This series is going to be a bit all over the place as I have zero idea how to appropriately organize this one. This is a spin off of my struggle meals and budgeting tips series and is targeted more for those who are without housing. Everyone’s location is going to vary as well as services offered, please keep that in mind.

I can share what I did and some options I’ve heard of but please remember that 1. My location information is specific to Massachusetts and Rhode Island and 2. I haven’t been homeless since 2016 so some of the resources I used myself may no longer be an option. I will share what I can and if it can help anyone even remotely I’m happy.

Homeless tricks

1. Get a mailing address. This is key for getting documentation and getting off the street. In Boston the Saint Francis house at 39 Bolyston st by chinatown used to allow people to receive their mail there. That was the legal address on my ID for an embarrassingly long amount of time. Saint Francis also had community showering options, the place was a drug den though so I did try to avoid it unless it was necessary. Don’t talk to any clients there and keep your valuables on you, mind your own business and it’s a good resource. For Rhode Island residents look and see if the shelter at 415 Friendship street in Providence is still allowing clients to use their address as a mailing address.
2. Showering. Best option is a gym membership. If you’re not in a position to do that right away you are able to get day passes from local YMCAs and gyms, then use the showers. When going for a day pass you just say you are interested in joining and would like to try it out.
3. Prioritize belongings and look into storage units/lockers. If you’re not in a position to rent a storage unit you need to prioritize what you are keeping with you on a day to day basis. If you have a job and can stash a bag at work without issue- that is always a huge help.

Generalized poverty tips

1. I’ve said this before and I’ll continue to say it: write down every single bill that’s due each month and every expense. Tracking your spending can show you where you need to make adjustments. If you’re struggling to pay your rent you really don’t need 4 streaming services and daily door dash. I’m not saying you can get out of poverty cutting just these few corners but it’s better than nothing for a start.
2. Contact each utility company to figure out what their grace periods are for payment. If you’re in a position where you don’t have money for all the bills at one time but could spread them out safely in the grace period, that’s worth looking into. Most places when it comes to rent they can’t even file a notice to quit or any form of the eviction process until you are 14 days into the month that’s owed. Am I suggesting rent be the bill you mess around with? Absolutely not but that’s an example of how you can use the leeway naturally given to your benefit.
3. Check out burner phone options. Every location is different with services and what phones can actually work the best but switching to a prepaid monthly option can save you a lot in the long run. Personally I use straight talk (they have unlimited plans starting at $40 a month)

Being homeless sucks but it’s something that’s happening way more now than it has in years past. If you’d like me to go over options for living in cars, I do have some experience with that one as well.

Link to the struggle meals series part 1 https://cockroach-chronicles.com/2025/10/29/struggle-meal-tips-and-suggestions-for-budgeting-part-1/

Stay safe and warm people!🖤