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to Part 1 Suggestions My Suggestions On Being Homeless 2
1. If you are more than one - a partner, family, etc., always
have a 'home' base so that if there is a misunderstanding of where to meet, or
you are cut off for any reason, everyone knows that as a last resort, this is
where you can locate each other - even if you all have cell phones - which can
be lost, stolen, powerless, in constant use, etc.
2. Memberships - you need to belong - for yourself, members of
your family - for places to go, things to do, resources you might be interested
in, so that you have options and if needed sanitary facilities - library, health
club, movie pass, and tickets, cards for available transportation.
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3. Things you didn't know you needed until you do, and that is
a fold-up, carry in your pocket set of tools - screwdriver, saw, pliers, pick, etc., a fold-up fork and spoon, a collapsible stainless steel cup, small
flashlight.
4. The last thing you want to do is carry stuff around with
you. For one thing, it is totally inconvenient if you are constantly moving during the day. But,
secondly, there is the constant possibility of having it stolen. Depending on
what you have, if there isn't someone to leave your stuff with, check out self storage, pick up and delivery storage, bank deposit box, or
for short term storage, places like health club lockers.
Self storage
A good overview of costs, and
what to look for and who to ask. cost of self-storage. Should be 24/7 guard. climate controlled, etc. cost runs less
than $50 per month for a 5x5 cubical. Be sure to thoroughly check them out and
search for some reviews.
Pick Up and Delivery Storage
Storage in a safe 24/7 guard, climate controlled warehouse
(moving company and warehouse storage may not be the same thing). Can be less
than $7 for storage by the actual amount of space taken for one carton. Be sure
to check them out and search for some reviews.
Safety Deposit Box in a bank This can be under $25 a year (small
box). Just let someone you trust know where it is. If anything happens to you,
it can be opened with a court order. What you should and shouldn't put in. Also, check out Reasons To Use or think Twice About What You Keep There
Online Storage for photos and documents Free or paid-for online storage. Valuable photos and documents should be stored in at least 2 places -
physical and digital. If you have documents or art which can be lost or
destroyed, take photos and upload them to online storage info on free online storage.
5. And last but not least, you need a schedule of where to go,
what to do, and a reason for doing each thing. There is nothing worse than
aimlessly wandering around, unless that is one of the activities you have
scheduled for each day. This is for the following reasons: you don't overstay your
welcome, you give yourself and others the impression that you are not totally
lost, you give structure to your daily existence, and if part of each day or
each week is visiting the offices of agencies who can help, or fend for you, it
gives you hope.
Just because you are homeless doesn't mean that you can't get
on with living your life while getting over this period.
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