Writing a runaway/homeless character?
It’s very possible that one day you’ll want to write a runaway, or someone living on the streets, or someone who is just up to no good, or all of the above! You need some good old research. Well here; I did some of that work for you!
Obviously not all of these characteristics/actions are interchangeable so use discretion (i.e. I’m not implying that all homeless people jump borders or shoplift, but some may if they get desperate. These are just suggestions).
Runawayguide - Yep, this guy ran away from home when he was 16 and is currently traveling the world. My favorite posts of his:
How to Eat Cheap Around the World
How to Sleep on the Street
How to Avoid Being Robbed
How to Sneak into Anywhere
(Also make sure to read through the comments on his posts because a lot of his visitors tell plenty outrageous stories to get your ideas rolling.)
Wikihow - You know it. Like Wikipedia, I wouldn’t put my full trust in them, but they’re pretty thorough. Runawayguide already discusses some of this stuff, but these are good “big idea” articles.
How to Disappear Completely
How to Run Away from Home
Other articles - I can’t guarantee that any of these are 100% accurate or trustworthy, so if you’re having your doubts try to get a few more sources to back it up.
How to Live Life on the Run
How to Steal a Dead Person’s Identity
How to Steal from a Vending Machine
Working Without a Social Security Number
Ten Things Novels Get Wrong about Homeless People
"My First Night Homeless"
"A Message to Homeless Teens"
Interesting Chart Differentiating Between Poor, Middle Class and Wealthy
Spent (Can You Make It Through the Month with $1,000?) - Interactive Game
Also, FYI, it is legal for adolescents in most states to run away. I wasn’t aware of this at all before my research and thought it was a cool tidbit.
Please feel free to add your own references/resources!
blakekathryn
prguitarman
gummygunk
s-u-f-j-a-n-s-t-e-v-e-n-s
snowghoul
gamechangershow
