Best State to be Homeless

There was a period in my life when I suffered from serious depression, became unemployed and homeless. During this time, I traveled a lot and visited many states. Some states are terrible for being homeless, others much easier. However, one state was the clear winner for being homeless. Considering the state of our economy, I am hoping this information helps somebody out.

The clear winner for being homeless is the state of Hawaii, especially the large island. The advantages of being homeless in Hawaii include:

• Warm weather year round
• Public restrooms and showers and many beach locations
• Advocates for the homeless provide some services in Hilo and Kona
  
• Highest amount of food stamps (higher food costs in Hawaii)
  
• Free state paid medical care, including free dental care.
  
• Friendly Population
• Free buses - although they are infrequently scheduled
  
• Many backpackers to blend in with
• Low unemployment and lots of jobs
• Easiest state to get disability if you are disabled
• A lot of people pick up hitch hikers
• Longest life expectancy of the U.S. states
• The Big Island of Hawaii is marijuana friendly, but meth users can look forward to a possible mandatory life sentence. Avoid Hawaii if you are into hard drugs. We don't want you!
  

If you are looking to rebuild your life, I would suggest Kona on the Big Island. This is a fairly rich retirement community without enough local workers for the senior population. The first day when I arrived by bus, I saw a job application in a store window. When I went to apply, I was hired on the spot (job required a driver's license which I owned). I later applied at a restaurant for a part time job in the evenings. I was also hired on the spot. Later, I learned that this was not some random luck. Employers in this area are always desperate for workers.

Rent is exorbitant in the Kona area and a studio apartment will cost you around $1500 per month. Also there is no regular bus service to or from Hilo. This means that many of the local workers sleep or live in tents down at the beach.

There are several beaches in Kona. Avoid the one to the south of Kona and the area around downtown Kona. Most of the homeless people at these two beaches are alcoholics and drug addicts. You will see bottles and other trash along these beaches. Instead head north past the park till you reach the old airport park. There is a strip of sand behind the old runway next to the ocean. This is a long enough walk to discourage most of the addicts and troublemakers. Most of the people who camp here are hard workers and just can't afford a place to live. You will not see any trash along this beach and be sure not to leave any. You probably won't notice anybody, but there are other people that sleep down there and they have formed a loose knit community. If you cause problems, they will often engage in group justice to run you out. On the other hand if you are clean and civilized, they will leave you alone. I slept down there for about two weeks before I was even aware of them. I lived there for over 3 months with no problems.

Theoretically, there is a $100 fine if you are caught camping on the beaches in Hawaii. I have never seen or heard of anyone getting a fine though. An employer told me that the local business community discouraged the police department from giving tickets in that area, in order to try and attract more workers. I often saw police down at the park and they were always friendly to everybody. That being said, I also noticed that all tents and bedding were gone by sunrise (about 6 A.M.) and I always had my tent packed and hidden by then.

The old airport building has a couple of restrooms (rarely cleaned). There is also a shower nozzle on the building. Later, I discovered a public swimming pool at the SE end of the park on the way back to Kona. This is a very clean (chlorinated pools) and well managed facility. Entry is free to the public and they have hot showers. You will usually see a half dozen people doing exercise laps in the early morning.

Every day when I woke up, I would always say to myself - "wow, what a great day, I just woke up in paradise!". This may sound a bit silly, but there is a certain power in being grateful for what we have. I credit this little exercise every morning to improving my mental health and even my blood pressure.

When you live in paradise, who cares if you are homeless?

Although, I feel the Big Island is the best island for being homeless in Hawaii, it is not the only choice. Honolulu has the Sumner Homeless Men's Shelter which is supported by $2 million in tax dollars per year. You can stay there for $3 per night and get 3 free meals a day if you want. There are several homeless areas (tent cities) on this same island (Oahu). There are over 5000 homeless people on Oahu and a great number of them are mentally ill. Crime and harassment from the police are much more common on this island.

Here are some links for homeless life on the island of Oahu, Hawaii:

Homeless in Hawaii - NPR Article
Homeless in Hawaii - USA Today