If you were homeless, what would you do?
 

Been thinking about this for a while now after seeing some homeless folks in Pittsburgh. I always wondered what they did day in and day out and what I would do if I were one of them. Sometimes I think homeless folks have a better life than us. They live day by day, eat only when they can or need to, and don't slave in an office for some worthless green paper.

I was thinking of my game plan, if I were ever to become homeless and I think it would be wise to head to the forest, any forest, and live off the land rather than survive in a harsh city. Everything you need to survive is in the forest so it makes sense to make a living in there than on the city concrete.

What would you do?

Sir, two things

1. You do not want to be homeless. These are people who largely survive on pity due to the sheer horrific-ness of their situation. They don't slave away for green paper, instead they beg for it. If you think this is preferable to life otherwise, I would strongly recommend volunteering your time to a soup kitchen first.


2. I think you're mistaking homeless with "living off of the grid". I can't say I know a lot about that, but I would think it would be a good idea to take some sort of survivalist class first. Also to learn how to hunt or fish or something. Also, it is my understanding that a group of people attempted something similar to what you are proposing in New Jersey. And a cursory search on google, they're apparently called "tent cities". I don't know if this is true, but I had heard they had been evicted..... from the forest..... by the state.

As for what I would do...... I would probably die before long. I'm not a particularly healthy person.

I would go to a warm city where I wouldn't freeze, and try to start a fight club. If I could not succeed, I would head to the woods, or do the things fight club people did but alone

Yeah, rich hippies who decide to spend some time on the streets to prove how there's so much less stress in that kind of lifestyle.

Homeless people don't want to be homeless.

I would stay with a friend.

Were I homeless, I'd get some kind of job so I could provide myself with food and water. Shelter is far less of an issue unless you're in extreme conditions. A park or some such would suffice.

I, personally, would not go into a forest if I was homeless. It doesn't help the problem at all. I'll go into a forest when I plan to go into a forest.

If I became homeless I suppose I would try to establish a network with other homeless people in my area so I have some moral support. Also I would follow them to such necessities as the soup kitchen, church charity handouts and the like. Also I suppose I would try to scrounge up enough money for a sleeping bag and sleep around homeless people that I would come to trust. As heartbreaking as it is, there are people who go around and assault homeless people on the streets even when they are just sleeping. That's why more homeless people try to sleep in groups.

Lastly I would try going to special job organisations and try to get a job and accommodation.

I do not recommend to anyone to become homeless..Although some people don't have the luxury to choose.

Stay with family simply so they would not worry about me. If I did not have friends or family, I'd run off into the woods somehwere remote and vanish forever :)

edit: my post is if I had to be homeless, and could not get a job.

If I could, I would probably get a low paying job, and save for community college, then try and do really well and get scholarships to help pay for college after that. Or join the military, or use that to pay for colllege

Well, I think I would have to go for the old forest plan as well... I know a few survival building and hunting techniques that I think would get me by, but if I had a choice as to when I became homeless, can I do it *after* I learn all the skills I need, please? :P

I'd couchsurf between friends' places while looking for a job. There's always my parents' too, but I'd rather not do that.

I can tell you, what I'm doing! Finding myself, unexpectedly and suddenly locked out of my house, late this fall, and being a little more fortunate than most, had a 1970's old camper, I lived in that, parked out on the street for a week, and then behind by parents place for a month. I borrowed an electric heater, and at least had access to washroom and such. Once the cold set in, i have been pretty much couch surfing, between my parents and friends. I'm grateful that at least i have a 'roof' over my head, and warm meals from the generosity of others. From this experience it's definitely made me appreciative of the kindness and caring of others, and one of the things that I plan to do, is to start volunteering, to help others, whom are 'really' and truly 'homeless', at an organization, such as soup kitchen. None of us know, when it could happen to ourself, its never a choice, its the unexpected turns of life, that can find us there.

tough question. I know I would not make it alone in the woods and there are no woods one could run to anyways here - its all owned, hunting and fishing is illegal and you may end up in prison for it - well that of course is also a solution to have a shelter and food, but not a preferrable one :P

I have several options - I have two parents living seperately - both have a home that has enough room for another person. My tools and stuff might have to go into storage, though I could bring some with me. Another option is to get government help - Germany will pay people rent to prevent homelessnes and they also will give money to buy food, water and things like blankets, clothes. If that option would not be there (my parents are broke as well, the government has turned neoliberal) and I really would have no home to go to, I think I would also look for other homeless people and try to form or join a community of people that help each other. A good option would be some sort of van or mobile home, but that would cost money. Some people I know are living in mobile homes or modified old trucks (they dont pay rent, but have to pay for gas and of course had to buy it), others live in yurts - large tents that can be well heated even in cold climates. I used to know some people who occupied abandoned or unused flats and buildings as well. All these are options, I guess it all depends on the situation that leads to homelessness...

I would hoard quarters and spend them at an arcade whilst living off of snickers bars.

I'd just stay with Raiden and we'd become weary travelers together

Not a bad option :P - although where would you sleep?