So you’ve lost your home or are at risk of homelessness. Whether due to job loss, medical bills, or you’re possibly experiencing domestic violence, you find yourself without a place to live. Don’t panic. Becoming homeless is scary and typically causes emotional distress, but there are resources to help you understand what to do if you become homeless.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you along the steps to survive and recover from homelessness. There are always people and organizations such as homeless programs, housing resources, crisis counseling, human services, and other services available to you. Staying positive is difficult, but keep your head up.
Assess Your Current Situation
The first step is to analyze your situation. Do you have a place to stay tonight? If not, search for emergency shelters or community organizations. Your safety and well-being should be the first priority. If you do have temporary housing, assess your risk of becoming homeless. Identifying the root cause helps determine steps to get back on your feet. There are also options for people with specific situations, such as the national domestic violence hotline; the veterans crisis line, for homeless veterans; and the national call center.
Make a list, and start seeking resources. Do you have family or friends who can offer temporary support? Are there local communities, government programs, or other resources that can help you find assistance? Check if you qualify for unemployment benefits, food assistance, or Medicaid.
Find Emergency Shelter and Food
If you find yourself homeless, finding emergency shelter and food should be your top priority. Homeless shelters provide temporary housing assistance and meals. Contact your local community shelters to check availability and intake procedures. Some shelters have certain requirements like sobriety, so ask about eligibility.
Shelters reach capacity fast, especially in winter, so go as early in the day as possible. Don’t be afraid to ask the staff for extra blankets, toiletries or any other essentials you need. Shelters aim to provide you a safe place to stay for a limited time.
Visit local churches and charities
Places of worship and charities in your area may be able to offer you hot meals, groceries, or temporary housing. Simply explain your situation, and ask if they have resources to help people in need or know of additional organizations that can assist you.
Apply for Government Assistance Programs
Check if you meet the requirements for programs like SNAP food stamps, Medicaid for health care and insurance, or cash assistance to help pay for essentials until you get back on your feet. Local nonprofits can also help determine your eligibility and assist you in applying for aid.
The process can be frustrating but the key is not to delay. Take action to contact and access essential resources. And don’t lose hope – you can work toward stabilizing your situation. Staying at a shelter isn’t ideal, but it will provide you safety while you take steps toward securing more permanent housing again.
Look For Transitional and Permanent Housing
Once you’ve secured your immediate basic needs, start looking for more stable, yet affordable housing options. This could include transitional housing, temporary shelters, or programs to help you find permanent housing.
Transitional Housing
Transitional housing provides temporary housing along with support services to help you get back on your feet. Programs typically last 2-3 years. Look for non-profits in your area that offer transitional housing and support services for those experiencing homelessness. They can help you create a plan to receive job training and referrals, health care, child care, and permanent housing.
Supportive Housing
Supportive housing provides subsidized housing and coordinated support services for those experiencing chronic homelessness. Eligibility depends on meeting certain criteria around homelessness, disability and mental illness status, income level, and more. They provide affordable housing, often with rent based on 30% of your income, and you can stay as long as you comply with your lease.
Take Care of Your Mental and Physical Health
Becoming homeless is an extremely difficult experience that can take a major toll on both your physical and mental health, especially if you suffer from serious mental illness. It’s important to make self-care a priority to maintain the strength and clarity of mind to improve your situation. Although possibly challenging, do your best to practice good hygiene like showering, brushing your teeth, and washing your hands. This will help you avoid health issues and feel better about yourself during this period.
See a doctor for any physical or mental health issues as soon as possible. Many clinics offer services for homeless individuals on a sliding scale. Do not ignore health problems, they can spiral out of control quickly. Isolation and loneliness often accompany homelessness. Connecting with others in your nearby communities can help combat depression and provide support.
Focus on Next Steps
Once you have secured your basic needs, work on a plan to get into stable housing again. Having a goal to work towards will give you motivation and purpose. Take things day by day, be kind to yourself, and stay focused on self-improvement.
Find odd jobs online to help gain some income. There are often jobs on sites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, LinkedIn, or Indeed. Beware for fake ads! Though becoming homeless is challenging and traumatic, maintaining your wellbeing is important to overcoming your situation. You have the strength and ability to get through this difficult time.
Homeless? Apply For a FREE Phone With EASY Wireless!
If you find yourself homeless, the last thing you’re likely thinking about is buying a phone. So what if we told you that you could score one for free! With government programs like Lifeline & ACP, you could qualify for EASY Wireless’ free phone plan! Here’s what it offers:
What Benefits Do You Get With EASY Wireless?
Upon qualifying for one of the programs above with EASY Wireless, you will receive the following benefits:
EASY Wireless Unlimited Plan
- FREE Unlimited Data
- FREE Unlimited Talk
- FREE Unlimited Text
- FREE SIM Card Kit and Activation
- Choose to Keep Your Number or Get a New One
How do I Apply For EASY Wireless Benefits?
To get started with EASY Wireless, apply online by clicking the below:
Start Saving Today!
Or you can come to one of the EASY Wireless’s retail stores, where our customer service agent will help you apply for the benefits.
Either way, the first step is to provide proof of identity with a government-issued ID. This is so you can confirm your participation in one of the qualifying programs or that you meet the household income requirement.
We accept the following U.S. Government Issued ID:
- U.S. Driver License
- Certificate of U.S. Citizenship
- Certificate of Naturalization
- U.S. Passport
- U.S. Government, State or Tribal issued-ID
- U.S. Military ID cards
- Permanent Resident Cards
- Permanent Resident Alien Cards
You can show the following documents to prove that you are taking part in a government assistance program or use them as proof of active benefits:
- Statement of benefits from a qualifying Program.
- Notice letter of participation, such as an award letter
- Program participation documents, such as a screenshot from an online account.
- In order to show income, you can provide any of the following proofs:
- Unemployment Documentation
- Copy of your State or Federal income tax return.
- Three months’ worth of current pay stubs.
- Veterans Administration or SSI benefits letter.
- A divorce decree or child support document that states income.
- Retirement or pension statement.
Need More Than Just One Line of Service or an Additional Phone?
EASY Wireless is a full-service cellular store that cares about all of your communication needs. We have a wide range of pre-paid plans for every budget and usage requirement. Also, we offer a selection of brand-name phones that combine quality, reliability, and the latest technology.
And that’s not all – we also provide an array of amazing accessories to enhance your mobile experience. At EASY Wireless, we’re dedicated to providing exceptional service and ensuring you find the perfect plan, phone, and accessories to suit your lifestyle and preferences.
Visit us for all your cell phone and wireless service needs today!
