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10 Tips for Homeless Survival

By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 19, 2009 10:27 AM CDT

(Newser) – Millions of Americans had lost their homes long before subprime crisis plunged the nation into economic peril. Recognizing the plight of the homeless, The Nation offers 10 tips for street survival:

  • Try to relieve passersby of their misconceptions without internalizing their cruel remarks. "Let go of your pride—but hold on to your dignity."

  • "Travel light," with basic ID to access services. "You can check email and read at the library."
  • Carry high-protein foods like nuts and peanut butter, and schedule your time around soup kitchen meals.
  • Sleep deprivation is inevitable, but "always have a blanket. Whenever possible, sleep in groups with staggered schedules."
  • Be nice to cops, but know your rights—"even if they're routinely violated."
Read more tips for the homeless by clicking on the link below.
Danny Gonzalez moves a carpet out of a tent as he helps a friend move from a homeless encampment in Sacramento, Calif., Monday, April 13, 2009.
Danny Gonzalez moves a carpet out of a tent as he helps a friend move from a homeless encampment in Sacramento, Calif., Monday, April 13, 2009.   (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
In this photo taken Thursday, June 18, 2009, an unidentified resident of a homeless encampment, known as tent city, is seen in Fresno, Calif.
In this photo taken Thursday, June 18, 2009, an unidentified resident of a homeless encampment, known as tent city, is seen in Fresno, Calif.   (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
In this photo taken Thursday, June 18, 2009, Daniel Tapia, 67, places vegetables into a pot of boiling water in Fresno, Calif.
In this photo taken Thursday, June 18, 2009, Daniel Tapia, 67, places vegetables into a pot of boiling water in Fresno, Calif.   (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
This picture taken Jan. 24 2009, provided by Vincent James Petti III, shows David Hart, foreground, in an alley in Colorado Springs, Colo.
This picture taken Jan. 24 2009, provided by Vincent James Petti III, shows David Hart, foreground, in an alley in Colorado Springs, Colo.   (AP Photo/ Courtesy Vincent James Petti III)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 9 comments
Riffran
Jul 20, 2009 7:25 AM CDT
gahhhh whata mug
Netstorm2k10
Jul 20, 2009 3:42 AM CDT
I don't understand why more people don't retreat to the wilds when forced out of their homes and jobs and lives. There is plenty of information available for anyone who wants to learn how to fend for themselves in the woods, taking what they need from nature. You really don't need more than a backpacks worth of gear to build yourself a shelter and feed yourself from the plants and animals. You can take care of yourself, if you have the will and courage to do so. Why try to do that in a city where the only resources available to you are someone else's castoff?
Toon
Jul 20, 2009 1:07 AM CDT
Picture #4 is laughable. It shows a very misleading stereotype of what the homeless look like and an especially bad choice for an article aimed at the newly homeless. The housing crisis is not throwing elderly single men with long term dental heath issues out into the street but rather formerly middle class families including children.
US

 
homeless • soup kitchen • homeless shelter • recession depression

 
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