Looks like we might be homeless soon. Just me and husband. No Kids. We have some money saved up but dont want to spend it all. Saving it for medical, etc… If any of you have been homeless and living in a homeless shelter please tell me about your experiences. It will be a womens shelter so I will not have to deal with men. Is it really that bad? This one is a christian one so there will be nice people to counsel me. We are going to try it for one day to see how it is. My husband will stay down the street at the mens shelter. if it is not too scary or a bad experience we will stay a while. Both of us will eventually be on SSI maybe but that will take a while. It is so weird I never thought my life would turn out like this.
The intake worker told me I looked too middle class and I would get beat up easily. She told me a prison culture exists in the shelter. Another staff member took me to the psych ward at the hospital making sure I remained there instead of the shelter.
I have never had to stay at a shelter myself but know many people who have. From what they have told me it seems that things vary greatly shelter to shelter and there can be a huge difference depending on the shelters location. I know the ones where I live are rather on the nice side compared to other areas of the country.
I’ve only heard that if you have belongings that other might want they will take them. Especially meds…any meds…they’ll get stolen. Perhaps this shelter has a lockbox for things like that?
Also what kind of social services are there in your area? Knowing about all of them is probably crucial at this point.
I personally find it ridiculous that anyone should have to find themselves in this situation but I wish you and your husband much hope and luck in this.
you probably think it is ‘redoiculous’ becuase you have enough money and a good place to sleep. i dont. I resent your comment and lack of understanding. your not a nice person. My situation is not rediculous. you are a really indecent human being.
**Sorry you are going through this!
I know shelters vary from place to place.
My son was ina shelter for awhile. He had toleave in the mornings, then be back at a certain time each night. Don`t know why, but he seemed to thrive at this time. There are always going to be people who steal. My son had a backpack and traveled light. they had breakfast in the morning.
Good luck to you and GD bless both of you.
I haven’t stayed in a traditional homeless shelter though I’ve been couch homeless and in respite care. I’ve know quite a few people who have stayed in them and have heard their stories.
Usually you have to spend the day outside the shelter, you can’t come back till a certain time. I’ve also heard that some shelters, particularly those run by religious groups, require you to attend religious services.
The streets are a nasty place. Always watch your stuff and your back. People will try to take advantage of you in every way possible. I’ sorry if this sounds scary but I just wanted to let you know how things might go so that you’re safe.
Call a local mental health clinic, there are often programs available to help when you become homeless. Call a drop-in center, they usually can provide you with information about services in your area. Also, the Salvation Army might be able to direct you to them as well.
Don’t despair, you can make it through this and things can change for the better.
When I was homeless, some of the shelters were a bit rough for a kid like me… I opted for the tent city. I know a lot of people in our city do go for the tent city option… that way married couples can stay together. Our city has very mild weather so it’s not that hard.
some shelters were a bit rough and scary, and some were night beds only. Some were also for people with addiction problems.
For your situation… I’d say having the christian center there to counsel you… might help you get off the streets sooner. I hope you and your husband don’t end up homeless… I hope some section 8 low rent housing comes your way… and your SSI gets processed quickly.