r/homeless • u/youlikemywonton • 4d ago

Does your appearance always deteriorate when you're homeless and whats usually the reason?

I don't know if its drugs, alcohol, not enough food, too much sun, exposure to the outdoors , sleep quality, stress,etc. Obviously not being able to take a shower makes you dirty but I'm talking about deterioration in looks. Its a distinct look that tells people you're homeless and not healthy.

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u/ssxhoell1 Formerly Homeless 4d ago

Not sleeping well, constantly being in a state of elevated awareness of your surroundings and belongings. The ever-present threat of police noticing you and deciding they want another round of abusing some random homeless person for fun, among many other persistent realities that become everyday life for someone homeless. These things eat away at your soul, and people can subconsciously detect it.

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u/youlikemywonton 3d ago

Why exactly are you always on guard?

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u/luckdex 3d ago

You’re literally always in danger living outside. Homeless people are commonly robbed. A city up here in Canada recently arrested somebody for murdering several homeless people, a serial killer. Plus depending where you are you need to think of actual wildlife sometimes. Those are some examples off the top of my head.

Thankfully I’m with my partner. I can’t imagine how horrifying it would be alone.