Please log in with your username or email to continue. No account yet? Create an account. Edit this Article. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article parts. Tips and Warnings. Things You'll Need. Related Articles. Article Summary. Part 1. Keep a blanket with you. Lack of sleep is a major issue for individuals living on the streets because you let down your guard when you fall asleep.
Always carry your blanket so that you can take advantage of a good sleeping opportunity. Try a bivy sack, which is like a body-sized tent.
It is collapsible and will protect you from the elements. If you live in a very cold area, sleeping on the ground is risky even if you have a sleeping bag and warm clothes because the ground will absorb your body heat. You will need an inflatable insulated sleeping pad to keep in your heat. Sleep in groups. If you are able to make friends with other individuals who are living on the street, arrange to sleep in a group so that you can designate lookouts.
Even one trusted individual can make sleeping safer. Remember that you are all trying to survive. Try a shelter. Shelters offer a roof and usually showers, but they can be difficult to get into. Most cities have one, and many cities with a high concentration of homeless people have multiple shelters. Google Maps can help you locate the shelters in your area. Be aware of your surroundings when you sleep in a shelter because other people in the shelter may pose a threat. You may be charged a fee for using the shelter, so discuss your options before taking a bed.
Sleep during the day. You are most at-risk while you are sleeping, but sleeping during the day will help you stay safer. Try a public park. You can spread out your blanket as though you are on a picnic. Take a beach nap.
If you are near a beach, consider sleeping there during the day. You can fold your blanket like a beach towel so that you blend in with other sunbathers. Be careful to use your sunscreen and avoid the hottest parts of the day. Choose public places. This is especially important if you choose to sleep at night.
While you may dislike having people see you sleep, stay safe by choosing well-lit, high traffic locations where you are less likely to be a victim. Part 2. Visit soup kitchens. Find a hot meal and possibly other services at soup kitchens, which are commonly run by churches and charities.
Soup kitchens also offer networking and outreach opportunities. You can get to know other people who are living on the streets, and may find someone who can help you better your circumstances. You may be able to get a few grocery items or a store gift-card.
Ask for food. While you want to avoid walking up to people and soliciting them for help, panhandling for food can keep you fed while you live on the streets.
People are often more willing to donate food than to give money. Get free samples. If you are able to blend in with other customers, go into grocery stores and collect the free samples. Keep track of which store offers the most samples so that you can return there.
Be sure to act like a customer. Visit farmer's markets after closing to see if you can get leftover produce for free or very cheap. Dumpster dive. Stores and restaurants throw out food every day, and some of that food could be going into your stomach. Dumpster diving has become common because even people who can afford food choose to do it. Check the area around the dumpster so that you can avoid confrontations with people who may not want you to remove items from that dumpster, such as a business owner or someone who already dives there.
Most chain grocery stores throw out extra food even before the best by date. Look in bins behind stores such as Walmart, Kroger, or Safeway. Find out if dumpster diving is legal in your area and don't go into bins that are in gates. Prioritize proteins. While you might not be able to get meat, low cost options exist.
Beans are another great option, though you may need to warm them. Keep lightweight snacks. Supplement your soup kitchen meals, samples, dumpster scores, and donations by keeping a snack stash.
Depending on how much money you can find or earn, purchase or collect low-cost, non-perishable food that you can carry in your bag. Try nuts, trail mixes, and nut butters, which contain protein and fats. You can also try dried foods like raisins, beef jerky, and granola bars that are light and often nutritious, though they cost more.
Remove packaging from food to make it less bulky and reduce weight. They may be past their sell-by date, but they are usually still good for awhile. Collect free condiments that you can use in a pinch when other food is unavailable.
Carry a water bottle. Water is more essential than food, so keep a water bottle with you at all times. Part 3. Wash yourself in bathrooms. Aside from being a place to relieve yourself, they offer you free running water, soap, and privacy. Try turning a stall into a private wash station by bringing a container of water and mirror into the stall. If you are able to purchase one, you can acquire a collapsible bucket from an outdoor store.
This is a great option if you cannot find a private bathroom. Find a shower. While most of your bathing will likely consist of bathroom sponge-baths, there are options for showering. You can try shelters, but you may be able to find a public shower that you can gain access to. Try visiting gyms or the YMCA. The worst part about being homeless might be social isolation. Living on the streets will leave you cut off from society and without a support system. This leads to loneliness and hopelessness that can feel impossible to escape.
Looking for shelter, clothing, housing or food? Lack of Basic Necessities The fastest way to stop taking food, water, clothing, and hygiene for granted is to spend time without a home. Lack of Access to Quality Healthcare Being homeless makes you vulnerable to injury and illness. Lack of Connection The worst part about being homeless might be social isolation. Join us and help people who are homeless by making a donation today. However this year there is a need to go further.
The Big Issue is working to prevent thousands of people hit by the pandemic from falling into homelessness in the months ahead through the Stop Mass Homelessness campaign. Sign our petition and find out how you can take action now here. Be the first to hear about upcoming issues, the ways you can support The Big Issue, special offers and competitions. By signing up, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of use, and to receive messages from The Big Issue and our partners.
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