Hello I was homeless for years in many situations and I think this is niche and misleading advice. The post above is applicable only to short term situations where you are certain you can ask around and find a place to crash or have money to start a new lease after being abruptly kicked out. It would I think, better be title as avoiding becoming homeless long term (if there are personal resources available to you).
Motels are expensive, more per day than the cost even the best monthly gym membership ($120 per day versus $99 for the rich people gym in my area). My cheap $20 gym membership was the only way I was able to shower for years and also gave me a safe place to be several hours a day. The library is a great place to hang out and utilized public services but they donāt have showers and are often closed on holidays and Sundays.
I really want y'all to understand, itās very common to be homeless for 6+ months. Trying to stay in a motel until you have no cash is usually a very very bad idea to recommend as a blanket solution. For me, it was almost five years. The amount of cash and time spent with relatives for long situations like that is untenable. Motel rooms are best saved for avoiding weather emergencies after you have exhausted shelter options, if you have cash.
In regards to shelters, the post above is so brief and unhelpful. The thing I want you to understand from reading this is anyone can be homeless. Part of being homeless is realizing that homeless people are ordinary people!! I do not think describing shelters just as ādangerousā does anything but further stigma against homeless people.
Shelters can have downsides, and yes can be dangerous especially wet shelters (shelters where people using alcohol and drugs are allowed, the majority are dry shelters tho) but realistically are often safer than being outside alone. They are often the only option when money runs out (which will happen very quickly if you try to stay in a motel with no game plan!!!). Some shelters are overcrowded and chaotic and have high theft rates. Others, usually more ālong termā shelters, are generally safe places that have some annoying rules, generally that you have to leave every day at 6 or 7 AM.
The other people in shelters can be very kind and supportive. I am good friends with people from shelters I stayed in years later.
The part that shelters can turn you away is, unfortunately true an frequent. Most shelters run at max capacity constantly and only have beds available when someone leaves. Many shelters have esoteric rules about how and when you need to call, some can only accept applications from case managers.
Which is another thing, if you are dealing with complete lack of funds, are homeless, becoming homeless, or experiencing domestic violence get a case manager ASAP. They can help you navigate shit and apply for things, including long term shelters. They might also be annoying and waste your time YMMV, make sure to follow up and verify you are on housing lists they say you are on and ask other homeless people what they know about your case manager
The last bit I want to address is the pancake mix and peanut butter. Iām very ??? its more general being poor and housed advice. Even in long term shelters I had one chance to cook per week. Motels usually donāt have kitchenettes either. Homeless people generally donāt have access to kitchens and rely on premade food, one of many reasons why being homeless is expensive. I recommend finding protein bars you like/tolerate and buying a box to keep in your backpack. Peanut butter is filling but messy and makes no sense to carry around in a back and is banned in many shelters, churches and community centers since its a deadly allergen. Try and get food assitance/SNAP and remember it can be used towards grocery store hot bar meals (in the USA).
And I want to state something else. If you are couch surfing you are homeless. You can still apply for housing and get services!!!! And you should! Get food assistance benefits, get referrals!
Overall if you find yourself without a home, check your local community centers/service centers, ask for help! You deserve help!
Final parting message, if you go by someone on the street and they ask you for money, give them money or look at them directly and tell them āIām sorry I donāt have any cash I can give youā like you are talking to a person!!!!! GIVE HOMELESS PEOPLE MONEY ALL HOUSING SHOULD BE FREE