ARE YOU HOMELESS? WORRIED ABOUT BECOMING HOMELESS?

Do whatever you can to stay where you are. Shelter programs meet only a fraction of the need. If you become homeless, it is highly likely you will have to sleep outdoors for days or weeks or months while waiting for a bed or family unit to open up. The requirements of the shelter may be so strict that you struggle to meet them. Do not run away from a decent home or even semi-decent home. If you must leave an abusive home, try to find a place to stay first. Do you have a friend or relative you can stay with?

If there is a person anywhere in the US who will welcome you, the Fort Lauderdale Police can get a free bus pass for you. If you

have a vehicle of any kind, do whatever you can to keep that vehicle and maintain it. A vehicle can make a big difference if you find

yourself without a place to live.

Call 211 and ask to be connected to the Homeless Hotline. NO shelter will take you unless you work through the hotline. Let them know you need immediate assistance with your homelessness. Do not accept referrals for other services until you have completed an intake for shelter. Once you complete your intake for shelter, you are on a waiting list, which generally takes people in order. The sooner you get on the waiting list, the sooner you will get shelter. You probably need help with other things but shelter is your first priority. Being referred to the outreach team does not mean you will get a bed. Dozens of people meet the outreach team every day but there are not dozens of beds. We offer a variety of meal programs to address hunger in our community. From breakfast for children to hot meals for seniors, we provide nutritious meals to those who need them most.

Some shelters take anyone (men, women, families) while others only take women, or seniors, veterans, families, or those with substance abuse problems or disabilities. The shelter you are eligible for will depend upon your personal background and why you are homeless. 211 and the Homeless Hotline will try to match you with an available bed but this often takes time.

If you are lucky enough to get into a shelter, do your best to follow all the rules and regulations. Often schedules are strict and much is required of you in order to maintain your place in the shelter. If you break these rules or leave the shelter without permission, it will be very difficult to get into shelter again. If you are able to adjust successfully to shelter requirements, most shelters will help you improve your situation through case management, employment and even housing. Do your best to be a model citizen and you will find that there is a lot of help available for those who try to help themselves.

If you are living outside, these suggestions from those who have experienced homelessness may help:

*If you need a shower, go to the beach. There are free showers all along the beach.

*If you see someone begging on a corner, do not try to beg on the same corner, go find your own corner.

*Keep all your valuables in your pants including your I.D.

*Keep your arms through your backpack straps and use it as a pillow.

*Keep your I.D. on you at all times. Accessing services often requires identification and once you lose your identification it can take a long time and financial resources to get your identification back. Consider having someone make several copies and keep them

for you in case you lose your ID..

Some other advice:

*. Even if you are not religious, accept assistance from religious groups when offered even if they require you to go to their services

Do not argue with them about their beliefs.

* Libraries are generally a great place to go. They provide access to toilets, water, the internet, and shelter from the weather.

* The streets are dangerous. Try not to antagonize others—don’t mouth off and watch what you say. Even in shelters, keep your

head down and avoid conflict with others. Watch out for drunks or other argumentative people and try to avoid them.

* Do not argue with law enforcement.

• Some gyms are very affordable. it is a great way to shower, exercise, keep a few things, charge your phone and stay out

of the weather

• Women who are homeless are particularly vulnerable. Some homeless people suggest that you wear men’s clothing and

make yourself as masculine looking as possible. Others suggest you try to avoid appearing homeless. Both men and

women are safer if they find homeless friends. One person can stay awake while others sleep and all can share what

meagre findings they have. Also other homeless people may be aware of resources you did not know about. Even among

“friend: though, watch your back.

* In Broward County shelters will often accept more people when the weather gets below 45 degrees or when Hurricanes are

forecast. Check in with service providers to find out whether special services are planned for bad weather.

* Be prepared to defend yourself because there are a lot of crazy, angry, drunk people out there. Again, it helps to stay with a group.

Some people who are housed mess with homeless people for no reason, so be careful.

* Never turn down paid work, but listen to others about which offers are scams or dangerous and which are legitimate. Temporary

labor companies will generally take a percentage of your wages for fees, so expect to make less than the minimum wage.

Whenever you go anywhere, tell people where you are going and when you will be back just in case.

* People will be more likely to help you if you are respectful and you keep yourself and your area clean. Merchants usually only call

the police if you are making a mess (urinating on their property, leaving garbage around). If you are respectful and keep yourself

and your area clean, they may even give you work.

* Depending on your age and health, joining the military may be a good option.

* Drugs and gambling keep you homeless.

* If you don't have an important reason to stay where you are (Family, friends, job), consider going to a different city with more

resources. Cities in democratic states may provide more services to help people struggling with housing.

* Some agencies provide free all-day bus passes so ask every agency you come into contact with for a bus pass.