Something you should always carry with you when you are homeless: a kitchen sponge.
A sponge is used mainly for keeping yourself clean when no shower is available. I also wet a sponge before I sit on a toilet seat: squeeze water on the seat and use toilet paper to wipe the seat clean.
Sleeping supplies. Yesterday, someone took my sleeping bag, blanket and sweatshirt (which I use to cover the carrying bag to use as a pillow) from where I was hiding it in a raised planter next to a commercial building; then, later that evening, one of my guardian angels instructed a human being to give me a sleeping bag!
Keep a small towel in your bag for drying your face and hands when no paper towels are available.
A small metal or plastic cup to fill with water or free coffee.
Clean underwear and socks. I do laundry once a month and have enough underwear to complete the month; I shower once a week and use the sponge method in between showers.
Nail clippers and dental floss; homeless centers always have free toothpaste and toothbrushes but never give out floss--which is critical for oral health care.
A plastic knife, fork and spoon. When you happen upon that perfectly good meal in a takeout container that someone has left on a park bench, it may not have eating utensils.
Extra pair of reading glasses and a couple of pens to write with.
Roll-on deodorant. You MUST do all you can to keep your body as clean as possible and NOT stink--or places will ask you to leave.
Half a roll of toilet paper. Toilet paper is good for A LOT of personal things--and, sometimes, right after you finish your business at the toilet, you discover that the TP supply is out in that stall.
A small airline-size blanket to use while resting on the lawn in a park--or use for warmth in winter.
And, a small, collapsible umbrella.
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