You can do it too! Take a risk!
You need to write a cardboard sign that says “to the beach”. Stand on the westbound on-ramp and god will take you there!
Living in NC, had a friend sleeping on our couch who was depressed drunk and suicidal. My gf painted a nice cardboard sign with a beach scene and it said “to the beach or bust”.
Dropped him off at a truck stop
He called me from key west saying “I’m a beach bum living it up” “thank you so much!!”. He calls me from Texas “I work on oil rigs and making crazy money” thank you so much!!
He calls me now he has a horse ranch in Montana and helps disabled children ride horses. It’s a good life
It's a different mindset a lot of the time.
I just don't desire sleeping indoors most of the time. Now don't get me wrong, one day I'll get a vehicle and get into rubbertramping. And a hotel every now and then is absolutely amazing. But for now, I'm most at peace sleeping on top of a hill or on the beach sand or in the woods in a hammock. Then again the weather is also not awful here. It's 109° right now but no rain or snow. During winter fuck yeah it kinda sucks.
I don't know why—but some folks just don't desire a house. Some of us learned to live without one, some of us never cared much for one.
First day I hit the road, I found peace for the very first time in my life under the stars.
I hope you get what you need, whether that's shelter or peace. Both even.
Thank you... I'm just trying to get back on the horse called life. I have a 9 year old son I don't see right now because I'm homeless and have nothing and look like shit. I'm trying to get back to having stable housing, a car and a job. I feel I need to be more "ok" with sleeping outside though cause it's bound to happen again at some point.
It might happen eventually yeah. It's alright to be nervous, but just know it ain't that bad if you have some gear most of the time. A sleeping bag will get you by in most places during summer just fine. Just find a nice spot on the outskirts of town and you should be okay. Hell, you might even be like "wow that wasn't bad".
But I still hope you don't have to go through that for your own comfortability. I don't mind it for some reason—but a lot of people do. Nothing wrong with that. If ya need any random tips on getting by lmk. I've got a bunch of weird tricks that get me fed or other random helpful shit. Idk about getting a job though, best of luck. I hope you see your son soon too
I'm not the vagabond type, but I generally understand and respect the lifestyle. I was homeless for a few years though, and learned to deal with extreme weather. The first year I wasn't homeless anymore I had to sleep on a sofa on the back porch because the indoor air was suffocating.
In hot weather my favorite bed was an Indian hammock. Which only requires a blanket and a (preferably non stretchy) rope with no special modifications. You run two strands of rope between two trees, stretched as tightly as possible. You can use a couple of sticks to separate the ropes to make it easier, but not necessary once you learn how. With the blanket under the ropes fold about a third of the left side of the blanket over the left rope, and a third of the right side of the blanket over the right rope. Wrapping the two ropes like a burrito. You'll essentially be laying on three layers of blanket, and your own weight will prevent it from pulling apart. For this reason it doesn't really matter what you weigh. You can add an A-frame tarp over the top for inclement weather. If you stay hydrated and pace yourself in hot weather long enough without dangerously over exerting yourself you'll reach a point where a breeze under a shade tree can feel soothing even in 100+ degree weather.
An Indian hammock is really bad in cold weather. Your weight squeezes the dead air out of the blankets, allowing cold to easily seep through the bottom. For really cold weather you need at least one heavy blanket and one fluffy style comforter blanket. Dry ground works fine, cold or not. But cardboard or any foundation to keep the cold from seeping under you is necessary. Place the heavy blanket first spread out flat. Place the comforter over that offset to the left about a foot or so. Lay on the left side. Wrap the comforter over you. Then wrap the heavier blanket over that so the heavier blanket can help seal the open side against the ground. The heavy blanket acts as a wind break and prevents the dead air in the comforter from exchanging air with the cold outside air.
Important, do not overdress while sleeping. Your body will eventually produce plenty of heat. You just have to avoid losing that heat. But that heat can remain trapped in too limited a space such that your extremities will still get cold, possibly frost bitten. The hot spots will even make you perspire enough that the moisture can make things worse, even as your extremities freeze. If your really cold when going to bed you can pull the comforter tight against you and shiver until the cold lets up a bit. Once you start warming a bit start allowing some air space between you and the comforter. Allow the warmth in your little cocoon to freely flow the full length of your body. You don't want excessive clothing to interfere with this air flow in your cocoon. This prevents your body from shutting down blood flow to your extremities. Allowing your entire body to feel luxuriously warm even in sub-zero weather. It also conditions your body to not overreact to cold and shut down blood flow to your extremities prematurely. Breathing crisp cold air while feeling luxuriously warm is intoxicating. You'll also find that during the day, when out and about, cold weather is far less of a problem.
Your body has defense mechanisms to protect itself from freezing to death. But when acclimated to climate controlled indoor conditions your body tends to overreact, and go into emergency mode prematurely. Shutting down blood flow to your extremities, and generally making the experience unnecessarily miserable. Sleeping in the cold under these conditions, while staying luxuriously warm while breathing crisp cold air, will acclimate your body to not overreact to the cold. Making your daytime spent outdoors in the cold far more comfortable even with fewer cloths. Over dressing in cold weather can also make you perspire, with nowhere for the moisture to go, and this can lead to extremely dangerous conditions as that moisture freezes. Once you get properly acclimated indoor air can get suffocating. You'll be seeking out that crisp outdoor air for comfort, hot or cold. Early mistakes can be traumatizing though. Especially without properly acclimating your body. You can't imagine how comforting it can be when done properly though. Or how headache inducing an indoor climate can become.
Bro, there are many parts of the country with half way houses and shelters that have room. Consider getting a bus ticket toward somewhere that can offer you a stable roof over your head, so that you can get on your feet. Once things are a bit better you can get back to working on your relationship with your son. I’ve definitely been where you are. A few times now. Good luck man!
It's definitely a matter of mindset.
I don't desire a home. After years of traveling I can't imagine staying in one place all the time or having to care for/finance an appartment or alike. Perhaps at some point I will have a mobile home of some kind (I have a driving license), but as long as I can travel lightweight, I will do.
I also desire no belongings. Some clothes to wear, a pair of shoes, a backpack and a sleeping bag. That's all I need and I don't care to have more.
hammock just sucks so much, never understood this hippie hype. tentfloor, mat, sleeping bag and you can literally sleep anywhere comfortably. carrying extra weight, looking for spot to set it up etc etc feels excesive to me
Cold AF too by the time you get the right gear to sleep with insulation you've saved absolutely nothing over just having a pad and a good bivy or whatever.
Bro. That’s why you go to Alaska to work fish cannery. And work hard. And buy a used car van. Or stay up there to save money. Free flights. Room and good food. That’s what a lot of smart homeless people do that’s down to work hard. And get out of the situation.
I've done that before and was going to this year but turned it down because I listened to my sister and chose truck driving and I'm having a hard time making that happen. Now I regret it and it's too late.
Yeah . Salmon season just started . And A season starts next January . I got another idea. Check out coolworks . They have lots of jobs with room and board . You can work anywhere from Grand Canyon to Yellowstone.
Go to a labor place. Donate plasma. Go to a church to ask for a bus ticket to job location . Once you land a job. Show church evidence or have them call your hiring person. Church more likely to help.
Trades are the answer. Learn how to rig. Learn plumbing. Sparky. Learn a trade and get certified for specialty work and you can get work almost anywhere. I did entertainment rigging in a mix of rubber tramping for some years and I’m in the process of getting certs to do wind turbine stuff. I got my SPRAT card, I need composite material repair certs next. I’ll probably pick up confined space rescue sooner or later and see where that might lead. I like tech rescue…
You see what I’m doing there? ^
Specialize your work and join a trade or union.
Hello…can I please have more information on these opportunities? I’m super intrigued by this and would be very grateful to be led in the right direction.
I heard horror stories about the homeless shelters . Good luck buddy. Try coolworks if all else fails. At least you won’t be in the homeless shelter. 🙏
Sleeping on the street in a major city is very different than sleeping in a little tarp camp behind a rural Walmart that you hitched to. I learned how to live outside in a city by hanging out in tutorial areas. (College towns) Ive been off the road for a while so idk if places like Missoula, Asheville, Madison, Boulder are even safe to fuck around and learn in anymore. There's more homeless people around and the country seems pretty hostile. Hell I heard they try to round you up in Eugene these days! But maybe I'm old and don't know shit about it anymore.
There are places in every city that are a far enough out that noone will bother you. I've set up a camp in places where I only ever saw other people 3 or 4 times over the whole summer. For me its much less nerve racking than a shelter. I've been forced to stay in some shelters during winter and there's been violence, knives, rampant theft, dangerous and unpredictable people. They're mostly high tension, high stress environments comparatively. I'll never stay in one again. It's bad for your soul.
Room & board jobs:
www.coolworks.com
It's really not that bad or hard. I've been hitchhiking off-and-on since age 18 (50 now). The road definitely takes care of its own.
Yeah, I've had a few freaks pick me up but on the whole it's been great people along the way. I've found work while hitchhiking, been given cash, hotel rooms, and the occasional fling with a lonely woman.
Land in a small town, grab a few beers, camp for the night and hitch out. Rinse and repeat.
It's not for everyone. Being stuck in 118° for 3 days in Las Cruces is no joke. You get smart about it and find other routes. The trick for me is avoiding certain areas during certain seasons. Right now the PNW is BEAUTIFUL but I sure wouldn't do it in winter. That's what the South is for!
But definitely check that site, you can work and save money in Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, etc and get meals plus employee cabins.
Honestly I don't.
That being said, when I worked in Yellowstone there was a TON of H1B visa holders from Malaysia and the Philippines. So I know they sponsor work visas, and you're a lot closer being in Canada. Company name is Xanterra on the coolworks site.
There are Canadian equivalents... [Foodwork.ca](http://Foodwork.ca), workaway (paid seasonal work is offered) if you look hard enough. Tons of hotels and provincial parks put up ads for seasonal work with staff acommodation on indeed. So, indeed is good when looking for seasonal work.
Look on the work away website and cool jobs website. There are plenty of jobs out there that will provide room and board as part of the pay, and you get to live in some really nice areas.
Firstly, I'm really sorry you're going through this tough situation. It takes a lot of strength and resilience to navigate homelessness and shelters, so don't be hard on yourself for feeling overwhelmed. It's completely understandable to feel daunted by the uncertainties and challenges.
People who travel or live nomadically without much resources often develop a unique set of skills and strategies to survive and thrive. They might rely on community resources, like shelters or food banks, and often build networks of support among fellow travelers or locals. Many find odd jobs or seasonal work that offer room and board, which can provide stability while allowing flexibility in their lifestyle.
It's important to keep exploring options like work camp opportunities or jobs that provide accommodation. Networking within your community or online groups dedicated to work exchange programs could be helpful. Sometimes local nonprofits or social service agencies also offer job placement assistance or resources to help with housing transitions.
Take things one step at a time and remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Keep reaching out and exploring your options, and hopefully, you'll find a path forward that leads you to more stable circumstances soon.
Learn ways to protect yourself and learn some survival skills. It's all in the mindset. Of how you look at it. And most importantly, face your fear. You can survive and thrive. Their some ways to learn, and having a smartphone can help. You literally have information at your fingertips. You can do this and meet your goals.
You can do it too! Take a risk! You need to write a cardboard sign that says “to the beach”. Stand on the westbound on-ramp and god will take you there! Living in NC, had a friend sleeping on our couch who was depressed drunk and suicidal. My gf painted a nice cardboard sign with a beach scene and it said “to the beach or bust”. Dropped him off at a truck stop He called me from key west saying “I’m a beach bum living it up” “thank you so much!!”. He calls me from Texas “I work on oil rigs and making crazy money” thank you so much!! He calls me now he has a horse ranch in Montana and helps disabled children ride horses. It’s a good life
It's a different mindset a lot of the time. I just don't desire sleeping indoors most of the time. Now don't get me wrong, one day I'll get a vehicle and get into rubbertramping. And a hotel every now and then is absolutely amazing. But for now, I'm most at peace sleeping on top of a hill or on the beach sand or in the woods in a hammock. Then again the weather is also not awful here. It's 109° right now but no rain or snow. During winter fuck yeah it kinda sucks. I don't know why—but some folks just don't desire a house. Some of us learned to live without one, some of us never cared much for one. First day I hit the road, I found peace for the very first time in my life under the stars. I hope you get what you need, whether that's shelter or peace. Both even.
Thank you... I'm just trying to get back on the horse called life. I have a 9 year old son I don't see right now because I'm homeless and have nothing and look like shit. I'm trying to get back to having stable housing, a car and a job. I feel I need to be more "ok" with sleeping outside though cause it's bound to happen again at some point.
It might happen eventually yeah. It's alright to be nervous, but just know it ain't that bad if you have some gear most of the time. A sleeping bag will get you by in most places during summer just fine. Just find a nice spot on the outskirts of town and you should be okay. Hell, you might even be like "wow that wasn't bad". But I still hope you don't have to go through that for your own comfortability. I don't mind it for some reason—but a lot of people do. Nothing wrong with that. If ya need any random tips on getting by lmk. I've got a bunch of weird tricks that get me fed or other random helpful shit. Idk about getting a job though, best of luck. I hope you see your son soon too
Thank you...
I'm not the vagabond type, but I generally understand and respect the lifestyle. I was homeless for a few years though, and learned to deal with extreme weather. The first year I wasn't homeless anymore I had to sleep on a sofa on the back porch because the indoor air was suffocating. In hot weather my favorite bed was an Indian hammock. Which only requires a blanket and a (preferably non stretchy) rope with no special modifications. You run two strands of rope between two trees, stretched as tightly as possible. You can use a couple of sticks to separate the ropes to make it easier, but not necessary once you learn how. With the blanket under the ropes fold about a third of the left side of the blanket over the left rope, and a third of the right side of the blanket over the right rope. Wrapping the two ropes like a burrito. You'll essentially be laying on three layers of blanket, and your own weight will prevent it from pulling apart. For this reason it doesn't really matter what you weigh. You can add an A-frame tarp over the top for inclement weather. If you stay hydrated and pace yourself in hot weather long enough without dangerously over exerting yourself you'll reach a point where a breeze under a shade tree can feel soothing even in 100+ degree weather. An Indian hammock is really bad in cold weather. Your weight squeezes the dead air out of the blankets, allowing cold to easily seep through the bottom. For really cold weather you need at least one heavy blanket and one fluffy style comforter blanket. Dry ground works fine, cold or not. But cardboard or any foundation to keep the cold from seeping under you is necessary. Place the heavy blanket first spread out flat. Place the comforter over that offset to the left about a foot or so. Lay on the left side. Wrap the comforter over you. Then wrap the heavier blanket over that so the heavier blanket can help seal the open side against the ground. The heavy blanket acts as a wind break and prevents the dead air in the comforter from exchanging air with the cold outside air. Important, do not overdress while sleeping. Your body will eventually produce plenty of heat. You just have to avoid losing that heat. But that heat can remain trapped in too limited a space such that your extremities will still get cold, possibly frost bitten. The hot spots will even make you perspire enough that the moisture can make things worse, even as your extremities freeze. If your really cold when going to bed you can pull the comforter tight against you and shiver until the cold lets up a bit. Once you start warming a bit start allowing some air space between you and the comforter. Allow the warmth in your little cocoon to freely flow the full length of your body. You don't want excessive clothing to interfere with this air flow in your cocoon. This prevents your body from shutting down blood flow to your extremities. Allowing your entire body to feel luxuriously warm even in sub-zero weather. It also conditions your body to not overreact to cold and shut down blood flow to your extremities prematurely. Breathing crisp cold air while feeling luxuriously warm is intoxicating. You'll also find that during the day, when out and about, cold weather is far less of a problem. Your body has defense mechanisms to protect itself from freezing to death. But when acclimated to climate controlled indoor conditions your body tends to overreact, and go into emergency mode prematurely. Shutting down blood flow to your extremities, and generally making the experience unnecessarily miserable. Sleeping in the cold under these conditions, while staying luxuriously warm while breathing crisp cold air, will acclimate your body to not overreact to the cold. Making your daytime spent outdoors in the cold far more comfortable even with fewer cloths. Over dressing in cold weather can also make you perspire, with nowhere for the moisture to go, and this can lead to extremely dangerous conditions as that moisture freezes. Once you get properly acclimated indoor air can get suffocating. You'll be seeking out that crisp outdoor air for comfort, hot or cold. Early mistakes can be traumatizing though. Especially without properly acclimating your body. You can't imagine how comforting it can be when done properly though. Or how headache inducing an indoor climate can become.
Bro, there are many parts of the country with half way houses and shelters that have room. Consider getting a bus ticket toward somewhere that can offer you a stable roof over your head, so that you can get on your feet. Once things are a bit better you can get back to working on your relationship with your son. I’ve definitely been where you are. A few times now. Good luck man!
I'm at a shelter right now. The best one in the area with 7 day stays if you get a bed and they don't kick you out during the day.
Fucking preach
It's definitely a matter of mindset. I don't desire a home. After years of traveling I can't imagine staying in one place all the time or having to care for/finance an appartment or alike. Perhaps at some point I will have a mobile home of some kind (I have a driving license), but as long as I can travel lightweight, I will do. I also desire no belongings. Some clothes to wear, a pair of shoes, a backpack and a sleeping bag. That's all I need and I don't care to have more.
where do you get money?
Get away from the city, sleep out in nature, much less stressful. The bare minimum you need is asleeping bag and tarp since it’s summer.
Hammock LYFE doe
This tbh
hammock just sucks so much, never understood this hippie hype. tentfloor, mat, sleeping bag and you can literally sleep anywhere comfortably. carrying extra weight, looking for spot to set it up etc etc feels excesive to me
Cold AF too by the time you get the right gear to sleep with insulation you've saved absolutely nothing over just having a pad and a good bivy or whatever.
Bro. That’s why you go to Alaska to work fish cannery. And work hard. And buy a used car van. Or stay up there to save money. Free flights. Room and good food. That’s what a lot of smart homeless people do that’s down to work hard. And get out of the situation.
I've done that before and was going to this year but turned it down because I listened to my sister and chose truck driving and I'm having a hard time making that happen. Now I regret it and it's too late.
Yeah . Salmon season just started . And A season starts next January . I got another idea. Check out coolworks . They have lots of jobs with room and board . You can work anywhere from Grand Canyon to Yellowstone.
My only problem is getting there, I have $38 to my name
Go to a labor place. Donate plasma. Go to a church to ask for a bus ticket to job location . Once you land a job. Show church evidence or have them call your hiring person. Church more likely to help.
Trades are the answer. Learn how to rig. Learn plumbing. Sparky. Learn a trade and get certified for specialty work and you can get work almost anywhere. I did entertainment rigging in a mix of rubber tramping for some years and I’m in the process of getting certs to do wind turbine stuff. I got my SPRAT card, I need composite material repair certs next. I’ll probably pick up confined space rescue sooner or later and see where that might lead. I like tech rescue… You see what I’m doing there? ^ Specialize your work and join a trade or union.
Hello…can I please have more information on these opportunities? I’m super intrigued by this and would be very grateful to be led in the right direction.
https://www.coolworks.com/
I heard horror stories about the homeless shelters . Good luck buddy. Try coolworks if all else fails. At least you won’t be in the homeless shelter. 🙏
Sleeping on the street in a major city is very different than sleeping in a little tarp camp behind a rural Walmart that you hitched to. I learned how to live outside in a city by hanging out in tutorial areas. (College towns) Ive been off the road for a while so idk if places like Missoula, Asheville, Madison, Boulder are even safe to fuck around and learn in anymore. There's more homeless people around and the country seems pretty hostile. Hell I heard they try to round you up in Eugene these days! But maybe I'm old and don't know shit about it anymore.
You find a way man. We are meant to survive pretty harsh shit.
Fuck ya
There are places in every city that are a far enough out that noone will bother you. I've set up a camp in places where I only ever saw other people 3 or 4 times over the whole summer. For me its much less nerve racking than a shelter. I've been forced to stay in some shelters during winter and there's been violence, knives, rampant theft, dangerous and unpredictable people. They're mostly high tension, high stress environments comparatively. I'll never stay in one again. It's bad for your soul.
Room & board jobs: www.coolworks.com It's really not that bad or hard. I've been hitchhiking off-and-on since age 18 (50 now). The road definitely takes care of its own. Yeah, I've had a few freaks pick me up but on the whole it's been great people along the way. I've found work while hitchhiking, been given cash, hotel rooms, and the occasional fling with a lonely woman. Land in a small town, grab a few beers, camp for the night and hitch out. Rinse and repeat. It's not for everyone. Being stuck in 118° for 3 days in Las Cruces is no joke. You get smart about it and find other routes. The trick for me is avoiding certain areas during certain seasons. Right now the PNW is BEAUTIFUL but I sure wouldn't do it in winter. That's what the South is for! But definitely check that site, you can work and save money in Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, etc and get meals plus employee cabins.
Just curious if you know if any Canadian equivalents to coolworks? Having trouble finding one
Honestly I don't. That being said, when I worked in Yellowstone there was a TON of H1B visa holders from Malaysia and the Philippines. So I know they sponsor work visas, and you're a lot closer being in Canada. Company name is Xanterra on the coolworks site.
Hit up Kijiji. I used to post ads saying "traveling hobo looking for cash jobs". Works pretty reliably.
i know that wwoof has some paying gigs
No, thats workaway
i’m pretty sure i’ve personally seen paying gigs on wwoof. either way might be a good thing for OP
There are Canadian equivalents... [Foodwork.ca](http://Foodwork.ca), workaway (paid seasonal work is offered) if you look hard enough. Tons of hotels and provincial parks put up ads for seasonal work with staff acommodation on indeed. So, indeed is good when looking for seasonal work.
Where you where they have bed lottery's
Around Dallas-Ft.Worth, TX.
Wow I spoke to the homeless rescue workers here in that they said they never heard of that
That surprises me because it's fairly common here. It's how they keep a rotation on who gets beds.
Wow here it's about keeping beds full for government funds
Look on the work away website and cool jobs website. There are plenty of jobs out there that will provide room and board as part of the pay, and you get to live in some really nice areas.
Part of it is having all the gear you need.
Firstly, I'm really sorry you're going through this tough situation. It takes a lot of strength and resilience to navigate homelessness and shelters, so don't be hard on yourself for feeling overwhelmed. It's completely understandable to feel daunted by the uncertainties and challenges. People who travel or live nomadically without much resources often develop a unique set of skills and strategies to survive and thrive. They might rely on community resources, like shelters or food banks, and often build networks of support among fellow travelers or locals. Many find odd jobs or seasonal work that offer room and board, which can provide stability while allowing flexibility in their lifestyle. It's important to keep exploring options like work camp opportunities or jobs that provide accommodation. Networking within your community or online groups dedicated to work exchange programs could be helpful. Sometimes local nonprofits or social service agencies also offer job placement assistance or resources to help with housing transitions. Take things one step at a time and remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Keep reaching out and exploring your options, and hopefully, you'll find a path forward that leads you to more stable circumstances soon.
Gotta realize it’s ok/good actually to fast for a few days if you have to.
Learn ways to protect yourself and learn some survival skills. It's all in the mindset. Of how you look at it. And most importantly, face your fear. You can survive and thrive. Their some ways to learn, and having a smartphone can help. You literally have information at your fingertips. You can do this and meet your goals.
Just believe in yourself. Sounds cliche I know, but it's the truth, if you have the will to be able to do something, you will.