For the past year, I've been devoting most of my time to the issues that I care about, and the people that I care about. I feel like I've come a long way, but I am still focused on the dream of a non-discriminating country, and realized my own biases against homeless Americans. I realize also that in order to really understand the lives that they have, I would need to actually be put in their shoes. I would have to wait until this summer when I turn 18, but for a month I would like to live homeless, with no belongings except for the clothes on my back. I have money saved up for when I would go back to living conventionally, and would have to finish out my last year in high school, but living with no possessions is something that appeals to me, at least for now. I realize that it will be very hard and a lot of thought has been put into this, I just want the chance to try to see the world through a different viewpoint. Any suggestions? Have any of you ever lived homeless before? Thanks for the help.
I have wanted to do this exact thing. Except I dont know what city to do it in. My city is to small we dont have any people sleeping on the streets (we did about 10 years ago but the homeless man died of food poisoning) . The nearest city to me is the most dangerous city in Canada so I dont know if I want to try it there, however its still safer than an average American city. My concern would be that your female. I dont want to sound sexist but I would hate to hear you got raped or something. I dont know if its a good idea to do all alone... however of course many women do it. How do you plan to make money?
I forgot to mention that I would be doing this with a couple of friends, one of whom is my boyfriend, both males. I did think about being raped and the dangers of that situation, and yes that would be the scariest part of it. I don't think it would be a travesty to carry some sort of protection with me at all times. I wouldn't use a gun, but even now in my car I carry pepper spray and a small knife clipped inside of my coat in case someone were to try to take advantage of me or rob me, etc. I live in a very bad part of town, so I've had to adapt to the environment.
I was homeless, though i did have a car to sleep in. I think if you want the whole homeless experience you gotta get raped and get addicted to heroin and become a hooker and wake up in detox and.... Seriously though, it's not safe and it's not fun. You don't need to be homeless yourself to know that. Just ask some homeless people and take their word for it. The best way, I believe to help the homeless, is to do whatever you can to change the popular mind-set that the homeless can't be helped. The plutocracy has really pushed that one.
during the summer I'm thinking about trying this; but more as a mountain girl.. I'm gonna learn some bushcraft and see how long I can make it.
I think that is very admirable of you, however, groovecookie has a good point: it would be pretty dangerous. Couldn't you volunteer at a shelter? I think just being with these people, talking to them and listening to their story, while at the same time helping them, might give you a better idea of what these people go through without putting yourself at risk of rape or whatever else.
If you are going to do this... (which I have the same mindframe as you by thinking that you NEVER REALLY know anything until you have been there.) My suggestions: 1.go to a big city. Larger cities have more homeless shelters and such to help you along. there is always a free meal there and/or a bed to sleep in if needed. 2. homeless people in those areas already know the city or thier area of the city well. Study where you are going to go. Go there acouple times get familiar with it. get familiar with the people and where the other homeless people are going and what they are doing and which areas you want to just stay out of... 3. dont be a useless homeless person with a cup or a sign. if you have any musical talents use them. drums/flute/guitar etc. this will give you money to be able to eat/drink and watever else with. 4. make sure the two people you are going with all understand that everyone is in it for the duration of time. Make sure your bond with them is very strong before you partake in this advanture. 5. treat people like people, but remember your friends. there will be "bad" people that you will meet. tune your vibration skills and if someone doesnt feal right they probably arent. not everyone is bad though and remember the people who do help you. make sure you do something special for the people that have been and will continue to live this everyday. 6. bring your pepperspray and dat knife. 7. find restaurants or bars that have matches right away. you most likly will need them...... eighther way try to keep us posted i am very interested in how this turns out for you...
No offense but I don't think you're going to make it a month. The reason being simply that the lifestyle is not romantic and it's not fun. I've lived out of my car for a little while and it sucked ass. Also doing this as a group activity, while safer for you, will make you an INSTANT target on the streets. A 17 year old girl and her boyfriend and friend SCREAMS vulnerability. Once the "I want to see the world from their eyes" fades away, and you're left with reality the taste won't be as sweet. Moreover, since you're NOT actually homeless going to a shelter with limited beds would be pretty fucked up since you're taking away a bed from someone who needs it. I wouldn't bring a knife as a defense tool either. A knife, if pulled out at the wrong time during a fight can be DISASTROUS. As for the pepper spray, where do you plan to GO once you've "blinded" the attacker? Homeless.... remember? It's not like you can just hop in your car and drive to the nearest police station or dial up 911 on a cellphone. Well, now that the lecture is over... if you decide to do it you should think about camping somewhere away from the city where law enforcement won't bother you. Spend the days in the city and the nights in your camp, it'll be safer and you won't be using up resources that real homeless need. You can get food from restaurant and grocery store dumpsters, but if they catch you RUN. Get a water key from the hardware store it will let you turn on water faucets on the backs of buildings and stuff. See if you can find some rainbows in the area to go to if you need help. Also, I wouldn't let on to any of the people you come across that you're NOT actually homeless. Leave your cellphone and all that shit at home too. I guess that's all. Keep us posted.
Here's another thread with info that might help you: http://www.hipforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=108593
