I'm a university student and I'm struggling with my mental health (feeling worn out, a bit confused about who "I" am, just a bit tired with life).
But a homeless man walked past me with a white plastic (fold-up) chair and a guitar case and it made me wonder how stuck up I was being...and I was curious - If I'm losing motivation at uni - what keeps the less fortunate going? What motivates them to go? Maybe I could apply it to my life?
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A good hiking pack, a jar of peanut butter, a few packs of MRE, a below zero bag and 2 blankets, a box of garbage bags, zip lock bags, wet wipes, newspapers, and public restrooms. Anything to hold water also.
The pack carries clothing... socks are a biggie. The peanut butter can be eaten with a spoon and is just nice energy. The MREs, can be stretched for so long if no jobs or spare changing goes wrong.
The below zero bag... needed for cold nights. Helped me during the polar vortex in Wisconsin... that and setting it up in a refrigerator box with newspapers. Kept warm fairly well. That and a "bomber" hat .
The garbage bags can be used to waterproof a shelter. Or as a poncho. Or to collect things to turn in for some cash like cans.
The public restrooms: shave. Wash up. Use the wet wipes and a little spray to take a mock shower/bath. Looking like you aren't homeless, is pretty key to people giving change or helping you find a job. They aren't likely to turn their eyes away like they were somewhat "trained" to do as children, teens, etc, because you won't make them as uncomfortable.
Sometimes shelters are nice. But if you stay in one, never take off your back pack. Assume someone wants your stuff. I got by with having friends I made, we often slept in a cluster for security. We had a few close calls from people that felt homeless were just "pests " or... worse.
Free wifi made job hunting far easier.
Zip lock bags for keeping a phone dry. Your matches or lighter too.
Also, did a lot of dumpster diving for valuables, food (organic places have a lot of "fresh" refuse). You can always ask to bus tables or sweep up or do dishes in exchange for food.
Had a friend put up a Craigs list post asking for "sweet lady who will let me sleep on the couch for a night and share a meal". It worked.
We did freight hopping, and rubber tramping (vehicle traveling) to get around. I recommend the latter. Less dangerous, and less likely to come across someone being territorial. Always travel with someone.
Lastly: do or have something fun to prevent depression from setting in. Going for a swim (sometimes meant skinny dipping), reading something, etc. It makes a big quality of life change to have some fun.
if I was homeless I'd go to asda bakery and get a 50p baguette and some butter... yummy
All cities differ in their laws, but most laws regarding public spaces (parks, bus/light rail/train terminals and stops as well as sidewalks and freeway overpasses and the like are geared to keep the homeless out by TICKETING them. Way to kick someone when they're down
