Immediate Needs
Relax... You've got this.
After being overseas for a decade, all of my friends had moved on. Most of my family was gone, and only the ones I didn't care for were still around. When I returned to the US, I had nothing but the clothes on my back. In the middle of winter.
Since then, I've had my belongings stolen a few times and my camp swept by law enforcement twice while I was working. It doesn't happen as often now, I've become (a lot) better at being homeless. But if you're in a position similar to where I was, you have needs you have to address RIGHT NOW.
Food, safety, and protection from the elements rank #1.
Yup, that's my sign. I've had this one for a couple years now. I keep it in my backpack. Haven't actually used it in 6 months. I just now realized I never finished the "G" when I made it! When I do use it, I'm looking at the other side. If you're starting with nothing, you WILL need one of these.
I didn't want to make one 12 years ago, either. But eventually the pain of hunger overrides simple pride. You have to eat. And you need stuff.
Best advice I can give here is to GTFO of any downtown area, and get as far away from it as you can. Take a city bus to the edge of town. You'll be safer, it'll be easier to camp, and there will be far less homeless and police to bother you. Plus with a simple cardboard sign, you'll likely have enough food for a couple days and enough cash to get a cheap, one-man tent from Walmart (highly recommended - quick setup and break down, small enough to fit in a backpack and carry around). You gotta have food, and you gotta have protection from the elements. Swallow your pride for a couple hours and get what you need. Because dying sucks.
Your two biggest threats are other homeless and police. Not that all police (or homeless) are bad, but the ones that are will make your life even harder than it is now. Avoid both at all costs.
Even just two hours at the right location should have you set up for the night. Don't be afraid to scribble down "NEED TENT" or "NEED SLEEPING BAG" on cardboard - you'll likely get specific items quickly or even taken to Walmart for what you need, I've had it happen.
Clothes, in my experience, tend to be found in the beginning (or given by a good Samaritan). Homeless charities, day centers and shelters are usually picked clean of donated clothes. Thrift stores can be a good idea in some areas, but where I'm at (Denver) they actually charge more for used clothes than Walmart charges for new ones. Dollar stores are good for cheap socks. If you're in need of shoes, keep your eyes open. I've worn several pairs I simply found on the ground at bus stops or on the side of the road. Garage sales can be great if you have a couple bucks and are honest about your position.
Finding a spot to sleep can be challenging. But so long as you stay away from residential areas, parks, government buildings, churches, schools, and other places nobody wants to see a tent at, you'll be fine. And this is why it's so important to be on the edge of a town or city. Out of sight is out of mind, and the last thing you want to do is draw attention to yourself when you're homeless and trying to get needed sleep.
NOTE: Do NOT sleep in or behind dumpsters. Many homeless have lost their lives this way. If you don't get crushed in the compactor, you'll get crushed because the driver scooted the dumpster up against the enclosing brick wall while trying to pick it. Plus, other homeless have been known to defacate behind dumpsters and you don't want to sleep in that crap. FYI.
Wherever you choose, your tent goes up after dark and comes down at dawn. Avoid the places I just mentioned, and you can sleep almost anywhere for a night or two. Rotate spots until you find one safe and totally out of sight.
While doing all this, keep panhandling for a backpack and large duffel. More on that in my next post. Get what you need and be safe out there.
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