Tips For A More Comfortable Homelessness

[DUMPSTERDAVE]

Hi I Was Asked To Share Some Tips And Things I Learned In My Nine Years On The Streets

1: Footwear A Good Pair Of Leather Workboots Is The Best If You Walk Alot As I Do Good Workboots Protect Your Feet And Good Woorkboots Will Outlast A Dozen Pairs Of Tennis Shoes Bear In Mind If You Are Not Used To Wearing Heavy Boots It Will Be Uncomfortable At First But Once You Break Em In You Will Never Go Back Also Change Your Socks Twice A Day And Use Foot Powder

2: Hygeine: There Is No Excuse For Lack Of If You Put Your Mind To It You Can Be Clean And Quite Presentable Ymca Is Relatively Easy To Sneak Into Even If You Do Not Have A Membership Simply By Loitering At The Sidedoor "please Note This Is My Town Your Ymca May Be Different" And Wait For Someone To Open It Then I Can Shower And Do Laundry In The Sink And Use The Spinner To Dry Em. IN LARGE MAJOR CITIES THE YMCA MAY HAVE HOMELESS PROGRAMS SO MY METHOD MAY NOT BE NECESSARY AS I SAID CIRCUMSTANCES VARY FROM PLACE TO PLACE. MANY CHURCHES AND SHELTERS HAVE SHOWERS AND LAUNDRY ON DIFFERENT DAYS AS WELL.
Also If You Find Odd Jobs Usually If You Ask Politeley The People Will Let You Shower And Do Laundry And Feed You A Meal As Well.

Money Alot Of People Panhandle And Thats Ok But There Are More Dignified Ways To Make Income On The Streets

1. Cash Jobs A" Homeless AND Do Odd Jobs For CASH" Sign At A Good Location Particularly Where Elderly People Shop Alot You Can Fetch Cash Jobs Such As Lawn Care,Snow Shoveling, Etc And Sometimes You Will Build A Customer Base While You Are Standing There Some Folks Will Hand You A Few Bucks Out Of Pity As A Bonus Some Will Try Not To Give You Cash Because They Think You Are Buying Beer Simply Tell Them You Are More Than Willing To Do The Work To Get The Cash And Be Ready To Do It Mornings Are The Best Time For This Hustle

2. Plasma Centers If Your Town Pays For Plasma Donations And You Can Go Twice A Week Every Week I Get 55 Bucks Every Week Steady Stable Cash Income But The Money Will Vary Depending On Circumstances.

3. Temporary Sevices Apply At Everyone In Your Town You May Not Land A Dream Job But Often Enough They Need People For A Day Or Two Here And There And You Had Nothing Better To Do Anyhow Some Will Contend That They Cant Get Ahold Of Me Well Go To Your County Job Center Early When They Open And Call Them Dont Wait For Em To Call You The Phone Is Free At The Job Service

4. Recycling When I Have Nothing At All Going For Me On A Given Day I Take A Shopping Cart And Dig In Dumpsters For Cans And Scrap Metal You Can Find Aluminum Cans, Insulated Wire, Piece Aluminum, And Electronic Items Can Me Smashed Open As Well Vaccum Cleaners Have Motors, Tv Sets And Monitors Have Lots Of Wire And Copper Yokes On The Tube That Can Be Had With A Good Hammer Whack And Cut Them Cords With Ever So High Copper Prices They Fetch 40-60 Cents A Pound At Many Scrap Yards. Always Clean Up After Yourself And Put Everything Back Into The Dumpster Also For Your Safety Wear Work Gloves And Be Careful If You Do This For 10 Hours Straight You Can Have 25-50 Dollars In Cash But You Gotta Move Fast To Find Alot Of Shit If Your Slow Maybee 10-15 Bucks.

4. Do Not Party Use Your Money To Take Care Of Your Basic Needs Alcohol And Drugs Just Eat Up Your Funds And With A Clear Mind You Will Find More Opprotunnities To Make Money Instead Of Pissing It Away On Dope That Money You Spend On Dope Could Have Bought You A Weekend At A Cheap Motel Off The Streets And Meals Lets See A Habit Of Dope Or A Couple Nights Good Sleep And Cable Tv And Steak Dinner On Friday Night That Should Be A No-brainer

[DUMPSTERDAVE]

Feel Free To Share Your Advice On Making Homeless Life More Comfortable For Others Who View This Thread

Through Networking We Can Help Each Other Out

Survival Tips Only

Please No Advice About Scoring Dope, Stealing, Prostitution, Or Other Illicit Behavior Thank You

[DUMPSTERDAVE]

I Am Very Surprised That Out Of Over 100 Views Nobody Has Shared Any New Tips Yet

[Olivia]

Hmm, I think saying no tips for prostitution is a bit unfair - what about safety tips? How to look after yourself. You can't ignore that prostitution, stealing and dealing drugs is part of life on the streets, and offering tips on how to be careful and not get hurt isn't exactly endorsing it - thats like why the government doesn't have better benefits for teenagers - it will 'encourage them to leave home'.

Anyway, tips...
Sleeping on concrete can be VERY uncomfortable, but a lot of places round town tend to throw out cardboard boxes at the end of the day. If you gather these up you can use them to create some padding on the ground.

I'll add more when I think of them

[sk8r_rat]

Hi Olivia,

Feel free to post whatever you want (keeping inside the forum guidlines though but posting tips about how to stay safe as a working girl would be very useful, obviously you're not actually encouraging prostitution, and even if you were, we have discussions about how drugs can help you cope without actually advocating drug use. I completely disagree with some things Dumpsterdave said, but I'm not going to ask him not to post that. I posted some tips on another thread a while ago about how you need to know how to jump trains if you're homeless, obviously that's illegal but sometime you need to know if you're on the streets. Only moderators can advise you on what or what not to post, and it's all good by me, I'd be really interested in what you have to say about staying safe. I like your concrete tip too, one I've used many a time, pick up the cardboard round the back of the shop and you have a better chance of not being unbearably cold. Feel free to post away and please don't be affended DumpsterDave, it's all good with me, but if you start this thread you have to be ready for all answers and policing of that by mods.

Sk8r girl.

Thanks, sk8r girl.

[DUMPSTERDAVE]

I Am Not Trying To Deny Anybody Of What They Do But I Dont See Most Homeless People As Drug Users And Prostitutes Yes There Are Some But Most Homeless Are Honest People Just In Bad Times And My Thread Was Aimed At These Type Of Folks Who Are Just Down On Their Luck So I Wanted To Keep It Strictly Survival Tips For That Reason But You Are Right Sk8r Rat I Cant Stop Anybody From Posting What They Will But Please Note My Intent With This Thread

[sk8r_rat]

I guess what I've noticed so far Dumpsterdave is that you share your own homeless experience alot in your posts, but show no interest in learning about what others have experienced on the streets. Maybe that's why only one person has posted on this thread, because you haven't built up any relationships with other users. I've got no judgement on that aspect, you can use these forums for whatever you like, but don't be disappointed when you don't show an interest in hearing the opinions of other users and they reflect that back to you. Even saying that people aren't allowed to talk about certain issues that could be a big part of their story shows others that their opinions aren't wanted.

I Dont See Most Homeless People As Drug Users And Prostitutes Yes There Are Some But Most Homeless Are Honest People Just In Bad Times And My Thread Was Aimed At These Type Of Folks Who Are Just Down On Their Luck

When I was homeless I used a lot of drugs and did a fair bit of illegal activity. I had never used drugs until I had been on the streets for some time. Being a user or doing something illegal does not mean that I'm not an honest person or did something to deserve to be homeless. I spent years on the streets, and I met countless homeless people, only one of which wasn't abusing drugs and alcohol. One, out of hundreds. Due to my experiences at home I was incredibly anxious and depressed, suicidal before I even went on the streets, so when I was then homeless it was pretty hard to stay alive. I'd be dead now if I hadn't used drugs to cope with life on the streets, I got so close so many times. My dad has also been an addict all his life, so it's in my genes. I also never received any welfare payments until I was off the streets. The state of my clothes etc was very embarrassing, so sometimes I stole things to wear cos my clothes were falling off me, and the first shelter I went to I arrived at by almost midnight after crying all night at a street van, I wouldn't have made it there if I hadn't jumped a train and I really needed some safety that night.

Sometimes when you're faced with an extraordinary situation you are forced to do things you normally wouldn't to survive. It doesn't mean I'm not an honest person, or that I caused myself to end up homeless. If you're posting for tips on how to survive whilst homeless, then saying that your post is just aimed at those "who are just down on their luck" and not using drugs or doing anything illegal, that's excluding alot of homeless people and pretty much saying they are the lower class of homeless and you don't want to hear about their experiences or advice. You get enough of that stuff on the streets. Maybe that's why almost no-one has post on your thread, because that's a lot of people you're excluding.

Sk8r girl.

[fudge]

very well said said sk8r..
it takes alot to offend me but your comment dumpster referring to prostitutes and drug users as dishonest and a lower form of homeless than maybe you ...that was below the belt...one of my dearest friends is a prostitute and her integrity far surpasses most that i know....

the homeless can not be catorgorised into classes as you prefer to call it...i do believe you are discriminating within the homeless...i am slightly dissappointed as i thought you were wiser and more with it...
you need to find an understanding of drug-users and prostitutes and not judge them so harshly
i do enjoy your input and your wit but sometimes you just don't think about your words before you submit your comment
we all make mistakes but thats how we learn..as long as we acknowledge our errors and listen to well-meaning advisors
i hope that you are warmer tonight and not freezing your butt off...and do you really change your socks twice a day?????
cheers

[DUMPSTERDAVE]

Ok It Seems ThingS Have Gotten Misuderstood Here I Dont Care What People Do With Their Lives Nor Judge Ok It Seems People Are Missing The Point Here

This Thread Was Dedicated To Practical Survival Tips Such As Employment , Food, Shelter , And The Like To Help The Homeless Be More Comfortable And Have A More Fullfilling Life On The Streets Ok And I Am Sorry But Drugs And Prostitution Are Not Tactical Survival Points So This Has Nothing To Do With Judgement As A Matter Of Fact Drugs And Prostitution Are Life Threatening Activites A Few Years Ago A Prostitute Was Found Beaten To Death On The West Side And More Often Than Not I See Fellow Street People In Less Than Desirable Situations Due To Drug Debts And The Like Or They Die From Overdoses And Because Of Their Drug Use The Police Now Have More Of A Reason To Watch The Area More Closely And Hassle Everybody Including Those Not Involved And One Again Tactical Survival Not Ways To End Up Dead That Is The Point OF THIS THREAD TO STAY ALIVE ON THE STREETS IN A COMFORTABLE MATTER OK SO PLEASE UNDERSTAND THE PURPOSE BEFORE FLYING OFF THE HANDLE

[sk8r_rat]

Just explaining dumpsterdave why nobody has posted in your thread, if I had gone off the handle I would have abused you, of course fudge and I didn't and am not going to do that. I definitely understand the purpose of the thread, to share information and help other homeless people, but when you actively exclude people and you write comments like the one I quoted, of course people are going to be offended. The fact is that you've stated in your post that you don't want to hear about certain experiences people have had, and give the impression you think those people are dishonest. So of course when those people read what you've said they're going to take offense and not reply to your thread with a tip, as you've asked them not to. When a few people then take offense, maybe something does need to be said, because obviously you haven't understood the issue if you're also questioning why nobody has replied to your thread. You stated that you "don't care what people do with their lives nor judge", but you still (generally) say that you don't want to hear from anybody you consider dishonest. You are making that judgement in deciding some people aren't worthy enough to post here, when that includes me I do think you're judging and do take offense.

sk8r girl.

[DUMPSTERDAVE]

I Am Not Excluding Anybody Is Welcome To Share No Matter Who They Are Ok I Merely Ask That They Share Useful Information As It Relates To The Subject I Have Met Many Creative People Living Here On The Streets Who Have Alot Of Great Ideas On How To Be Comfortable When It Comes To Living Outside And Living A Fullfilling Life On The Streets I Am Sure Most People Would Agree That Drugs And Other Illicit Behavior Create More Miserable Situations Than Comfortable Situations Though I'll Admit It Is A Matter Opinion I Dont Care If They Are Involved In It I Just Ask They Share Better Things Thats All

[Olivia]

I have to disagree when you say that 'illicit behavior' creates more miserable situations han comfortable. Obviously its possible, but my work as a prostitute provided me with food and warm clothes, it allowed me to purchase a van that provided shelter for me and a lot of my friends who were also on the streets.
I think I would have been a lot less comfortable had I not indulged in this 'illicit behavior'.

[Kugard]

Any tips for traveling? There is the obvious hitchhiking; but what has become of train hopping? Is it difficult to hop modern trains? I apologize if my assuming that you know this sort of shit is offensive. I'm just curious.

[DUMPSTERDAVE]

Train Hopping Is Still Possibible But Be Sure Avoid Rail Yards In Major Metro Areas As These Are Often Highly Watched By The Railroad Police So Smaller Cities And Towns Are Your Best Bet Also Watch Out For Rouge Hobo's As They May See You As Violating Their Territory And May Attack You

And No I Dont See This As Offensive We All Need To Travel Somehow

I Have Hopped Freights Myself A Time Or Two

[lazywolf]

dave, are you homeless by choice? or just making the best of a bad situation?

[DUMPSTERDAVE]

Yes I Am Here By Choice When You Have 4 Felony Convictions On Your Record You Are Not Very Valuable In The Job Market And I Simply Refuse To Work Fast Food Or Tedious Factory Jobs At Minnimum Wage So Fuck Em All I Will Be A Bum Till The Day I Die Life Is Great Out Here I Have More Freedom Than Most People Will Ever Have Thank God And If I Get Really Out Of Shape I Can Go Get Piss Drunk Pass Out Downtown On A Sidewalk During Rush Hour And The Police Will Chapter 51 Me To The State Hospital To Dry Out For A Few Weeks And Eat Good Watch Tv And Check Out The Hot Nurses Could Also Do The Va Program But Their Waiting List Is Too Long The Police Are Quicker

[Cree-Spirit]

Hi Dave...

I've just read over your Tips and have a few I think you could add...

Use the library...most are open late in the evening...at least in my city...even if you don't have a card...you can still read...look at mags...litsen to music...and if you do spend the 10 or 15 dollars to get a membership...you can utilize the internet...it's safe...warm

Find out where they serve free meals(hot)...and make sure you get there early so you can get a spot...I contacted a shelter and they gave me a list for the week...for all over the city...I keep it on me at all times...addresses...times...etc...on a cold day....a bowl of hot soup is better than nothing at all...and if I have to walk a mile to get there I will...

Choose your friends carefully...especially when you first hit the street...I hate to say...don't trust people...but...one lesson you will learn quickly...is if they can take advantage of you...they will...so choose wisely...it's a lesson I had to learn...a little to late in the game...

If you can manage it...don't carry valuables on you...money especially...if you do....keep them hidden...out of site...it's a magnet....draws attention to you...something you don't want on the street...another lesson I had to learn...

I also keep some of my belongings in a locker at the bus station...(I will move lockers every other day...so not to bring attention to myself from the staff)....I know the times the buses arrive....I can blend in with the people milling around....I don't hang out there...just get my stuff and go...it's safer than hauling it around with me all the time...

I don't know if these tips would help anyone else...but they've served me well so far...

[DUMPSTERDAVE]

Most Libraries In Wisconsin Are Free And Only Require Proof Of Address For Membership

Thank You For Sharing Your Tips As Previously Mentioned These Kinda A Tips Are The Point Of This Thread I Hope Things Change For Ya Soon God Bless You Cree Spirit

[zipcode]

hey dd hows life in mad town i use to live down there back in the early 90'ss well i don't know how often you can get to a computer i have one where i live sounds like you've been inmad town for a while yeah that's no shitt a pair of good leather boots tha's the key i don't know if any body who reads this plus at least a couple of clean socks on hand and if your feet are getting smelly put a couple of table spoons of baking soda well at least 2 may be even double it if you got it.and you can wear the same socks and it 'll kill the smell in "bout 4hrs I've done it I'm tellinyou it works!i use to hitchhike every where an old guy taught me a long time ago because my feet were bad one day in Florida.that was back in the Early80's a long time ago back in the day.so its worked many of time during my life's journeys say 'bout the reason I'm sending you this kite is that i mite be coming threw mad town soon so may be we'd have a drink or 2I'll rid e the uion pacificonmyway out west
m hrsding out to seattle or I'm going out to the east coast well when i was reading threw your posst it reminded me of thing s i have to gather up for my trip so thanks you helped and didn't even knew tha tit was going to happen and thax again zipcode bye god bless you man.

[DUMPSTERDAVE]

Well I Will Say This About Mad Town There Are Alot Of Good People Here Dont Get Me Wrong But It Seems To Me Madison Is The San Francisco Of The Midwest Eaither You Are A Runaway Liberal, The Wannabee Hippies Who Dont Realize The 1960's Ended Four Decades Ago downtown and near the U.W. CAMPUS YA GOT ALOT OF YPPIES, WIERDOS AND THE LIKE, Or If On The Westside Youre A Gang Bangin Bling Bling Crack Dealer From Chicago Who Came Here To Be A Bigger Fish In A Smaller Pond THEN YA GOT THE COLLEGE KIDS WHO THINK THEY KNOW EVERYTHING BUT ALMOST JUST YESTERDAY THEY WERE BEING POTTY TRAINED THEN TOP THAT ARROGANCE AND LACK OF LIFE EXPERIENCE OFF WITH SOME BOOZE AND YA GOT A KILLER COMBINATION

People Here Are Very Touchy Feely As Well Which I Am Still Not Used To As I Grew Up In Milwaukee Where People Are More Bluecollar So Ya Gotta Change Your Approach

Madison Also Likes To Pass Alot Of Goofy Laws Too For About 10 Years Now You Cannot Even Smoke In A Tavern Which Has Actually Caused A Great Deal Of Drunk Driving Deaths Because People Will Just Drive Out To Outlying Communities To Frequent Bars Where They Can Smoke They Are Currently Trying To Make It A Crime To Smoke On A City Sidewalk But Its Up In The Air

I Dont Know I Guess The Great Thing About Madtown Is That Its Just The Right Size Not Too Big Not Too Small But Just Right Managable and easy to find servieces when ya need em