Where Homeless People Sleep

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Homelessness is a global crisis existing in both developed and developing nations. While there are many ways to define homelessness, the simplest definition is: homelessness is the situation in which an individual lacks personal shelter. What places, then, can a person sleep and not call their own? Where exactly do homeless people sleep?

The 10 places where homeless people sleep

1) Cars

Living out of a vehicle sounds like a suitable option if you are homeless. It offers privacy and decent shelter. However, it does not offer enough security for someone to fall asleep soundly at night. This is especially true if the place where you choose to spend the night is known for its volatile situations and high crime rates. It is also uncomfortable for someone who cannot sleep well in cramped spaces.

The worst part is that you are always on the move. Every day, you must try to avoid exposing yourself to authorities. You could get punished in some manner for illegal parking or even sleeping in your car, depending on your state’s legislation. Sleeping in your car is a very uncertain way of life, which makes it difficult for you to ever be at ease.

2) Motels

Motels, especially if they are cheap, are popular among homeless families. They are safer than the streets and they provide a decent amount of space. They are also fairly affordable. However, they can be uncomfortable to live in because of poor conditions and lack of maintenance. Leaking roofs, tight spaces, and unhygienic kitchens are just a few examples of the problems a family can expect to face. More importantly, when the money runs out, the family is forced to go back on the street.

 

3) Storage Units

Some people refer to storage units as modern-day cardboard boxes. This comparison could have something to do with the accessibility and convenience of such units. While they are far from the ideal accommodation, they are decent options for temporary living. They are secure, dry, and less dangerous than being out on the streets. Many homeless people even keep their possessions in these storage units.

4) Parks

A weary, homeless man sleeping on a park bench is yet another common sight. Parks are tempting for homeless people because they are public spaces, thus they do not have to worry about trespassing boundaries. The lush grass and the wooden benches provide a decent space to stretch out or sleep. However, a peaceful night’s sleep is not a guarantee. Sometimes, the local police could ask you to move over to a different spot.

5)  Streets

The street does not sound like an ideal place to spend the night in. It is too open, too noisy, and too uncomfortable for anyone to be tempted to choose it. In most cases, however, a homeless person has no other choice but to sleep on the streets. This is especially true if that person is also struggling with addictions and social phobias that make him prefer the idea of living by himself on a street.

6) Tent Cities

Encampments for homeless people have sprung up all over the US and other parts of the world. These are regions where a group of people set up camps together, typically on the outskirts of the city. The issue here is that these encampments are controversial. Cities are trying to break them up, which could spell homelessness for all the residents. However, social programs like Navigation Center in San Francisco are trying to improve the lives of the homeless. The Navigation Center does this by trying to move whole encampments into a temporary space. People are settled here within 45 days.

7)  Abandoned Buildings

Abandoned buildings are very common in cities. They provide a convenient place to sleep, or even live temporarily. While they are not as safe as homeless shelters, they are peaceful and ideal for people who are not interested in socializing with anyone.

8)  Couches

Homelessness can strike us in many ways. It can be a brief episode, or it can be lengthier. In such a critical situation, our first instinct is to turn to friends and family members. If we are lucky, some of them will offer us their couch to sleep in. This has given rise to the phenomenon of “couch surfing”, whereby homeless people spend every night at a friend or relative’s home. While a couch is a comfortable place to sleep in, many people also opt for garages and sheds.

People who sleep on couches are generally referred to as the hidden homeless, because they do not access homeless support services. As a result, they are not part of any official homelessness statistics. Their homelessness is undocumented.

The time someone can spend at their friend’s house depends on how long the friend will extend their hospitality.

9)  Foreclosed Houses

In many countries, thousands of foreclosed homes are either empty or boarded up. For the homeless person, such places provide decent space, shelter, and security. Thus, it is no surprise that so many homeless people choose to spend their nights in vacant buildings like these.

Much like abandoned buildings, foreclosed homes are ideal for anyone looking forward to a quiet night’s sleep and as little social interaction as possible.

10) Homeless Shelters

Rounding up this list are homeless shelters, the places that appear to be the most sensible options for homeless people. However, you would be surprised to learn that not everyone wants to spend the night in these shelters. In places like San Francisco, shelters are running at full capacity. This makes for very crowded and uncomfortable places. Another concern is the potential exposure to drugs and other vices, considering the diverse range of personalities you can find there.

For many people, shelters are out of the question because they just do not suit them. They can feel restrictive, with their strict rules against things you prefer. For instance, some shelters do not allow people to bring certain possessions or pet animals.