Idk if this is the right sub to ask this question, but basically there is a man who's unhoused and he stationed on the intersection near where I stay. Today, he told me he needs a tent, and I said I'd get him one. I didn't ask if there is anything needed or nice to have if possible in a tent (idk if there are things that are necessary for a tent or accommodations that are helpful if you're unhoused that other people wouldn't know to think about), and I don't know the exact days and times he's at this intersection + it's getting cold so I don't want to wait to see him again to ask, since he needs a tent soon.

Basically, is there anything that is needed or helpful for a tent? I don't have much so I can't go more than probably $50, but I want to get him a tent that lasts and that he can be as comfortable as possible in such a situation in.

I'm curious about something that doesn't seem to get discussed very often.

For those of you who have experienced homelessness, how did you meet new people and develop friendships?

Where did you first meet someone you genuinely connected with? Was it at a shelter, a community center, a library, or somewhere completely unexpected?

Did any of those friendships turn into lasting relationships?

I'd really like to hear people's experiences, especially how you found genuine human connections during such a difficult period of your life.

I have 4-5 jobs. I can’t even afford groceries. I bounce on couches, usually in roach infested places because it’s too dangerous in the shelters for me. A friend moved me out of my city because my ex-husband (how I got into this situation from a 6-figure career) got out of prison and violated his probation within a week. I have no friends where I am now and the couch is coming unbearable because I’m not able to contribute. I miss having a pillow and a blanket to sleep on or my own place and not half of a shared couch. I work long hours pretty much everywhere I can. I work construction, I do assistant work, I clean houses, I’m damn good at design but I have nowhere to open my laptop safely, I do production work, babysitting (really good with special needs/non-verbal), Interior design (saved a boss over 60k one project alone and it turned over more profit), regular Maitenence, I move furniture…anything, everything. I’m strong. I started working on the pole hoping it would help me get somewhere stable. All the girls were SHOCKED someone got hired on the spot—I mean, I should feel great about my looks and talent (I was a competitive dancer, trained acrobatic performer)…but I don’t. I can’t even afford my groceries and I’ll be honest I stole something the other day. I feel so bad about it. I feel bad about what I’m having to do. My mom lost her house and is homeless too…I don’t drink, I haven’t gone to a party in almost a year now…shit sucks. It’s been months and months of struggling and I’d at least like to be able to pay for food. Maybe even get a car so I have a private place to take care of myself (I’m not allowed to feel sexy, except at work, and obviously I’m not making money there and it’s all messing with my head). I don’t want to be a prostitute. I’m trying my damned bestest to do things legally and I’m so fucking tired. I’m also disabled on top of all of this. I have the debilitating autism, I also have Tourette’s, OCD, and so much anxiety it’s like pulling a string on one of those shaking toys sometimes (usually when I feel I’ve let someone down, but I’m pretty sure it’s because I haven’t had a home for so long). Everyone at work has actually tried to make friends with me, when I show up on site everyone is excited to see me and loves what I do…but I’m really losing it. I spend half the time I do have to myself, crying. Partially because my stomach is growling and making loud noises and I can’t really feed myself…or maybe other things. What else can I do? I think a couch is a better place to jump from—the house just makes me feel so bad because I’m not able to contribute. I barely feel like I deserve this. Idk what to do. What exactly can I do? Are there more jobs I can get? I work weekends, during the week, anything I can find…I start shifts at 5am, get off shifts at 3am, it doesn’t matter the schedule or demand, I just need to hustle so I’m not sleeping on half a couch with roaches because the shelter isn’t safe for me. Oh and my groceries are expensive because of serious food allergies I’ve had my whole life that required me to work hard and build a career for myself in order to meet my basic needs to function. I thought stripping would help but in reality the best job I have right now is $20/hr when there’s shifts (terrible hours, but it’s a job). Really mostly a vent. I am trying my damned bestest and I’ve been doing so for so long and I just don’t know what to do. I’m starting to get exhausted. Depression is winning today, and she’s not being worn as a cute accessory.

The title is exactly what what the sign I'm flying says

Sadly nobody is too quick

To donate to me tonight.

At least the weather is perfect tonight in San Francisco.

I'm standing alone on the corner of 17th Street and Castro in front of the Walgreens filling humiliated and humble at the same time.

I really just can't believe this is my reality im hopeful and coming to terms now that this is only temporary this is of my own doing, I made it out of homelessness before and I thrived I just have to believe in myself again

I'm I'm trying my best to just stay helpful Angie humble and can't remember it's the only temporary I just need all the support I can get right now you know I've been in the streets now for 30 days

So I went to a drugstore recently to get a water bottle, and I saw that this particular store has a blood pressure monitor that anyone can just sit down and have their blood pressure taken. I figured that since I have a history of hypertension and I haven't had my blood pressure taken in a long time, I figured why not.

So I took my blood pressure and it read 180/120, which is weird because despite my hypertension it is very very rare for it to be that high. I had to take it again just to make sure that it was legit and it was the same. Systolic at around 180 and diastolic at around 120. The numbers were slightly different but it was only different by a couple points so pretty much the same reading.

I don't speak with a primary care doctor until next month. I recently did intake for Health services and unfortunately it's just going to be a while until I see anyone regarding my physical health. I feel fine right now like I'm not going through any hallucinations or anything crazy like that. I don't get dizzy, I'm not nauseous, I don't feel any chest pain or headaches, none of that. But my blood pressure test says otherwise.

I won't be able to receive medication for at the very least a couple weeks but maybe up to a month or two. Until then, what are traditional remedies for lowering blood pressure? I drink water everyday and I do a lot of walking everyday as well, but unfortunately my blood pressure is still dangerous and high despite. Maybe there's something I'm doing wrong?

I asked a couple of other places for advice but a lot of the advice, not all but most, are unfortunately things that I can't control right now for obvious reasons, hence why I figured I'd ask this subreddit specifically.

Right on time for halloween. I was hanging out in my truck in a parking lot just hanging out maybe an hour ago. Its the middle of the day, rainy and dreary out. I saw 1 car I thought there was someone living in because they had a bike and some trash outside of it just messy. And as I was hanging out after a while he opened the back door, hopped out of his car, organized some things, slammed some other things (I think he was having a shit day), then he headed somewhere.

There was no one else in the lot I could see,, just a bunch of parked cars. Then all of a sudden a random little suv parked in the corner turns their engine over. I never saw anyone inside or go up to it the whole time I was there. Then after about 5 mins the engine turned off.

Gas vehicle, too old to have a remote start/warm up option. No lights either, no exhaust weirdly, just the engine.

I know it was just another person also living in their vehicle just cycling the heat for a minute, still spooky tho lol. "Stealth car camper announces their presence in a dark sketchy and desolate parking lot." Makes a good hobo holloween story doesnt it?

I'm going to be homeless in a month and a half and I'm not sure how I'm going to manage sleeping. I have never been able to sleep well outside, what are some tips and tricks?

He's been using my SSI money to go to Asia 3 times this year and spoil his new wife. While I've been homeless and literally having to steal my dinner some nights while he just collects my disability and expects me to get a job when I can't even shower.. WTF do I do. (I already have an appointment with SSI and adult protective services

I've been homeless literally all year this year. In 2026. The winter is approaching and it's gonna get very cold. Even recently the nights have been cold, I wake up absolutely shivering and struggle to move for a couple of minutes. At this point, I'm mentally preparing for the fact that I'll likely die in the next few months. I feel like I've exhausted all my options and nothing has worked. So it may be it for me.

- Can't join the military because I'm medically unfit.

- Can't qualify for SNAP/Food Stamps because... who knows but I keep getting rejected for a reason I guess.

- Can't go to shelters because I get into a panic attack, get kicked out, hospitalized, and taken back to the shelter I literally can't go to anymore.

- Can't do residential because I have no insurance.

- Can't do rehab because I'm not under the influence of drugs or alcohol

- Can't get case management because the wait list is massive as hell

- Can't hold a job longer than a week

- Can't move because I literally don't have the means to move

- Can't do Job Corps because I'm too old

- Can't do CSX or anything CDL related because I don't have a driving history or a license

- Can't do Coolworks because it's either radio silence or rejection.

It's over. It's absolutely over for me. All I can do is just wait to die this season. I could go to jail/prison, but that's likely worse than being dead. I did seriously think about it though.

I have noticed the homeless population going up in my area recently and want to put together bags of items to hand out to those I see, but I would really like for them to be actually useful!!

So far I have the listed items below:
Waterproof Bag
Walmart $150 card so they can get food and other essentials
Toothbrush
Toothbrush case
Toothpaste
Dog food and Cat food upon request
Hair brush
Shampoo
Body wash
Hair clips/hair bows
Sunscreen (it’s Florida!!)
Maybe sunglasses?
Electrolytes

Any other ideas?

Ever since my stepdad died I’ve been homeless on and off for the last 2 years and finally after losing my valuables and going through a lot of trauma I’ve finally managed to rent a room for 200$ a week 800$ a month I work part time currently washing dishes and I have a full time job lined up for me to make enough for ends meet. I never thought I see myself in Massachusetts losing everything just to be in Alabama, California, Virginia, Washington D.C, New York, Connecticut, then back to Massachusetts as a homeless vagabond drifting everywhere. I only came back on a whim hoping to get my mass snap back and it was probably the best decision I ever made. I was able to make enough money to pay my storage, and get shelter so i don’t freeze this winter.
I gotta wait till the 1st to finally say I have my own place but finally I’ll be able to be proud of the little things I have.

Hi everyone!

I wanted to share a resource that might be helpful to anyone experiencing homelessness in New York City.

NY Common Pantry's Project Dignity provides hygiene services and case management to unhoused individuals, including people staying in shelters.

📍 Location: 8 East 109th Street, East Harlem, Manhattan

Services include:

• Showers: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–12:30 PM
• Laundry: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 8:30–11:30 AM
• Haircuts: Men's haircuts on Thursdays and children's haircuts on Tuesdays, 8:30 AM–12:30 PM
• Mail services: Tuesday–Friday, 9 AM–2 PM and 3–3:30 PM
• Case management: Monday–Friday, 9 AM–1:30 PM and 3–3:30 PM

Case management can help with public benefits, supportive housing applications, obtaining birth certificates and state IDs, and referrals to medical services and shelters.

Important things to know:

• Project Dignity is intended for people experiencing homelessness.
• Sign-ups for showers, laundry, and haircuts must be completed in person before 10:30 AM.
• Hygiene services are first come, first served.
• Hours may change during holidays or due to staffing.

Phone: [917-720-9715](tel:917-720-9715)

Official website: https://nycommonpantry.org/project-dignity/

I'm not affiliated with the organization. I just wanted to share this information in case someone could benefit from these services.

Hope this helps someone! ❤️

I have a question cuz I may have to be homeless in the future and I'm just planning out my life if I ever gets to that point and my question is how do you guys manage cars do you just not have insurance on them and just pray things go okay when you have the car or do you do anything with it before anything happens and I understand homelessness can be a choice or unexpected so some of those scenarios are impossible to predict

Hi everyone!

I wanted to share a resource that might be helpful for young people experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

Covenant House is a nonprofit organization that provides shelter and support services to young people experiencing homelessness and survivors of human trafficking.

Depending on the location, services may include:

• Emergency shelter and transitional housing
• Meals, clothing, and basic necessities
• Medical and mental health services
• Education and employment assistance
• Case management and housing support

Who can receive help?

Covenant House primarily serves youth and young adults. Age eligibility varies by location, so it's important to check with the individual program.

U.S. Locations

Alaska: Anchorage

California: Anaheim, Hayward, Los Angeles, Oakland, Santa Clara

Florida: Fort Lauderdale, Orlando

Georgia: Atlanta

Illinois: Chicago

Louisiana: New Orleans

Maryland: Prince George's County

Massachusetts: Boston (check current operating status)

Michigan: Detroit, Grand Rapids

Missouri: St. Louis

New Jersey: Asbury Park, Atlantic City, Elizabeth, Montclair, Newark

New York: New York City

Pennsylvania: Philadelphia, York

Texas: Houston

Washington, D.C.: Washington, D.C.

International Locations

Canada: Toronto, Vancouver

Guatemala: Coatepeque, Guatemala City, San Juan del Obispo

Honduras: San Pedro Sula, Tegucigalpa

Mexico: Mexico City

Important: Services, eligibility requirements, and intake procedures vary by location. Not every location provides walk-in emergency shelter, and a listed location does not guarantee immediate bed availability.

Official website and location directory:
https://www.covenanthouse.org/locations

I'm not affiliated with Covenant House. I just wanted to share this information in case someone needs support or knows someone who could benefit.

Hope this helps someone! ❤️

It's possibly our last night here.

Me and my kids have been staying in our second hotel, the second place we've had to make a home out of a hotel room. This one has been the longest. Five weeks.

Five weeks of trying to make a temporary place feel like somewhere we belong. Five weeks of our things finding their places, of figuring out how to live here, of making the best of what we have because that's what we've had to do.

And somehow, we did.

We made this room our home the best way we knew how.

Tonight, the kids are sleeping while I'm packing our things up.

They're sleeping, and I'm awake, surrounded by the pieces of our life that I'm trying to put back into bags and boxes. Things that have been scattered around this room for five weeks, things that became part of our little routine, things that made this unfamiliar place feel familiar.

And I'm filled with so many emotions that it hurts. Deeply. Badly.

I don't even know if I have the right words for everything I'm feeling right now. There's the sadness of leaving. The exhaustion of having to keep going. The weight of not knowing what comes next. And something about doing all of this while my babies sleep, knowing that when they wake up, things might be different again.

Five weeks.

That's how long we got to settle into this particular place. Long enough for it to become our normal, even though it was never supposed to be our permanent home.

I think that's one of the hardest parts of this life right now. Having to keep making temporary places feel safe. Having to unpack, settle in, arrange our things, and let ourselves breathe a little, only to face the possibility of packing everything back up again.

We are not just packing our belongings. We are leaving another place where we've been trying to live our lives in the middle of everything that's happening.

And tonight, I need to acknowledge how much that hurts.

I don't want this night to disappear into the blur of everything we've been through. I don't want to look back someday and remember only that we stayed in hotels, that we had to move, that things were hard.

I want to remember this exact part, too.

The kids sleeping.

Me packing.

Five weeks behind us.

The room that we made ours.

The feelings that are so big I can barely explain them.

I want to remember that even in a hotel room, even in a situation I never wanted for us, I was still their mom. I was still trying to make a home for my children. I was still doing the little things that make a place feel like ours.

And whatever happens next, those five weeks were part of our lives. We lived them. We made memories here. We slept here, woke up here, kept going here.

This was where we were for a while.

And tonight, it hurts to leave.

I don't have to pretend that I'm okay with that. I don't have to turn it into something positive before I'm allowed to feel it. I don't have to know what comes next to admit that this moment is breaking my heart.

Tonight, I'm just a mom packing up the place where she's been trying to make a home for her kids.

And I want to remember her, too.

I've been wanting to get back in touch with him for weeks, which was why I thought I was imagining shit when I saw someone who looked enough like him with a trash bag outside my job looking at me and saying what I thought was my name (I have trouble hearing sometimes for context). Looking back, I am 99 percent sure it was him. I really want to help him out somehow but he's in this situation because of addiction whereas I was in it because of domestic violence, so I don't know how I can help if he's actively using. Hell, I doubt I'll see him again there if he thinks I walked past him on purpose. I just don't know what to do. I apologize for the rambling here... I just haven't fucking slept because I know he's wandering around out there on his own and there's nothing I can do. I'll look around for him the next time I'm in the area and hopefully we'll get to talk, but after the way I so dumbly reacted I don't know if he'll be there again.

EDIT: I am going to call the shelter tomorrow, but it has strict confidentiality rules so I don't know if they'll be any help in getting us back in touch.

I somehow got 2 jobs while being homeless (I managed to not look that bad and the fact that im young and look my age helped) and I now rent and. got all my bills paid this month, problem is I dont get paid until Friday and ive been eating white bread since Sunday but today I ran out and the only 2 people that I know in this city went on a trip and I dont wanna bug them asking them for money, would I be an asshole if I show up to the shelter just to grab a plate one last time?

Hi i recently got a jackery 300w and sleep in my car. It gets cold in my area in Canada. So ive been using an electric heated blanket. Which seems to last around 7 hours at low setting and around 4 hrs on high setting.

I bought this unit from a store that buys in bulk and got a decent deal at 180 cad.

The only thing is when it gets really cold this upcoming winter. I want to be able to get enough power to supply me at a higher setting for longer.

Trying to get it running at high temp for at least 8 hrs hopefully.

What do you recommend and how many watt hours should I get. I think the 300 explorer comes with nearly 300watt hours.

finally got away/kicked out. i have never been allowed to get a job or my driver’s license and am now 20. my dad helped me set up an account with navy federal and get my state ID, but that’s it before getting kicked out. now i’m stranded with a puppy i rescued who is the only reason i’m alive right now. what is a person supposed to even do in this situation?

there’s a car in a junkyard that we are sleeping in but it doesn’t run. have an army tent with no money to get a backpack big enough for me and my pup. no way to get around either. i guess i should be trying to figure out riding the bus, but i’m so scared and have no idea how it works. me and the pup spend the entire day at a big park, and i use the bathroom to bathe with sink water. surprised i even got out of the house with a smart phone, but at least i have it. that’s how i’m posting this. no shelters nearby, not that i’d be brave enough to go check it out. don’t want to leave my few belongings, but no way to carry them without a pack.

i’m guessing find money somehow to get a backpack and figure out the bus for transportation. uhh, where to go from here? how does getting a job even work? this is all i can even think of my brain is so fried from stress. i can’t even think straight.

please, please someone help. i need advice so bad.

Hey all! I'm from San Diego but also homeless besides college in Norcal. I'm going "home" to SD for about a month for a couple reasons and a summer job opportunity, over the end of December and start of Jan. I'm 18 female btw. I have some camping gear, I was thinking it would be a good idea to try city stealth camping?? Maybe at the beach? or possibly at parks. yes, I'm rebranding homeless as stealth camping.

Do y'all have any suggestions or alternate solutions, or suggestions for stealth camping?

A alguien se le a tardado mas de 2 meses y medio en aprobar la ayuda de los snaps y el dinero en efectivo.?

A mí ya me aprobaron mi voucher y ya firmé el contrato del apartamento que comienza el 1 de noviembre. Pero todavía no recibo ninguna ayuda.

Denme un consejo por favor.

Gracias.

Currently 29 and life has been so harsh since my parents died. I've been in and out of this and can barely escape by to eat. I haven't ate in almost 3 days. Just asking for any advice for food or help. Someone please. Message me I need people to talk to and some helpful advice.

I’ve made and donated scarves for a number of years and my local shelter said they could use some for this winter.

Personally, I don’t like scarves and I was thinking that a shorter version that can be wrapped around the neck would be better.

Any advice? Thanks in advance.