gunmetalblue
Suicidal Jesus
- Oct 31, 2025
- 330
I've noticed during my time here people mention or worrying about being homeless. It's a very scary concept, and something taboo that isn't discussed enough. Which for me is an issue because it can happen to anyone at anytime.
There's list with some of my personal tips:
(Disclosure: I experienced homelessness in Europe, and had no car, and travelled. My tips and advice might not apply to everyone's situation (how you became homeless, your financial situation, your mental health, your willingness to regain traditional society). Especially depending where you are in the world. Hence why I will not link national resource numbers or contact information.
Obviously if you are homeless find a library and free computer if you have no phone access to look up your countries help lines and ressources for homelessness to contact them for further information and potential solutions. Because for some who are lucky options are available and you must use them.)
1: No alcohol. No drugs.
2: Take a variety of clothes, layers are preferable and easy to adapt to temperatures and better to stack for the nights. But try to keep yourself lightweight, especially if you are travelling.
3: Never stay in wet clothes in general, but if push comes to shove. Prioritize dry socks, you do not need rush, fungus or trench foot.
4: Umbrellas laid down to the floor protects from some of the wind.
5: Look for used cardboard or pallets to create even more protection. Malls and shopping stores usually have some lying around the back after and during delivery hours. Be discreet.
6: Sleep when the sun rises until midday and stay awake during the night.
7: If sleeping alone, try and find hidden corners. And if possible set up traps or objects with string that will make noise and would alert you when somebody approches.
8: You can look for other homeless people to form a community, help each other and better manage mental health. But be cautious of the company you keep.
9: Trust nobody.
10: Be honest with people around. If you ask someone for food, they are more obliged to buy something for you than just "Do you have some spare change?".
11: If you happen to still have money left, get a yearly membership for a gym. To stay fit, have an easy access to a shower, running water and heat. You must keep basic hygiene when possible, developing an injury or skin irritation or infection will be a major hindrance.
12: If in dire need and have a choice between options, DON'T prioritize the church. Go to the mosque, trust me. They tend to help more often and grant shelter than churches do.
13: Ask locals where is the closest laundromat. Sometimes people were nice to me and paid for my laundry so I could have clean clothes, especially when i tried to get a job. If you have to wash your clothes by hand, be careful of what water you are using.
14: I used to sleep on bus lines some mornings, it was usually relatively safe. Sleep then get off the bus before it goes back to the bus station. Not trams, or trains. Small bus lines, less risk.
15: Never be ashamed of what you might have to do, or have had to do to survive.
16: Get aluminium foil. Wrapping up it around things will stop them from triggering sensors. Do with that information what you will.
17: Have a small backpack if you have many belongings, put essentials inside and hide the rest (bushes are a lifesaver for this). This will avoid you getting kicked out from stores.
18: Most importantly : never give up. It is a bad time of your life, but it will get better. You'll have a place to call home soon enough.
If anyone has been through homelessness, please don't hesitate to share you story. And if others have advice to add i'd be appreciative.
There's list with some of my personal tips:
(Disclosure: I experienced homelessness in Europe, and had no car, and travelled. My tips and advice might not apply to everyone's situation (how you became homeless, your financial situation, your mental health, your willingness to regain traditional society). Especially depending where you are in the world. Hence why I will not link national resource numbers or contact information.
Obviously if you are homeless find a library and free computer if you have no phone access to look up your countries help lines and ressources for homelessness to contact them for further information and potential solutions. Because for some who are lucky options are available and you must use them.)
1: No alcohol. No drugs.
2: Take a variety of clothes, layers are preferable and easy to adapt to temperatures and better to stack for the nights. But try to keep yourself lightweight, especially if you are travelling.
3: Never stay in wet clothes in general, but if push comes to shove. Prioritize dry socks, you do not need rush, fungus or trench foot.
4: Umbrellas laid down to the floor protects from some of the wind.
5: Look for used cardboard or pallets to create even more protection. Malls and shopping stores usually have some lying around the back after and during delivery hours. Be discreet.
6: Sleep when the sun rises until midday and stay awake during the night.
7: If sleeping alone, try and find hidden corners. And if possible set up traps or objects with string that will make noise and would alert you when somebody approches.
8: You can look for other homeless people to form a community, help each other and better manage mental health. But be cautious of the company you keep.
9: Trust nobody.
10: Be honest with people around. If you ask someone for food, they are more obliged to buy something for you than just "Do you have some spare change?".
11: If you happen to still have money left, get a yearly membership for a gym. To stay fit, have an easy access to a shower, running water and heat. You must keep basic hygiene when possible, developing an injury or skin irritation or infection will be a major hindrance.
12: If in dire need and have a choice between options, DON'T prioritize the church. Go to the mosque, trust me. They tend to help more often and grant shelter than churches do.
13: Ask locals where is the closest laundromat. Sometimes people were nice to me and paid for my laundry so I could have clean clothes, especially when i tried to get a job. If you have to wash your clothes by hand, be careful of what water you are using.
14: I used to sleep on bus lines some mornings, it was usually relatively safe. Sleep then get off the bus before it goes back to the bus station. Not trams, or trains. Small bus lines, less risk.
15: Never be ashamed of what you might have to do, or have had to do to survive.
16: Get aluminium foil. Wrapping up it around things will stop them from triggering sensors. Do with that information what you will.
17: Have a small backpack if you have many belongings, put essentials inside and hide the rest (bushes are a lifesaver for this). This will avoid you getting kicked out from stores.
18: Most importantly : never give up. It is a bad time of your life, but it will get better. You'll have a place to call home soon enough.
If anyone has been through homelessness, please don't hesitate to share you story. And if others have advice to add i'd be appreciative.
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