Some of you have been asking about my winter plans and I figured it was time to get the ball rolling. I hope that everyone (especially you fellow New England vagabonds) have been looking into either winterizing your rides or finding a warm dry place to hibernate. Per usual, an awesome solution fell into my lap last minute. Well, maybe I guided it just a little… Here me out!
I’m in college for Sociology (among other things) and focusing in social work. Living in my car has allowed me to meet some awesome people I’d never have come in contact with otherwise. They feel better talking to me when they find out we’re in the same boat.
So I was surfing the web, looking for cheap places to winter over, and I thought “hmmm… homeless shelter?” Yes, there is a difference (huge!) between being houseless and being homeless. Please keep in mind that every cent I have goes to college or food, so I don’t get to be picky. Anyway I totally lucked out. There is a church right next to my school that hosts a shelter and food kitchen from November through April. I’m going to volunteer there as well as sleep and eat, so not only will I be warm and fed all winter but I can put them on my resume. Sweet, right? It’s just a cot but, like I’ve said, I’m not picky. The best part is that I don’t have to drive all winter, so I don’t have to worry about the car making it through the snow.
So that’s the plan! Shelters are a great way to give back to the community and have a safe place to stay this winter. Please leave comments with other suggestions for winter residences, and stay warm!
I'm relieved to know you won't be camping out in that stairwell!
ReplyDeleteGood on you for finding a way to help others and having a warm bed!
Cyndi & Stumpy @ RVly Ever After
Hey Ash,
ReplyDeleteI have been reading your blog for some time. Your life choices are inspiring! Are you planning on doing ethnographic research while living along side people that utilize the homeless shelter?
Thank you for sharing your life's journey.
Very exciting example of expanding your thinking. So, you won't even have to drive to campus. Very elegant solution, I say.
ReplyDeleteCyndi, Me too! I'm just getting too well known around here...
ReplyDeleteTerri, I think I mentioned at one point that my mother has been telling people that I'm doing research for a future book, so I really should take some field notes. If nothing else I can use it should I return to school for a grad degree later on.