I’ve been in SF for about 7 years and became homeless in June. The #1 thing that helps me is cash in my pocket, from day labor (odd jobs) and boosters from family and friends who know I’m not a drug addict/alcoholic. Obviously the latter can’t be offered by a gov because it would be abused, but work for cash saved my life. IME cash in hand is the biggest help.
#2 by far is bathroom access... followed by water and food. Anything beyond that feels too permanent for a healthy able bodied person.
The way people treat me when showered is night and day. And then going to places with opportunity/wealthy people and away from homeless populations is essential.
#2 by far is bathroom access... followed by water and food. Anything beyond that feels too permanent for a healthy able bodied person.
The way people treat me when showered is night and day. And then going to places with opportunity/wealthy people and away from homeless populations is essential.