ranjbrown.com

Hey Ranj, I desperately need your help. I'm a squatter in Philadelphia. I'm from Missouri, but when my super Christian parents disowned me because of a pagan tattoo in 2005 I've been living on the streets. I'm presently using the computer at the library to write this to you. This is a cry for help. I have a high school diploma but no college education. When I was in MO, I use to do construction/carpentry for a friend of my father. However, after my father disowned me I was fired. I do smoke crack and I realize this is not helping me get out of my problem. Crack is the only enjoyment I find in life. I eat from dumpsters and I sleep in abandoned buildings. I don't want to be homeless anymore and I want to get my life back together but with no address, phone, or money it's impossible for me to rise above. I'm 26 years old and I'm in good physical shape. I'm not an idiot but I do make stupid mistakes which I later regret. There was a guy that was nice enough to let me stay on occasions at his apartment and shower at his place. However, the last time I stayed I left in the middle of the night and stole a few things of his so I could buy some crack. What is a crack-addicted, homeless, guy suppose to do. During the winter months I hop on a freight train and go South. This summer I would like to find a home so I don't have to go South. Could you point me in the right direction and give me some advice of how I can get my life together? - Trying to survive in Philadelphia.

Hey Trying, The first and hardest thing you MUST do is to beat your crack addiction. I know this is very difficult to do but the best thing is to get away from it. Go someplace where it is not available. I've personally seen crack destroy lives; however, I've seen people rise above their addictions and live fulfilling lives. Just by you showing the initiative to write and seek advice shows me that you CAN and WILL beat the drug. I do believe that there are homeless shelters for drug abusers. If you truly want to get your life together, use the library computer to find one of these shelters. If you can't find any organization to help you out then you have to beat the drug on your own. One thing you do have is access to an online computer and a valid email address. This can serve you better than you may know. The money you get from begging should be conserved and not spent on crack. I'm positive you can find food to survive (you done it this long) and you're a squatter so you don't have any bills. So, the money you get, save it. Go to the Salvation Army on 22nd and JFK and wait for donations in the back. From those donations find some decent clothes. This may take a few days to a week but, I know for a fact that people (like me) drop off clothes in the back. After you've collected 2-3 outfits you can act like a couch surfer and find people to take you in and get a regular showers (www.couchsurfing.com). DO NOT STEAL FROM THESE PEOPLE! If you do these things as I instructed you have a chance to get out of your predicament:  

1. QUIT SMOKING CRACK!!
2. Get a few outfits.
3. Join an online organization like Couch Surfing
4. If you don't have an ID, get one.
5. Go to Manpower or another temp agency (search online) and get a temp job.
6. Save money from the temp job and get a full time job and your own place. 

You may also find free handout clothes from Criagslist freebees. Don't appear to be homeless and you won't be for long. I realize this is going to be very difficult, but if you really put an effort towards getting your life together than you will. There are alot of other detailed tips so, if you have further questions, you know where to ask. I hope this helps you out. Good Luck.

BTW, I don't know if your my size but I'll be dropping off 2 garbage bags worth of clothes to the JFK Salvation Army on Monday April 13, 2009. So, be sure to grab them before one of the other homeless people do.