my pickup, for about three weeks. During that time I traveled the highways, sleeping in the back under a cap. Presently, I am staying with my sister, and her husband and three children. They are having severe financial difficulty so I am contributing $100 per week while I stay. The money is coming from savings from a previous job, which I just had to quit because it had gotten so excruciating. I am glad to be helping my sister and family, but have not decided how long I will stay. My sis would like me to stay at least the winter, but I'd need to find a job to do that. My staying is helping me too though. I don't think I am cut out for homelessness, as I get so very lonely.
I am not at loose ends because of alcohol, or drugs, or mental illness -- although I don't exactly feel "whole," emotionally, or spiritually. I am rather educated, having a Masters, and only two credits short of a second MA (which I won't complete). The education got me into rehabilitation fields, which I have no intention of returning. All the effort and expense to get into those careers, only to find I was extremely unhappy working for the government -- a near-necessity within the rehab fields --knocked much of the ambition out of me. I said I have no plans of returning to my previous professions, but really, there is such a gap of time between then and now that I could not return even if I wanted to.
I have been at my sister's for less than a week now, trying to decide what I will do. Yesterday I went with my sister shopping for groceries, and she was so thrilled to be buying groceries the way she used to. She used the two hundred dollars I had paid in advance. By the way, it was my idea to contribute the money, not a stipulation she presented for taking me in. It was painful seeing her worry about money, and I love her, so it eases my pain seeing her less stressed. But I need to start making money, rather than simply have my savings drain away.
What I need, to help me get out of this pit I am in, is an idea of some occupation that would suit me. I am an excellent student, and hard worker, but if I am unhappy in my work I get terribly depressed, even suicidal. It doesn't help that I am nearly 51, and single.
i have lived in a van on and off for years,in the coldest of seasons in northern nevada and thru the heat of summer.i have done it because of my utmost hatred of the lords of the land and this system that forces us to participate and punishes us if we dont.and you know what?it has made me stronger to know i can go back to it at anytime.i dumpster dive and find amazing amounts of good food,clothes are no problem,i have a real motivation to stay healthy by eating well and bicycling.the toughest thing is having a good atitude while being homeless,the stigma of doing it alone will defeat many.
comfort is a double edged sword,nice to have but sufficating since you get hooked on it.im working two jobs right now,and moving indoors for the winter but be assured,its not permanent,as my personality desires freedom and independence more than anything.and i am not a kid,i am in my 40's.just remember how important knowledge,friends,networking with others and a positive mental space are for thi life.
peace to you all and anyone traveling thru reno can always reach me at dapperdan7@hotmail.com
Very interesting...and scary. Fear of homelessness has contributed to my ongoing depression. I used to be resilient and get by depite the depression but divorce, isolation, and being without work have robbed me of my will.
I can see myself being homeless as there is no one who would care to catch me.
I'm not sure I could make it as a homeless person --- in part due to my depression.
I think the homeless are very brave and determined. My life circumstances are driving me in that direction. I really don't know what to do.
i have learned a lot from this website and lost many presumptions, but i still find that the homeless are not productive members of society. i feel that it is important to contribute to the community and to the world.
The world cares more for a flying bug mussing up celebrity haute couture than it cares for us. Why should I give a damn about contributing to furthering the status quo? The status quo is bullshit. If you want to contribute, the only righteous thing to do is contribute to change. Personally, I turn my back on society. I use it where it serves the individual needs I have, and ignore it when it makes unreasonable demands. Oddly, It's easy to find the lines, the places to stand my ground, and the moments to run. I've been assaulted twice in two decades, and I spilled not one drop of blood on either occasion.
The biggest failing people have is they don't understand the nature of their conflict. Sideline society, it hasn't got players in the game. A conflict is between you and someone standing between you and your basic needs, whoever they may be, of sleep, safety, security of personal items, food, water, hygeine, laundry, employment, and comfortable temperature regulation.
Find out who the antagonist is.
Determine his motives.
Determine if he can be bought off and for how much.
If not, tell them whatever it is that is necessary to send them away. Once gone, they are no longer a problem, until some distant future, where you will figure out what to tell them to send them away.
Our foes come in two sorts, stupid and envious. The stupid are owned by bureaucracy and will rigidly apply inapplicable rules. Sometimes they can be trained. Sometimes they learn. Sometimes they can be channelled to apply some equally inapplicable rule in your favor. Look at them and sigh. The method here is endurance, and a constant willingness to make your problems their problems.
The envious are actually out to kill us and can never be won over. Separate from them. If you must be in the same circles, then avoid discourse. No good can come from the envious. When in actual conversation with this sort, shift the topic away from yourself quickly.
The society I care about is the society of friends and family that I build. The rest of the population is either an asset, or a harm. Most of them sadly are a harm.
Love your blog. Perfect for research. I think I might have to switch to the lifestyle soon and I needed to know how. One question though... How do you do this without any ID? Not that I'm running from the law, just from everyone around me. Need to get out desperately, I've fallen in with the wrong crowd and need to disappear. Can I live 'out there' without being tracked? How do I get a car and a POBox etc - as you suggest - without proper ID? Can you help me?
You need i.d. to live in society. The only replacement for i.d. is having others rent or buy on your behalf. I am not an expert on forged or false documents. If that is what you are looking for, you will have to look elsewhere.
I've read through multiple times, and I've noticed that most of the advice is geared towards being homeless but staying in one place. I was wondering if you had any advice for a slightly different situation: I plan on traveling for a few months, working for a few months, then moving on, and so on, wherever I choose to go. Any advice would be appreciated.
You have provided me with invaluable information that will aid me in my quest. My sincerest thanks to you sir, and keep up the excellent work.
I was wondering if anybody had any advice for me.
So basically I live in Canada
Very very long cold winters. I don't have a vehicle, so living in one is out of the picture. And Basically I live in this tiny town and it's just....gotten to me, I've had to drop out of school, etc etc, don't want to go into detail but I can't deal with living here anymore and wonder how hard it is to survive during the winter? or how hard would it be to get my green card in the states so I could move some where warmer there....and if it's possible to live homeless without a vehicle. I have no friends to stay at except for possibly one in Vancouver. Which is while away from me.
I am new to this blog, and I just wanted to tell you this is an amazing project.
this is a major inspiration, thank you so much. a couple of years ago i decided that i would live homeless for at least a year in my mid-twenties, and since then i've been trying to figure out exactly how i will manage everything. it's going to be an important part of my future, and just knowing that you successfully lived homeless for five years makes me extremely optimistic. thanks again!
I like your site a lot and it inspired me to start one for veterans as well. I am a homeless veteran and your site taught me a few things, but having lost my vehicle I had to learn a few more. Could you link your site to mine? http://wanderingvets.blogspot.com/
thank you.
A Vet
I don't mind being homeless, even if I have to eat from a gabage can as long as I get out of this life I lived in. I've lived like shit before, it's not the first time. I'm not planing on reading whatever the hell people respond to my comments, cause I'm gonna not comming back and read this again. So, if you think you should be out there, then go now for own sake because it's not much difference between there and where you live. Peace.
I am confused by some of the comments posted here I have been in the private security field for nearly 15 years and part of my job is to run off the (Homeless, street people,Bums, Vagraints, etc) So to atempt to paint a picture of the homeless that I deal with on a daily basis.
1 They dig in the trash, dumpsters etc, Wich would be fine if I didn't not have to help clean up the mess made from them doing so.
2.They use old coke bottles to steal the liquid soap out of the bathroom. Not "some" but all of it.
3.They take a bath in the sink and leave a huge mess. (dirt and water everywhere)that others have to clean up
4. They buy "one" newspaper and steal the rest out of the machine then walk around trying to sell the extra papers.
These are just a few instances from the last "Month"
If the Homeless that I had to encounter were more like the image that some of you portray in this blog it would be great in fact I may encounter some and don't even realize it.
If that is the case I truly hope that I was nice to them, But lets face it it's the ones like I mentioned above that are causing a great deal of the problem and socity is simply reacting to the problem.
I am sure that I will get some people telling me off and acuse me of being heartless etc.
But! as I said it's is the theives, drugies and the "Lazy" that paint the typical image of the "Homeless"
I'm a poor college student. Never had a dad to pay my way. Never had a car. Get 600 bucks a month from the gov. for living expenses during the year. My rent is 600. It's hard to get a job with any kind of criminal record, and I'm very antisocial. This is a relief. Thank you.
I am female, married. To a man who had the best his parents could provide him. My background is shall we say, more "modest". My Father, killed in Vietnam, Mother, worked hard to keep us fed and clothed. We were what I refer to as country poor. We now suffer financially after our business has failed. We are in some debt from business loans. My husband was distraught, stressed, working and depressed. This was due to in no small part to being unable to adapt to walking a finer line, down scaling, living more simply. He is fine now. I guess there is a certain philosophy to living "small" instead of "large" I have tried to share with him, the idea that to do so does not diminish one, which is similar in sound to your ideology. We lived for months with the house unheated. Cooked out on the patio. Slept with pets in the bed for warmth, (and comfort) Decided candles throw a beautiful light and silence has its own message. A 2olb bag of rice lasts a long time, Cold water is invigorating and free coffee and dollar dogs at neighborhood gas stations really will result is a devoted patronage. I could say we still "struggle" financially except the word struggle would be wrong. We live letting the rest flow over us after we have done each day what can be done. You laugh, learn, maybe get a little slap and tickle in for cardio. I don't really want to be homeless, I like a soft bed, but I know it can be done with grace. And I know it could happen to anyone at any time or by choice.
I am touched that intertwined with the sticks and stones of a very useful and matter of fact instructional essay, are the uncurling leaves of a philosopher and humanist. You are a good sort Project Guy. Do consider self publication on Lulu, then those who would buy you, could do so. C. Shin
qI realize this is an old blog but I do recall reading that you still check it on occasion. I just wanted to thank you for the practical information you've provided. I was in a similar situation to you except I moved across the country wanting to create a new life for myself once my kids went off to college (and I had lost my job). I moved in with relatives who suggested I move in and stay for awhile, but I soon found out that they really meant until I find a new job, not until I save money to get my own place after getting a new job. I never would have moved across the country if I didn't think I'd have a place to stay for awhile (and if it wasn't offered). Anyway, I'm over that now and have been living rather contently out of my car. I have a full time job that helps me pay my bills and keeps me busy 40+ hours a week. I bet my co-workers would freak if they knew I "go home" to my car each evening. I spend a lot of time on the weekends at the library, visiting museums, going on long hikes, and basically doing all the stuff I never would have done when I was glued to the couch in front of the tv. While I have to admit I sometimes miss curling up in a soft bed at night (especially when I was sick) and I'm a little concerned about the hot weather coming up, I believe I will probably continue this lifestyle even when I manage to save money to get a place (and furnish it). It's amazing how my thinking has changed regarding all the junk I used to buy to make my home more "home-y" Stuff I now don't even miss. It’s been awhile since I happened upon your blog and decided, today, to come back and browse through it again. Thanks for words of encouragement.
I am 53 years old and have just started to research living homeless. I found this site most helpful.
I am seriously considering the possibility of living on the street. I lost my job in January 2008 and have not been able to find another. I am either to qualified or do not have a college education.
I will be losing my third property soon to foreclosure. This is the home I am living in now. I have a felony record going back 36 years ago when I was 17 years old. I did my time and have since lived an exemplary life. I worked hard to attain a successful life. I immigrated from Central America at the age of seven. Due to the felony conviction I have not been able to become a US Citizen. So every ten years I apply for a renewal of my residency in the USA. Every year I have dutifully paid my taxes and contibuted to society. Two and a half years ago I applied for a renewal of status. Immigration Agents showed up at my door wearing full S.W.A.T. gear and detained me. It did not matter that I had served my time for the crime or that I had lived an exemplary and productive life since my release. I have never had another moment of disgrace or agression. quite the contrary, I have helped others less fortunate than myself. I have lead many fundraisers and given of my time and talents to others. After my detention by Immigration my life turned upside down. I lost my job, my savings my self esteem. This grand USA now has ordered my deportation, did not even give me a chance to be heard in a court of law. So I may only have a few more months before I am deported, completely stripped of my home and possessions. The USA will also disallow any social security contributuions I have made over the many years I contributed.
I have always wanted to see more of the splendor of this great country. I figure I will take this last opportunity to take a long walk. Any help to live it up as a homeless person will be appreciated. Sincerely, Case_Stacker
Just leaving a quick comment to let you know your work is great. I'm not homeless, but with your advice I would certainly manage.
You write exceptionally, and should consider getting this published!
Well. I spent my first night as a homeless person last night. I have decided that instead of staying here in spokane, wa I will instead travel around the country. Visit family from different parts of the country and work odd jobs here and there for money to pay for gas/food. This site is wonderful and made me realize that living out of your car is not really horrible. I think our culture has a strong stigmata for it because if no one had to slave there lives away just to have some shitty apartment over there head, the rich just wouldn't get richer. I truly hope and pray that one day society will pull its head out of its ass. It is completely despicable.
I came across this blog looking for ways to survive the cold night at state college tonight. Going to the football game tomorrow. anyways... i have a great amount of respect for what you've done. especially that you've taken your experiences and have offered them up as a survival knowledge resource to other individuals. i just wanted to say thanks for the advice on surviving the night in state college tonight... and good luck with life. I really enjoyed reading your blog, it was "eye-opening".
-stace
D00d awesome site, keep it up.
Its pretty awesome knowledge, I'd love to find it out the hard way but I have parents that care. Its a small shame but probably for the best.
Heya Mobilehomemaker,I just want to say that first of all I find your blog extremely interesting. It's the first blog/sight I've come across that writes about things such as; the advantages of homelessness, or at least how to survive it. It makes for a change to the other sights that all discuss purely negative issues. What I would love is if I could get your consent to use your blog(and the comments on it,if possible) for a psychology research report I'm doing. I'm in 2nd yr in college and was interested in looking at homelessness from homeless people's point of view, like why people would choose this way of life. You discuss some interesting things such as the freedom it brings etc. So, if you would be willing to give me your permission to use your Blog for this I'd really appreciate it. If not, or you wouldn't feel comfortable, then that's fine. Thank you for the insightful read either way.
I had to leave you a comment asking your permission as I had no other way to contact you. Sorry about that!
You may email me at homelessness@gmail.com with your request and I will respond to you privately.
i like this site alot and think it is very important for people homeless or not. In todays economy u never know what is gonna happen.So what are u suppose to do if u lose everything?In real life you are pretty much screwed huh. Nobody cares ..i think this site could be very powerful and i am really glad to have seen it .I think it is really bogus that it is illegal to be homeless..thats not even humane ..thats like saying if u don't have this government blood money u get shoved off into the cold to die ILLEGALY.it makes me sick how some people get treated just because they are down on there luck or whatever the caseI am the type of guy who would buy a homeless a warm meal even if i had a little money money comes and goes its dirty .Greed is the devil . Everyone keep your head up and NEVER give up
I would like to know if someone holding a permanent residentship would be deported if they sought help in homeless shelters.
I am in Australia, and a while ago I spent a couple of years without a permanent residence. I lived in a shack in a forest, a tent in some coastal scrub, camped on a couple of properties( with the kind owners permission), stayed in backpackers, slept anywhere I could find that was hidden etc. I made my way around Australia, and had lots of wonderful experiences. I showered at truck stops, and washed in public toilets, or in the ocean, or a creek, or in the rain. By an amazing stroke of fortune, I now live in my own home, but I really hate the way society expects me to behave in order to have one. There has to be a happy medium in between. In tribal histories around the world, people did not have to 'buy' land or a house; the very idea was alien to them. Yet we force our people to toil for most of their lives for the mere privelage of 'owning' land. Outrageous. Admittedly we trot along like sheep, buying the latest gadget, the newest automobiles, getting loans for a house with more bedrooms or features than we need. Breed like there are unlimited resources. We need to change. both individually and as a community. Have the people who live like this (in excess) ever even contemplated that they could be happy living differently? When I drop me child off at school, my old, held together with sticky tape (yet reliable) car gets distasteful glances from the women in their big shiny four wheel drives-SUV's to all the americans :) - If I go into a shop with bare feet people look at me like I have a green face. When i wore my painting clothes and trecked through Sydney with a handcart on wheels( had all my art stuff in it) people assumed I was homeless or something and crossed the street to avoid me.
Would people really rather work their butts off all week, come home too tired to enjoy their family or lifestyle, and hoik back to work on Monday again? Even in a house there are ways to live frugally and happily. I cook on a gas camping stove, which uses such a small amount of fuel, and also, if I bring potaoes or beans or whatever to the boil, put a lid on, take the pan off the heat and wrap it in towel, then put it in an insulated bag ( like a picnic cooler bag) the food then continues to cook until ready! Why light up your whole house when you are only using one room. If you own the house- plant fruit trees! Or if you are not a keen gardener, and the mere thought of looking after one scares you, plant( after a little research) native fruiting trees; They need no care.
But yes, being homeless can be a nightmare or an adventure, depending on your circumstances and frame of mind. But there are many ways to enhance your lifestyle by researching stuff ( such as edible plants/weeds etc, and places like this site)and being creative. I wish you all happiness, and hope we all take care of this generous planet.
very interesting i will be writing a primer for living 'homeless' on Kauai. I have insights and ideas specifically for the island lifestyle. Your work warrants such exposure as Oprah show. Truly balanced and insightful Keep it up
LAMA
I was searching for a list of truck stops that have showers in preparation for a four month long road trip when I stumbled upon your blog. I think this an amazing project and would like to link to you on our blog.
I've been an itinerant worker all my life, i've never had a 'home' except what I make myself, or stay for a while in 'comfort' at a motel. This is my lifestyle and I think it is one of the healthiest lifestyle choices one can make if they were to make it.
People have lived this way for thousands of years whether some people choose to believe that or not is a nother matter, the modernist structure is degrading to the spirit of man. look to adapt the native indians traditional ways and bring them into modern life. live and work for your needs.
I have enjoyed your website, and will continue to read.
MzM I could of really used your informative site twenty years ago when I was a single, forty year old woman of color. I was at a stage in life that I knew more about what I didn’t want, versus what I wanted. Working sixty hours a week and acquiring more material goods, was no longer a want. My children were grown and I longed to step off the work wheel. So when lay offs were announced, I said, sign me up!
Took the final paycheck and yard sale money from selling the last of my worldly goods, after gifting the children their ancestral loot, and brought a twenty year old van. It had a bed, stove, LP heater, and 12v lites. Added a battery operated radio. Already had a gazillion paper backs. Filled the gas tank, stocked the shelves with food and water. Went to the dog pound and rescued a puppy for companionship and to ride shoot gun.
I had fifty dollars left. I didn’t consider myself homeless, just nomadic. I had no camping experience, but headed for the mountains and one of the state parks. I brought an annual state park pass ($40), which are for day use. When the park closed, I would travel several miles to the truck stop and overnight and return to the park when it opened at six.
Eventually, I wormed my way into a volunteer position. Several hours work on the weekend earned me a free camp site - no electricity, but showers were a quarter. Other campers taught me a lot about the “nomadic” lifestyle. I got a fishing license and learned to catch the trout in the park lakes and even started container gardening because they were portable and could be moved.
Having been laid off, I got unemployment. So that helped with expenses. I shopped once a month when the check came in, which kept wear and tear on the van down. Life was good!
After that experience, I started traveling and continued to “volunteer” at other state and federal parks, picking up odd jobs and projects on the side for cash. When you do a good job, your name gets passed around. I would stay in an area for months, or a couple times, for a year. Twice I took a real job to upgrade as I knew this was the lifestyle I wanted to maintain.
Twenty years later, I’m still living and enjoying the lifestyle. Great places and scenery. Wonderful memories, adventures and tales that are unbelievable. The rig is larger, still an older unit, but the accommodations are very comfortable, including a small cast iron fireplace, wind and solar and I trailer and ride a motor cycle for supply runs. Still growing vegetables too!
Lost my two fur critters and faithful companions of twenty years, over a year ago. Just recently rescued another dog and for some strange reason, this BIG wild cat has adopted us.
For single women posters, if at all possible, get a vehicle that you can lock. You don’t need anything fancy - and there are a lot of old vehicles out there in decent shape. Use it as an abode, not transportation. However, it does need to be moveable. When the van would break down, I would lift the hood and there was always some old timer that would help out. And I would watch or hand them tools. That way if it happened again, I could do the repairs. In most cases, if I brought the parts, they would do the labor. (In exchange, always have sandwich fixing or the crock pot on and a hot or cold drink.) It’s the neighborly thing to do.
Lastly, I made a pact with myself when I started on this path to always, always trust my intuition. No matter how tired, or hungry, or broke, if the circumstances did not feel or seem right, I acted, even if it meant moving. Never second guess yourself when it comes to your safety. They call it a gut feeling for a reason.
Mobile Homemaker thank you so much, I’ve enjoyed the comments and you do need to publish, I too want to see you on Oprah!
Well,
I found the blog beneficial as well. My situation is not desperate, per say... though I am fed up with society as much as the next intellegent guy. And I could go on.
But my main interest at this time is time away. I'm college age, accepted to one of the best art schools in the country, but without financial means. I'd love to have time to pain scenery, create music, build something from nothing. I have a car and alot of connections across the country who have offered assistance if need be.
I've got over one hundred original songs recorded, and I've played a few local venues.
Do you think the law minds hobo musicians as much, who have a home, and will return if worst comes to worst?
I think the law couldn't care less about beautiful art. Fortunately, the law is not your only patron.
Hey, I was a police officer and was living in an apartment with no electric, it took every penny I make to make my car payment, and rent. I can see that I was so close to being homeless. I swear, I was taking baths in cold water, which actually made my hair and skin look healthy, I kept my hair cut short, easy to wash and dry with the heat from my car fan. Well, about a year later, I did end up homeless. I took another police position and I did end up homeless. I had to buy another car, a 4-runner, so I could port around all my belongings. No one really suspected it. I was luck enough to use a mailing address of a family member, this family member was nice enough to let me use a room in her home to store big items, and give me a B address, like apartment B.
But, every moring, I would go to the rest area on side of the highway, then alternate to the other rest area on the other side of the highway. Altogether, i rotated between 3 highway rest areas, A Wal-Mart parking lot, a large university hospital parking lot. So, I lived homeless for about 3 years. I had my own TV in y 4 runner, I had the windows tinted dark, I had a small kitchen, coffee pot, two coffee pots, one for coffee, and one for hot soups, and I did work so I would but salads and so forth. I had access to a college campus, where I exercised and showered.
So, anyone can live homeless as comfortable as they make it. I lived a good homeless life. The dag-on police departments just don't pay enough money. There are still a lot of poor police officers out there. I would not mind living homeless again.
I can see that where I am now, I would have to really plan this thing out if I were ever suspecting that I would soon be living homeless. Well, I could attend college, use the showering facility at the recreation center, go to classes, find a sofa to sleep on somewhere I'm sure, take naps during the day, like everyone else does in the Library. There are some colleges that have vacant buildings all night long. Just make sure that you always wash your hands, and keep good hygiene. Most students I know that are practically homeless do not have good hygiene, so if you keep good hygiene, that is one of the most important keys to living and quiet homeless life. Just make sure you get your sleep, and a nap, and study, and make the best grades in your class, and smell clean, and have a small work study position, and have a bank account for you financial aid money. Spend money wisely, go to summer school, this will give you validation to be on campus property, have a small summer "easy job". Not at McDonalds they work you like a dog. Do hospital volunteer work then apply for a part time position, good way of getting a good job. Work on writing a book, and have it published. Go to church. Be honest to people, be nice, be kind, just remember where you live, around and about the college campus. When you graduate, you will get a job, and make some money. Hey, did I mention to use class college text that the instructors put on file in the library at the college, yes, do not have to buy or carry books around, PLUS A BIG SAVE ON MONEY.
Then what you can carry in your backpack is a small pillow, and hygiene supplies etc....as far as a blanket, your winter coat becomes your blanket, so when shopping for a winter coat make sure it suffices for a good blanket too. OH YEA< ONE REALLY IMPORTANT THING< MAKE SURE YOU BUY A North Face big shot backpack, it is the BEST!!!! Get a cheap bike for campus too, but you may have to have to pay for a parking permit for you bike=yea the university her in Lex. Ky will probably impose a parking permit for those who get around on campus by bike. How lame is that idea? I swear, a student has every right to live on campus homeless, and use all the facilities they can get by with. Just make a good plan, maybe with someone else who will have to do the same thing as you.
Just make sure you are clean, practice good hygiene.
Let me know, and I can maybe give some good tips.
Not sure if your still checking for comments, but I felt obligated to say something. I really admire the work you put into this guide and what I'm sure it means to you. Thank you for the insight.
I separated from the military six months ago, and I cannot find work. I'm just days away from moving into my truck, and it's more than a bit scary. I'm tired and I'm scared. I'm going to join the local library and I'll watch this site for the hell of it. Thank you for taking some of the fear out of being without a home for a bit.
I am 45 single male the only thing I am good at is playing blues rock guitar live and as soon as it stops I am terrified. I suffer so bad from social anxiety that I have quit or left every job I ever had I was so miserable. I could care less about money but no matter how hard I try just to make enough to feed and clothe myself. Something goes wrong. I love to remodel and just do hard work. It is just a pure clean humbling feeling to do hard work,, But Crew leader will beat you down {damed if you do damed if you dont} or get I will get ripped off and not get paid,, then the car breaks down,,etc,, now I am homeless recently. I have always been overwhelmed with life and just amazed at how talented and amazing everyone is around me and how good they are at just living and being. I read these blogs by you people and the same thing,, you people are are so amazing and talented and resouceful to live homeless so successfully. It is some of the best stuff I have ever read. I have acually always dreamed of living like woody guthrie or maybe jeremiah johnson,, but again I am absolutely inept, Just a dumb suburban kid,, anyways your stories are amazing and incedibly enlightening but It actually shell shocks me even more because I just became homeless have no money and no idea how to continue.
Hi,
I was backpacking and enjoyed my freedom and independency to the extend that I soon found myself running out of money.
For a couple of months I saw my situation heading towards homelessness (was working in a bar for only 200 bucks a week).
When I look back, during that period I could have changed my situation and look for another job, but I let myself run broke... Probably because of a low self-esteem and some sort of anger towards other people, who also so me heading that way but didn't really care or offer help.
Once I got kicked out of my hostel and I was broke, I quickly lost my job (because sleeping outside wasn't really combineable with working). I was now homeless. At this time it was very hard to change my situation.
I soon figured out that being homeless in the city is quite a hard life (first night I allmost got stabbed, police kicking you awake in the middle of the night, pedophiles, psychos, fights, sleep deprivation leading to psychosis,...). I wasn't made up for it. I longed for a bed and peace and quiet. However... since my situation was worse than when I was still working, the way back was also a lot harder.
I had to prostitute myself (being a straight guy) for 6 weeks in order to: first get back into a hostel, than find a job and afterwards get back into society.
Luckely I never really got into drugs (just before I found a job again I started injecting ice... which was the only way I could feel good about myself back than), since than you take another step down te ladder you eventually have to climb back on.
The point I'm trying to make is that if you see yourself heading towards disaster, it is better to act fast, than to let disaster happen.
From my experience, I would advise people not to let it come that far.
On the site, I sometimes get the feeling that homelessness isn't all that bad. For me, if I could go back I wouldn't have let it come that far.
That's the best advise I can give, I think. Because otherwise people might find themselves falling in an endless pit. I thought in the beginning that things couldn't get worse once I was homeless, but I saw soon that it was only the beginning of a rollercoaster down. Best advice I can give is at all cost first try to avoid taking that rollercoaster.
Your story is precisely the kind of thing my advice is designed to avoid and overcome. You became homeless in an unprepared and unthinking way, and frankly you were extremely lucky not to lose your life or freedom in the process. I am giving practical advice to make homelessness a great deal less dangerous, even sustainable, and at times, yes, even desirable.
my question is if living homeless was so fun why did you stop?
Every lifestyle has its drawbacks. I wanted a family.
Hi Mobile Homemaker, I like your site and the information is generally very useful however I think it would be nice to have a section about "staying dry" as I live in the northwest and it's often damp and cool here. I personally have found that a poncho (whether home-made or factory) to be a very useful item especially paired with rubber boots (the calf high type.) It doesn't get cold enough out here to crack the good rubber ones and with the often constant rain you just change your socks once or twice a day to keep your feet fairly dry (my feet sweat alot so someone with less sweaty feet wouldn't necessarily need to change their socks so often.) I dry my socks under my clothes for the next use (while my feet are sweaty I keep them clean so they don't stink.) Regular rain gear makes you stand out in public too much so I don't use it, especially the heavy duty commercial bib pants although you can get away with it in the industrial end of town or by the port. On the other hand a decent rainjacket is pretty much the norm around here so it doesn't stand out, I've also worn the lightweight rainpants a few times but they really don't stand up to the abuse for long (asphalt and concrete are really rough on any type of clothing!) As perhaps you've noticed I don't mention a car, I used to live a conversion van but after losing my job I had to sell it (I wanted to get as much for it as possible before it deteriorated to the point that it wasn't worth much or anything.) I just spent july and august traveling around the mid and southwest (ride the scenic railroads! Not only dangerous but very exciting/boring at the same time! Boring you say? Yeah amazingly loud, bare steel is uncomfortable, and you can't move around much. Oh yeah, no bathrooms, no dining car, no water source, nothing you didn't bring.) Well just to reiterate I really like the site and have found a few useful things to add to my repetoire. And about the "anonymous" tag I use to comment, it's just 'cause I'm a bit paranoid sometimes and now it's a habit. Thanks again.
I have been reading all of this with great interest. I am 57 and I am planning for my retirement. It's just me and I have total freedom and my intention is to become voluntarily homeless.
Currently I am only working enough to pay my bills and that's all I need. In 3 years my '06 Scion xA will be paid off, with low mileage. I will be buying myself a teardrop trailer and that will be my home. No house payments or rent and the freedom to travel wherever I like.
I have 9 years until full retirement, or 5 if I were to retire early at 62 but that would be about a $500 a month hit. I also have a small Teamster's pension, but at 66 I would be getting $1200 a month which is plenty to live in on the road.
This has really given me something to look forward to and to plan for in the future. Along the way until then I will have to weed away all of the "stuff" that I've collected over the years. From what I've heard from the teardrop trailer dealer near me there are many people who have the intention of just chucking it all and hitting the road. I have read a blog of a retired lady who is doing a lot of traveling by herself in her teardrop trailer.
This was written on 12 October 2009 for anyone wondering.
i, too, have been a homeless by choice - for over a year and i cant believe how rewarding, educating and adventurous this 'frowned up' life style was
not only i became mentally and physically strong, i now also have a proof that i can and will handle ANYTHING life throws at me
within a week i stopped missing the TV and started reading books (a lot of them)
for my hygiene needs i joined a local fitness club... and besides taking showers there i also started working out 4 - 5 times a week (yes, people, i look good naked now)
and on top of it all ive been able to save a huge amount of money which i used to relocate and have a good life in southern europe
dont get me wrong, i had a VERY rough and tough start but my homeless story did finish with a happy ending ;)
best of luck to you all
This site is scary and great! The scary part is, I have never seen so many happy people, high functioning, and well...homeless! This site has opened my mind on a Biblical scale. The price of housing, sure you can buy a dump, but it sounds like people are feeling enslaved and driven to break some chains, I felt like giving up today, and decided to take one more shot at the material world! Wish me Luck, I hope I can make them back taxes, afford sales tax, able to pay all the fines. and use the money left for living expenses.
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