You Might Be Wondering How You Would Adapt to Being Homeless. I Have Some Advice for You

I learned from experience

I have tried to put the two and a half years I was homeless behind me. I do well until I see a question on Quora. The memories and regrets flood my brain.

You can get through it, don’t give up

I learned something about myself. I can get through anything if I stay focused on a goal and stay positive. I’m not an expert on homelessness.

I have suggestions and advice for anyone struggling. If you think you might have to face homelessness soon. I hope that I can help you.

It will not go away, be proactive

When the bills start piling up, and the rent is overdue. Do something. Apply to Social Services, and go to the nearest food bank. If you’re a churchgoer, ask the congregation for help.

Once the bills start piling up and you get behind, you will not catch up. Take stock of your belongings. I had twenty-four hours to get out of my trailer.

You will find out what matters, and what doesn’t

I packed what I could into my pickup and left the rest. When eviction is thrust upon you, it forces you to boil down to the absolute essentials.

If I had to do it over again, I would not try to keep anything. The stuff I tried to keep, I lost. It’s stuff. Let it all go.

A support system would have made a big difference

I didn’t know who to talk to. At the time, I wasn’t a churchgoer. If I had a church helping me and praying for me, It might have led to a different outcome.

The worst thing for me was that the eviction and the preceding money problems led to the death of both of my cats. The one thing that still hurts eight years later is the death of the coolest cats ever.

Take care of your pets, do what’s best for them

Try to do what’s best for your pets, if you have to give them up, do it. The guilt you will feel will be better than knowing you caused their deaths.

Make a plan. Figure out what to do with your stuff and where you’re going to go. If you end up on the streets and in a shelter at night, be aware that you are among some messed-up people.

Stay on the down-low, it’s safer that way

Try to stay invisible. It serves no purpose to call attention to yourself. Don’t make eye contact and sit with your back against a wall as much as you can.

Find a local social services office. Do that before the process server is at your door. Take advantage of every program and service that will help you.

What might have been are useless, but I could have done better

If I had been proactive, I would still be in my trailer in Florida. Homelessness is terrible. I would not wish it on anyone. Try to get help before the process-server arrives and watch yourself once you are on the streets.

Final Thought:

Bad things happen. If you see the train’s lights heading toward you. Do something because the train will not stop and it will hurt when it hits you.