A Guide to The Homeless Experience

Charlotte, NC skyline

Seeing homelessness and experiencing homelessness are two different things.  It is ridiculous to work 70 and 80 hours a week trying to maintain housing that you work so much that you are not even able to appreciate it. As a result, more and more people are becoming transitional.

Things to know about sleeping on the street:

You will feel Restlessness.

1) Constant worry about safety affects sleep.

2) Constant change in weather alters body temperature and affects sleep.

3) Constant foul smells can affect sleep.

4) Sleeping sitting up (versus laying down) can affect sleep.

You will feel a challenge associated with Restroom Needs.

1) With or without a vehicle, finding a nearby public restroom in a hurry is a huge obstacle.

2) Food, liquids, fluctuations in body temperature can affect the body's urges for erratic restroom needs.
3) Disposable briefs become a good backup plan in case the  public restroom is too far.

Some Suggested Grooming Supplies for the Homeless

1) Cleansing wipes

2) Fresh clothes
3) Fitness Center membership for showers

4) Concentrated room sprays
5) Bladder Control Briefs (Disposable undergarments)

Be Mindful of your risk of Sexual Assault and/or Pregnancy
1) A homeless woman is probably at least 51% likely to be sexually assaulted or possibly abducted.

2) If the woman is still in childbearing age, then pregnancy is very likely.

3 ) Most advocacy agencies for homelessness ask if the female is pregnant in a condescending tone of voice which is a sign of ignorance. This ignorance is the basis of writing this article.

Extended Stay Hotels may be a solution for some people in transition.  One fee is all inclusive of utilities.

Some cooking layouts vary.

Coin operated laundry room.

Dishes and eating utensils are usually provided.

Cozy home-like feel.

Choose to sleep near 24/7 Locations for Parking and Public Restrooms (Between midnight and 6am - most businesses are closed. Restroom access is limited.)

Find areas where you have multiple businesses that are open 24/7 like

1) Drugstores
2) Fitness Centers
3) Laundromats
4) Hospitals
5) Superstores
6) Restaurants
7) Gas stations

Many people are feeling forced to live in a roommate situation because shelter has become expensive. One can only hope that everyone maintains their part of the bills.

May God Bless you.