WE’RE HOUSELESS NOT HOMELESS, RIGHT? But conventional society sees everyone not living in buildings as homeless. As pitiable. As suspicious. As criminals. Dangerous to their worldview, anyway. Happiness without a house? That’s impossible! And it should be illegal, right?
We occasionally encounter homeless people while boondocking. If not them, then the evidence they have been there. Although regular society sees no difference between them and us, we see clear delineations—even when the dividing line is razor thin and full of holes and our own biases. If you need a succinct explanation of how our unconventional life choice is very different than homelessness, or if you’re starting to wonder whether you’re less of a pioneer in alternative living and more of a glorified wandering vagrant, here are four measurements social workers use.
PRESENTATION
Those living non-traditional lives usually have the desire and resources to keep themselves and their rigs looking presentable. If not fancy, at least clean and neat.
PLANNING
Those living non-traditional lives usually have plans beyond the immediate need for food and shelter. The plans might be about saving toward a goal, joining a community of likeminded people, recovering from trauma, traveling, finding work, collecting experiences, or some other intentional action.
POSSESSIONS OF PURPOSE
Non-traditional living tends to lean toward minimalism. As much a possible, each possession has a job, is used often, and can be easily accessed when needed. Conversely, a symptom of homeless is the gathering of possessions regardless of their need or usefulness.
PERSONAL PERCEPTION
But the most straight forward measure of whether you’re homeless or simply living simply is what you consider yourself to be, and whether it’s working for you in ways conventional living didn’t or can’t. Are you content with who you are and what you’re doing? That’s what matters.
So, what do you think about these indicators? Do the social scientists know what they’re talking about?
I lived in my Toyota Prius for 6 months. I traveled all over and met a lot of good folks. From the Slabs, Black Bear Commune, Las Vegas, the RTR at Quartzite and many other places. Low cost for gas, meals. Joined a 24 hour fitness for $35.00 a month, library for Internet and recharge and showers. I wasn’t home less my car/RV had it all.
I’m thinking about living in my car so I can travel but I’m a female and a little scared. How do you protect yourself? I have a dog that would help. I need friends too. My husband just passed away and I’m scared.
There are a lot of good resources for new, solo, female nomads at Homes on Wheels Alliance. See the links in the menu above. Their caravan program has been helpful for many.
I started fulltime RVing at age 53,15 years ago
I have always had my dogs. One is a protective barker and nobody but nobody has ever bothered me in the last 15 years. Your dog will be your biggest asset imo. Go for it. You will soon get over your fear and be comfortable. Camping out in the countryside is no different than living in a house out in the country with no close neighbors.
Trina, I’m a widow, a single female, and I traveled alone for over a year. No dog. No gun. Good cell phone is important, keep it with you all the time!. I stayed mostly in state and national park campgrounds and did stay overnight at some Walmarts. I always felt safe, campers are friendly and willing to help if you need it. I had a flat tire two different times and other campers helped change the tire for me. It was an awesome experience and I’m so glad that I did it.
You can do it, too!
Perfectly presented “parameters”/indicators!
I’ve been a full time nomad for 2 years in a van and have never seen such a specific, insightful and constructive explanation of homeless/houseless. Thank you.
You said it well! Even better than these other words IMO. My favorite part was purpose.
I looked for antonyms of homeless and found these: What is the opposite of homeless? ; settled · fixed ; rooted · established ; permanent · stable ; sedentary · resident ; inhabiting · unmoving …
■{ … – you forgot the word : ” Petrified ” ! … }
I think I will use Petrified on my brother who thinks I can do it.
A perfect summation of how I feel. Excellent article.
Privacy is a big issue for nomads and the homeless, everyone should ger decent choices.
I like succinct. You nailed it. Nothing more to say
How you view yourself!
Good point.
Either way, both need to persevere in prayer; as we all do.
Safe travels.
Excellent descriptions! We certainly didn’t feel homeless in the three years we traveled full-time in a small motorhome even though we sold our last house to buy the RV. We still only own things that have purpose, though, even though none is a house nor an RV.
Thank you. Spot on.
Al: Can you please cite a reference (or several) for what you described as the ‘four measurements social workers use’ to differentiate a person who is homeless from one who is houseless?
I have a bad habit of scrapping source material once I’m done with it. Sorry.
Any chance you can somehow resurrect it? I ask because it’s important in terms of how the larger society may treat us into the future, and it may help us in combatting negativity.
Hi Trina, I’m in a 63 Is your old woman whose husband also past away. I have lived in my 1983 Ford econoline conversion van for 9 years with my standard poodle Buddy.
I was fearful at 1st also but I have to say I’ve never had any problems and have met many really decent people.
When I 1st got the Van I gutted it and rebuilt it inside to suit my needs, I’m very self sufficient and I enjoy my way of life. It is very satisfying not to be tied down to a building or any particular place.
I have black out curtains for parking at night and do not draw attention to myself in any way. I prepare my Van for sleep before I park and avoid getting in or out once I am parked for the night. I move on early in the morning.
That means not putting towels over the windows, nor a sunshade up at night and keeping in the area where you park at night clean and tidy. It’s quite easy to find trash cans to dispose of waste in small batches.
I never park near school’s, parks, residential neighborhoods or private parking lots. Public streets near warehouses or offices seem to work best for me.
I also find it helpful to be discriminate when and if I share that my Van is also my residence.
It is a great way of life and I think you should go for it. You learn tricks and tips along the way and meet some fantastic people too.
I wish you the best of luck Trina, And who knows one day our paths may cross.
“I never park near… residential neighborhoods…”
I’ve streetdocked several times in neighborhoods that are mostly apartments or condos. There are so many people and vehicles that no one can keep track of who “belongs.”