Free Press World - June 4, 2004
Just 2 Paychecks Away
A Reference To Prepare You Note: This may be updated from time to time. So check back and see if anything has been added.
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I am sure many of you have heard that saying that you could be only 2 paychecks away from being homeless. Well that saying is true, because I have lived this dilemma. But I can tell you this much, you can survive this situation and come back from what seems to be a life for the living dead. However, just the common sense that all humans have can bring you back from almost any situation. Just keep in mind throughout this that common sense is rule number one. Therefore this is my gift to any of you who may someday find yourself in the homeless situation.

Times are changing in the world, people are losing their jobs everyday, natural disaster, and now there is the constant threats of terrorist attacks as well. So you never know if or when you may end up chased from your home or your city., and cast into a world you only heard or read about, but never experienced. Before I begin I want to let you understand this is about survival with a vehicle. I was fortunate enough to have one, and it saved my life. As for those less fortunate living on the streets, I can not tell you their story.

I was inspired to write this because some time ago I seen a website about vehicle living. However they were selling a book about the subject, and I got the impression it was written more for the adventure seeker than the truly homeless person. After all if you have nothing, you most certainly have bigger priorites than buying a book. This is not about an adventure, but about the reality of staying alive. So I have been debating to write this for a long time now, but I feel now more than ever this should be written and made free to anyone who wishes to read it. So let's begin with the basics on how to make the best of a bad situation.

First off the obvious, you will need a vehicle. The larger the vehicle the better, especially if you will have a companion, or maybe even a child with you. A low amount of windows van is the number one choice of course, but virtually any enclosed vehicle can be adapted. When I say enclosed, I do not mean air tight as ventilation is always a must. Also you will still need to consider the costs of fuel these days. So each day plan wisely on a place to go, and stay put as long as you can. Do not just drive around all day. The days of grapes of wrath are over, and you can not just set up camp wherever you want anymore. The police will chase you off in a New York minute, but respect them anyway. It is most likely not what they feel at heart for you, but what the political arena forces them to do.

On the subject of children I strongly suggest if you have children, try getting them shelter elsewhere with some friends or relatives perhaps. This kind of life is not suitable for a child, and in a cramped environment patience can get thin between parents and children. I do NOT suggest welfare, or other agencies like that. There can be problems later on trying to unite back with your children due to some possible over zealous social worker. So consider friends or family as your first alternative.

The vehicle you will need should be owned completely by you, and not something you owe a bank or finance company for. If you are not working it would not be logical to try to live in such a vehicle, because sooner or later a tow truck would come and haul your home away for non-payment. So I would suggest even if you do have a vehicle right now that is financed, go out and buy another direct for cash. There are thousands maybe millions of used vehicles looking for a home out there, and many are affordable to almost anyone. Right now maybe you are thinking "well I do not want to drive that old thing around" Well I can understand that because maybe right now you are more interested in making a fashion statement than surviving. But believe this. If your homeless days come, fashion will be the farthest issue from your mind. But for now that is just fine, just bring home your "old thing" and park it somewhere. If it really bothers you that much, park it at a friend's house or in your garage, but do not forget about it.

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