Forum Post: Homeless now
Posted 9 years ago on June 26, 2014, 1:22 a.m. EST by JackBurns
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This content is user submitted and not an official statement
I use to laugh at the OWS stuff online but karma came and bit me straight in the gut. I've been homeless for about 3 months now I basically survive off gym showers and working for food at a local town Mexican food joints and pretending to drink coffee at a local coffee house to use wifi . I try to crash people houses. I slept on the streets but it's horrible. I don't understand what's happening I had a multi millionaire guy seduce me with clothes and food for sexual relations but I rather be dirt poor then have a guy put a power bridge on me.
All I have is a cracked iphone trying to make it but it feels like I'm trapped into something i cannot explain I applied for foodstamps and never got them if anyone had 2 cents advice please give thanks.
St. Vincent de Paul (or other churches) usually have aid that involves a free sleeping bag, sometimes a tent, and sometimes clothing vouchers for thrift stores. Skip the tent, but if it's cold then check out a thrift store and go for anything made out of wool (wool + sleeping bag = groovy). That's all you need. Find nature places to sleep at. Don't worry about bugs, they don't want to sleep with you either.
You should get food stamps. If you're homeless and don't have money you can get emergency food stamps in the United States almost immediately. You also qualify for general assistance which is cash, but you have to apply for these at Social Services. It's not a lot of money, but it's enough to eat, and the cash makes necessary utilities possible. Or you can eat at homeless shelters but the food that goes through them can be pretty questionable. Better than McDonalds, but not always.
Sleeping outside is the greatest. I think you only realize that when you can strip away your addictions to preconceived notions of living. That's recovery. Just think of all the money you'll save from not paying rent when you do find work.
computer also at the public libraries
stone conducts heat do don't sleep on stone
Welcome to the Revolution! The bad news:Your life is likely to be very difficult for awhile.The good news:you will now connect with other people who are in a similar predicament to you,and you will find Solidarity among us that will carry you through your difficulties.Being homeless is unbelievably painful and awkward.I myself have endured a couple of bouts of it.Advice? Relax-you are suffering an injustice that is not your fault,although you probably feel like it is.In NY state you are entitled to emergency food stamps.Go back to the place you applied and find out what happened.You have to return persistently when dealing with social service agencies.When dealing with them,remember-the question is not whether you need food stamps.They are supposed to determine if you are ENTITLED to receive food stamps,and issue them to you if you meet their criteria.You have done rightly to avoid Well Heeled Benefactors who Want Sex.They are all crazy,and alone for good reason.Check out the local churches because they sometimes have programs to help or connections to landlords in the community who would agree to help.Another strategy is to hook up with a group of people who have taken up residence in an abandoned building who are fixing it up.All the best to you.You will eventually be able to scramble to safety-Good Luck!
I think this post may not be on the up and up, but deserves an answer. First, think about what you need to survive, and I do mean 'need', not want. Figure out what the cost of that is. Then keep applying for jobs that pay your minimum requirements. This is how you kickstart your recovery. As far as being homeless, what you describe is all there is. Don't use any drugs/alcohol as they are a burden on your stamina and you need your strength if you're going to get back on your feet.
I was homeless for 2 1/2 years.... and honestly... as I look back... it was the best experience and close to the best times of my life !! ... I spent most of my time on college campuses ... visited around 60 of them around the states... I tried to always look clean... and not tell people I was homeless...unless they were homeless too... anyway... looking clean opened many doors... parties... meetings...etc... and a lot of free meals... I say try to enjoy it... your actually free right now!!! .... enjoy while you can... because sooner or later you will be likely be working again at some job you can't stand !! best luck !! are you in DC area ?
I can tell you a way out. You will not like it at all, and most on here are going to down vote it. It is a way out though, and one that will work provided that you are under 30, and in good health. Join the military. Find a recruiting station and sign on the dotted line. I would suggest Coast Guard since they don't deploy to combat zones. It pays, and provides housing, in addition to learning a skill or trade. The military has given a lot of people a fresh start.
Good luck.
I will not vote it down, however; I think the person is a Woman.[ Oh dear- Jack Burns....however might be Psuedonym? I messed up agan.!!!!! ] However, I am 65 Years old & nieve, after my release from 17 years in State Mental Hospitals I was homeless until I turned 62, -2011. but I am a man, who is accomplished Jazz & Blues guitarist, I travel by Freight Train, in 2000 I rode a Stack on the CP from Clinton, Iowa into Toronto, where the First Nations & the Queen Street Mental Health outreach helped me greatly. Stiff upper lip, Eh Wot? my the Spirits Keep watch on you!
I know several people who have found a second chance in the military. I meant absolutely no disrespect. I also noticed the seemingly conflicting gender references, though that doesn't really matter. I have several female friends who are enlisted. I did suggest the Coast Guard however, because, like a lot of people, I disagree with the current wars we are fighting. Sometimes we have to make tough choices in life and do things that we might not want to. I served my time during Desert Shield/Storm. It was not the highlight of my life, but the trade I learned made a world of difference when I got out. I also got my college paid for as a result. Because of that trade I was able to work during school, and make a far better wage than I would have otherwise.
Well, good luck to you and may things pick up soon.