What's the toughest thing about being homeless?

More Guts On A Plate, Answers

What's the toughest thing about being homeless?

Not having a 24/7 toilet is the first thing that comes to mind.

Becoming instant criminal was hard on me. I got my first misdemeanor at age 57 for “Remaining After Hours”. Sad thing about that I was not remaining. I was sick. I told Sammy, I am not staying here tonight I am just taking a nap.” It was just about 10PM when I woke, started packing my blanket to go when the police arrived ticketing everyone who was under the fountain. Because homeless are not allowed to sleep anywhere, I was breaking the law every day. That was tough.

Being vulnerable might be considered tough. People close their doors and lock them when they go to sleep at night feeling fairly protected from getting robbed or raped. No such luxury on the streets, learn to sleep with one eye open. Feeling at the mercy of the police is another vulnerability. The majority of Long Beach cops and Beach Patrol officers were very nice to me. They overlooked a lot of stuff other homeless people did, such as drinking. They mostly did not roust people unless there was a complaint. I thought they had a lot of tolerance.

Being at the mercy of everyone is tough. Can not go to sleep when tired, can not eat when hungry, can not eat healthy, can not choose what to eat, can not go outside for a walk in the middle of the night when staying at Shelters. Loss of freedom. It was also hard sleeping with strangers, dealing with drunks, people under the influence of narcotics or some mentally ill people. Getting sick was tough. I got what I called “the Shelter hack” when staying at the Winter Shelter. A cold or flu when homed is bad. On the streets it is worse. It took much longer than normal to heal.

It was really hard to be talked down to by people, treated like a child after an adult lifetime of self-sufficiency.

Yet it is that toilet I thank the Power That Be for each and everyday, today. And the hot and cold running water.