Many homeless people find shelter in a doorway, tunnel or under a bridge. Be careful not to get fined as cities know that these are popular places of refuge. Visit the local library, search online, talk to a paralegal, visit the local courthouse, or city hall. Local laws are limited to the vicinity to which they apply so there may not be a lot of written information available to the public except for online resources. [1] X Research source
Some libraries may have programs to help with temporary employment, counseling, or transportation. They may also have a list or a map to help you find hostels and shelters. [2] X Research source
Soup kitchens may be located close to shelters or run in conjunction with other shelter programs. For example, you may be able to get new clothing or repair electronics at your local soup kitchen. [4] X Research source
Shop at the end of the night as grocery stores will place discounts on food that will be going bad in the next few days. Avoid name brands and buy in bulk as these are often much cheaper than their counterparts. [6] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source Shop at discount stores, farmer markets, and ethnic markets as they will be cheaper than big name grocery chains. [7] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source Purchase less expensive cuts of meat, find alternative sources of protein in beans and lentils, and look for canned fish and chicken. [8] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source
For example, find garments that are waterproof especially shoes. You may be walking a lot so shoes need to be comfortable and durable. Also, cargo pants or clothing with a lot of pockets can help ease the weight of a backpack.
You can purchase durable backpacks at army surplus stores or search online. A compression sack can help make extra room. A compression sack squeezes items like clothes and sleeping bags into a backpack to help conserve space by deflating any air stuck in creases and folds. Designed to be easily used in the army, simply sit on the sack to release the air as you tighten all the straps to ensure that it retains its size.
Use the collapsible pail to when you are in a public bathroom. Fill it with water and bring it to an empty stall so you can clean yourself in privacy.
Gas stations may have clean bathrooms to use depending on the neighbourhood. Like coffee shops, you may need to purchase something in order to use it.
If you can afford it and know that you will be staying at this location for an extended period of time, purchase a membership at a community center to use the shower and its many other resources. The membership may include wi-fi access, lockers, and a place to rest and socialize. If you are in a warm climate, you may be able to enjoy lakes or rivers if you don’t have access to a hot shower or would rather be closer to nature.
Pack cleaning cloths and hand sanitizer for when you don’t have access to a shower or water.
