Showers, food and where to ask
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Focus on staying dry above all else to prevent rapid heat loss.
Being wet causes you to lose heat fast; being dry at freezing temperatures is safer than being soaked in mild weather.
- Avoid overheating and sweating, as this makes you wet.
one person who lived it
Ensure your vehicle is running so you can move into it as shelter if you lose housing.
One person could not move into their car because it didn't run.
one person who lived it
Dig a tomb-shaped hole in the snow, barely large enough to fit in without touching the sides or top, and cover it with something.
A covered snow hole is warmer than a tent.
- Leave a clear air gap you can breathe through, and never seal yourself in — a covered snow shelter can suffocate or collapse on someone inside. Tell someone where you are if you possibly can.
one person who lived it
Get a gym membership to access showers and lockers.
Access to hot showers can be life-saving.
one person who lived it
Set up a P.O. Box to receive mail securely.
It prevents relatives from going through your mail.
one person who lived it
Be an excellent house guest by washing dishes, cleaning toilets, cooking, and helping out to extend your stay.
It carries you a long way.
one person who lived it
Use hand warmers to speed up the drying process for shoes and socks.
Heat helps items dry faster.
one person who lived it
Be aware that relying on friends for food and kitchen access is unsustainable long-term.
It only works for so long.
one person who lived it
Dial 211 to connect with a local resource navigator who can tell you about aid programs you may be eligible for.
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Change into a separate set of dry clothes before sleeping if possible.
Sleeping in dry clothes instead of sweaty daytime wear can be game-changing for comfort.
one person who lived it
Complete welfare office visits before taking time off work.
The process is slow and requires in-person appointments during work hours.
one person who lived it
Stay clean and approachable to receive better reactions from others.
Appearance matters.
one person who lived it
Use a 40- to 60-liter hiking backpack instead of a suitcase to carry belongings.
It holds necessary items without being cumbersome.
one person who lived it
Purchase gym passes or use large trucking facilities to access showers and maintain personal hygiene.
Maintaining cleanliness improves your chances of finding employment.
3 people, independently
Avoid sleeping in dumpsters due to safety hazards.
Stories from someone in the trash collection business are horrifying.
one person who lived it
One person reported that having a car provides much greater safety than being street homeless.
one person who lived it
Apply for food stamps to access nutritional support beyond ramen.
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- Apply for emergency SNAP benefits, EBT food cards, Welfare, Medicaid, and other social services in your state.1
Recycle items for extra income.
Anything helps.
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