a better me is coming - a self-love guide

1. part 6

What to do if you suddenly find yourself homeless:

Food:
- find your nearest food bank or have a sign asking for food
- grocery stores have free samples, bakeries + stores with day p- old bread
- different fast food outlets have cheaper food and will general,y let you hang out for a while
- some dollar stores sell cans of food that will last a long time

Shelter:
- sleeping at beaches during the day is a good way to get rest without suspicion or harassment
- sleep with your bag strapped to you, so someone can't steal it
- some churches offer short term residence
- find your nearest homeless shelter
- look for places that are open to the public
- a large rubbish bin near a wall can often be moved so that flipping up the lids creates an angled shelter to stay dry

Hygiene
- a membership to the YMCA is usually only $10, which has a shower, and sometimes laundry machines and lockers
- public libraries have bathrooms you can use
- dollar stores tend to sell all the toiletries you need
- wet wipes are all purpose and a life-saver
- local beaches, go for a quick swim
- some service stations have showers you can pay for
- staying clean is the best way to prevent disease, and potentially get a job to get back on your feet
- pack 7 pairs of socks/undies, 2 outfits, and one hooded rain jacket
(You may be able to get this from the dollar store too, or places like Primark are really cheap.)

Other:
- first aid kit
- sunscreen
- a watch
- emergency blanket
- a backpack is a must
- downgrade your cell phone to pay as you go with top-up cards
(If that is an option for you.)
- sleeping bag
- travel kit of toothbrush, toothpaste/baking soda, hair brush and deodorant
- Swiss Army knife
- can opener

By dangerbabegang on tumblr

Author's Note:
Hey,
I know that it is very unlikely that if you are homeless you would see this and it would be of any help to you, but anyway to spread this information around is important.
We tend to ignore homeless people; whether it's because we're scared, our parents told us 'don't give them money because they'll just use it for drugs' or we just don't care. If it's daylight and you're surrounded by the public, ask a homeless person if they would like some food or water. If the answer is yes, then get them some. That way they get what they would've spent money on and you've helped them. If you want to do something charitable, spend some money on some of the things in the list and give them out.
It helps.
Thanks, as always,
Lily 🌿