There are two forms of homelessness in America.
Those with a vehicle and those without. Staying warm and dry is CRITICAL!! Do you know people who are in need of housing? During the winter in particular people are freezing to death in the streets regularly! Be friends with your local backpacker and make sure they don't die because you forgot about them. This is a stark reality, but nothing keeps someone warm at night except blankets and a heat source.
The Backpacker!
If you know people who don't have a car, have trouble keeping camp and are always on the go you need to focus on light weight supplies that they can take with them everywhere they go! To frequently we have people who are struggling with homelessness having their camps raided by police and private agencies, or vandalized by people who view their temporary housing as a disgust. When I was on foot I would always keep a couple high quality Ponchos. Let me stress the quality factor here. A cheap ponchos will fall apart after the first couple uses. Durable ponchos will last years and duel purpose as a tarp while taking up a fraction for the space. Its worth while to have and has saved my neck more than a few times.
My favorite, especially in the summer is a quick tie Enos Hammock. They are light, durable, comfortable and make life quick and simple when you are on the go. Make sure you get some good hammock straps too! The good ones don't damage the wildlife, are safe for supporting several hundred pounds, and pack down into a light weight and portable bag. Personally I prefer Enos because I have had such a great experience with them.
You know what I actually wanted more than anything before I had my van? A military grade 4 piece Sleeping System from the US Army. It comes with a bivy bag which is the MOST important piece. Even if you just had a bivy bag you would be able to keep dry and camouflaged wherever you are. They also come with a two piece sleeping bag system which will allow you to sleep in sub zero temperatures as easily as nice fall or summer night! This sleeping system can and does save lives on a regular basis, thats why its manufactured for US soldiers surviving extreme weather conditions daily.
Car Survival?!
This is a blessing and a curse, once you get into a vehicle from being on foot nothing in the world feels better. The one difference is the expenditure with insurance prices, gas and maintenance. More than likely you are going to be spending more living out of your vehicle than on foot. The pay off is being safer from the elements, and also having mobility to be more active in society. These days I keep a gym membership for showering, and work all throughout the city. Without a car, it can be much more difficult to earn a living, but you will be spending less everyday. So what would help a kid like me survive a little easier? Access to HOT WATER would make everything better. As a regular coffee drinker, not having a kitchen to quickly boil water cost to much! Investing in one of these Jetboil's would pay itself off in less than a months time.
What else? A PLACE TO PARK the car at night!! That and a good home "security system".
The moral of this story is look out for the people you love that are struggling to survive. There are basic human necessities that people without housing don't have access to. Help them. Not by giving them money, or telling them what direction is up. Help them by getting them something that will make everyday after easier than the last! Help them stay warm, help them stay feed, help them stay clean. Be the catalyst that allowed them to get back on their feet.
Thank you for reading!!
-Road Scho