--->>> Homelessness Hacks <<<---

[SourceShield]

Hey Folks,

A couple years back now, I experienced homelessness, for a whole year!.

I had made some very 'poor' financial decisions.

But, I am on track now, soon I will be opening a Creativity Consultancy Company in Melbourne, so my life is all good! <- Comparatively speaking of course!.

I offer this post for any that may experience homelessness.

I'm guessing that most, if not all, are reading from the comfort of a home.

But, if youre not, or in the future, if life gets you down and out on the street, just know that I am here - there is no judgement.

If you need support, remember this post, and other links - to keep you safe and sane!.

---HACKS---

Basics -

Find a place to wash yourself and keep yourself 'fresh'.

I lied to the guy at the gym, and got myself free membership, for two weeks - it meant that I could store my bags in the locker for the day, until I needed it at night. I was clean. And, I could exercise, homelessness, gets really boring!

There are other places to clean up, take note of these places as you walk around the streets.

Listen to other people that are experiencing homelessness, but also use discernment, some places are filthy.

Listen out for the 'free food' places - these resources are here, so take advantage of them...take what you must, but no more. There are others that need to eat as well.

Keep your wits about you - I wrote everyday. I also had my dog with me, so he always keeps me mindful.

But, do something everyday to keep your presence of mind.

This is important, too many on the streets, go 'mad' with it all.

I totally get it now - it only took me 3 days of sleeping on concrete streets, for me to feel my sanity slipping.

I feel that many on the streets cant move beyond this state of homelessness, because they have 'lost it', due to being on the street.

Its a vicious cycle.

Visit libraries etc, and if they have free internet...use it!

I was looking on Gumtree for work, everyday.

Day jobs...meant a little more money - that meant freedom!

Find a 'spot' to sleep, and keep that as your 'base' to return to.

That helps to keep routine in your life, again very important for the homeless.

Above all, do not let the shame that you may feel, beat you on this one. If you are on the streets, and dont wanna be there, there is no shame in raising your hands and asking for help.

Your feelings are valid too, whether you are homeless or not.

There are other hacks, and if there are any questions, I am here for you!

[Faithnomore]

I'm getting such good vibes from you through your post. I won't bore you with my story, but you could say that I am not your stereotypical homeless person which I have been told many times over the past two years which is also a contributing factor as to why I can't find help. If I do manage to get past first base in seeking help I get told that I don't tick any of the boxes for assistance. After presenting myself to five different hospitals in two different states begging for mental and physical help I finally got to speak to a social worker who was prepared to listen. The rest immediately labelled me as homeless and showed me the exit door. The social worker I got to see told me in 20 years of doing her job she had never come across a case like mine and was lost for words. Before leaving the hospital she gave me some advice which has proven to be so true. Don't show up at the hospitals with your suitcases. If you do you won't get to see a doctor as they will label you as homeless. Problem is, as you are fully aware, if you don't have somewhere to leave your luggage you have no choice. I've been told on numerous occasions that as an ex teacher and someone who has worked for the NDIS for the past ten years helping vulnerable people I am highly intelligent and possess the skills to get myself out of this hole. "You don't tick any of the boxes" This maybe true to some extent, but without a bed to lay my head on and a shower to use in the morning I can't think about getting back to work and start rebuilding my life. To answer the question on your mind, I got scammed out of my life savings two years ago after taking early retirement.