If you had to be homeless for one year, where would you want to be?

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   mikielikieposted 11 years ago

   If you had to be homeless for one year, where would you want to be?

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   jaydawg808posted 11 years ago

   This is an interesting question.  If I had to be homeless for 1-year, it would be in a place where the community feels for homeless people.  Meaning they would be very receptive to giving handouts.  I'm not homeless, so I'm not sure where it would be.

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   JessBrazposted 11 years ago

   that is a good question... If I had to be homeless, I suppose I wouldn't want to be anywhere in my home country... As much as I love Canada, the idea of sleeping on the streets during the winter is too much... It breaks my heart to think there are people who have to spend nights that are -25 degrees outside.

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   Wesley Meachamposted 11 years ago

   I'd want to be in a wooded area. Preferably near a lake or a river.
   Far away from too many other people.

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5. 81

   TropiCoaquaposted 11 years ago

   Traveling the world,seeing new places,meeting local people and experiencing their hospitality...with no expectations from my side. Will definitely avoid the big cities,where people would be too busy with their own lives.Would rather visit the smaller towns and villages,where life moves at it's own pace and people still have a place in their heart for a traveling guest.

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   TravelinJackposted 11 years ago

   I'd be on the beach somewhere, probably in Thailand or somewhere else in SE Asia.  If you're homeless you're biggest concern besides food and clean water is the climate.  If in a place where you'll never freeze to death then that takes away a lot of worry and effort right there.  Plus it's easier to live off the land in a tropical country like Thailand.

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   NiaGposted 11 years ago

   I would be somewhere where there is no winter. Freezing to death is not my ideal way to go. And it would be somewhere where I could fish or kill my food in some way to avoid starvation. That's pretty much the basic necessities I would need. Also, maybe where there aren't many people around to try and make me feel guilty for living my life that way. I think I'm pretty much describing a deserted island. Ha!

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   shofarcallposted 11 years ago

   Because of having to sleep out, I would think somewhere warm would be preferable. In a town where there is a  "soup kitchen." And hopefully, a spirit filled church whose members would be welcoming to homeless people and would offer spiritual nourishment.

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   kk01011991posted 11 years ago

   On an Adventure Tour. Possibly in the woods. In the lap of nature.

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    Hawaiian Scribeposted 11 years ago

    If I had to be homeless, I'd be right where I am now - on the island of O'ahu in Hawaii.  Weather is in the 70's all year long.  It doesn't rain very much and when it does, the showers don't last long.  There are many homeless here in Hawai'i.  As long as they stay away from tourist areas, the police don't bother them. Cost of living is high here, but you can get food stamps within a week.  Low-paying jobs ($7.25 minimum wage) aren't that hard to find, but many of them are part-time.  There are several homeless shelters and they're not all full because people would rather live on the beach.  There are also transitional housing apartments for elderly or families with children.  As long as you remain homeless there are social programs to help.  It is when you try to get off "the beach" and work and pay rent, buy your own food, etc. that there is a BIG PROBLEM.  Many people can't afford to be fully self-supporting.  Sad, isn't it?  Don't believe Washington DC.  The economy is NOT improving.

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       Emanate Presenceposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I slept in a homeless shelter on Oahu for a time a few years ago. It came when my idea to tent camp was abandoned due to the warnings that locals gave me about the dangers from the Hawaiians. My job applications went unanswered. It was an experience!

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       Hawaiian Scribeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       @Emanate Presence: As a Native Hawaiian, I'm not sure who the "locals" were or what the purported dangers from "Hawaiians" were, but I do know (as in the rest of the U.S.), the mentally ill who are homeless can be a danger to themselves & others.

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    3. 69

       Emanate Presenceposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       For our first 3 years on the islands, life was highly supportive. When we returned, with our car, it was different. We were threatened, not because we were homeless as we were not but because we are white. A store owner advised us against camping.

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11. 69

    Emanate Presenceposted 11 years ago

    It is a thought-provoking question and the answers show thought was given.
    
    Since 2000, after making a life change, I have experienced homeless shelters more than once and have an opinion on the subject!
    
    It is an opinion, and like everything for me it is an unfolding perspective always subject to change with new input.
    
    With my partner, I used the facilities for the homeless in Santa Cruz, California; the Salvation Army on Maui; and slept for a time in a homeless shelter on Oahu.  They were all times of being in-between jobs and all had magical moments.
    
    Also when I was not homeless, I felt the brunt of attitudes towards the homeless from people who looked down on my lifestyle.
    
    To me, being homeless is a state of mind. The word has social connotations, it sounds weak, poor, helpless. I discovered many things about 'homelessness' by experiencing it with others, things I could not have known otherwise. I would not wish to have avoided those times as they were so rich in learning.
    
    Like others have written, climate is a big factor. Being homeless where the temperature is milder reduces one of the stresses. Even so, managing the logistics of the basic necessities of life while 'homeless' can be a full-time job. It is a subject for a hub.

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       Hawaiian Scribeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I completely agree that being "houseless" is a full-time job in itself to survive and perpetuates the cycle of being without shelter.  I just may do a hub on homelessness in Hawai'i.  Thanks for the inspiration.  Aloha, Stephanie

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       Emanate Presenceposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Some who call themselves homeless feel they are victims. We could also have called ourselves 'currently in a lifestyle without a mailing address.' I'd be glad to share my experiences with you. My ego suffered in the shelter but it was eye-opening.

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    Insane Mundaneposted 11 years ago

    Although I'd hope that I never end up homeless, if I had to be that way for a year, I'd probably select Las Vegas, Nevada - close to the big casinos.  I hear some people can live off the nickel machines, free food and drinks on occasions, better chance at getting monetary donations as well; plus, prostitution is legal.

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    JimTxMillerposted 11 years ago

    If I had to be homeless for one year, I would head for the Pacific Northwest, roaming the coastal region west of the mountains, avoiding major population centers when I could and discovering the smaller communities with public libraries and free internet access. Winter may necessitate moving south somewhat, but I think my range would be no further south than Sacramento.

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    cebutouristspotposted 11 years ago

    On a tropical island when there is abundance in food/water and things to do.  I will not feel the sadness of being homeless since I will be busy learning new skill to survive.

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    philliposted 11 years ago

    Somewhere warm and dry.  Even if they didn't have outreach programs like shelters, you could still make out okay. I think no matter where you're at, the public's attitude towards homelessness will be the same ( many don't want to see or hear about them...just ignore the problem).

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    freecampingaussieposted 11 years ago

    I have to say as it is VERY HOT here right now somewhere where it is a lot cooler than here but not too far the other way . I would rather be out of a city near a river where we could catch fish, drink the water safely and keep clean  .

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    AbFreak101posted 11 years ago

    I would probally want to be in the Hollywood area as its warmer and chance to be in some type of movie

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