One Man's Solution
Dan Price, who lives in Oregon, made a partial underground dwelling to live in. He figures that
he can live on about $5000 per year. He made an agreement with the land owner for
$100/year. With income from some writing and a part time job he manages to live quite well.
There was an article about him in Mother Earth News (Dec/Jan 2002). The worst problem?
Thieves breaking in and stealing anything they can get.
Dan Price, who lives in Oregon, made a partial underground dwelling to live in. He figures that
he can live on about $5000 per year. He made an agreement with the land owner for
$100/year. With income from some writing and a part time job he manages to live quite well.
There was an article about him in Mother Earth News (Dec/Jan 2002). The worst problem?
Thieves breaking in and stealing anything they can get.
Developing and Sharing Ideas
I would like to develop ideas on living inexpensively but well. There are a wide range of
possibilities. Unconventional methods of home building, more efficient heating, alternative
energy, and all sorts of new ideas keep developing all the time. Every week I'm reading about
new products that will soon become available that are more efficient and lower cost.
Millions of people on low fixed incomes could benefit from learning alternative means of living,
and cutting back on what doesn't actually benefit their life. If you have experience along these
lines, or ideas of new possibilities, please let me know. Perhaps you know of areas of the
country that are not hostile toward people developing new living concepts.
Clyde
email me at: clyde@homelessamerican.com
I would like to develop ideas on living inexpensively but well. There are a wide range of
possibilities. Unconventional methods of home building, more efficient heating, alternative
energy, and all sorts of new ideas keep developing all the time. Every week I'm reading about
new products that will soon become available that are more efficient and lower cost.
Millions of people on low fixed incomes could benefit from learning alternative means of living,
and cutting back on what doesn't actually benefit their life. If you have experience along these
lines, or ideas of new possibilities, please let me know. Perhaps you know of areas of the
country that are not hostile toward people developing new living concepts.
Clyde
email me at: clyde@homelessamerican.com
| Alternatives to Living on the Street (or some situations that are almost as bad) |
What can people with a small income, inadequate to afford most
conventional housing, do instead of ending up living on the street?
conventional housing, do instead of ending up living on the street?
Build-It-Yourself Housing
Mother Earth News magazine has articles in the June/July '06 issue on inexpensive cabins that
a person with basic woodworking ability, and willing to do the hard work, can make. One was
built for about $2000 by utilizing some used materials, and it looks great. They have loads of
articles about how to live inexpensively, and with a high quality of life.
Mother Earth News magazine has articles in the June/July '06 issue on inexpensive cabins that
a person with basic woodworking ability, and willing to do the hard work, can make. One was
built for about $2000 by utilizing some used materials, and it looks great. They have loads of
articles about how to live inexpensively, and with a high quality of life.
Alternative Sources of Energy
Some magazines showcase alternative energy systems in expensive homes. These are fine
for the ecology minded wealthy, but are far out of reach for most people. Meanwhile there is
equipment available that is practical, and prices are coming down on some equipment. The
October/November 2006 issue of Mother Earth News magazine has articles on lower cost solar
electric power systems.
Many conveniences, such as televisions, now use far less power than they used to. LED (light
emmiting diode) lighting requires 1/4 the power of conventional bulbs, and with batteries can
be put where needed, instead of lighting a large area. Compact flourescent bulbs as a
replacement for conventional tungsten lighting use a fraction of the power, and last longer.
Rechargeable batteries keep improving too.
Some magazines showcase alternative energy systems in expensive homes. These are fine
for the ecology minded wealthy, but are far out of reach for most people. Meanwhile there is
equipment available that is practical, and prices are coming down on some equipment. The
October/November 2006 issue of Mother Earth News magazine has articles on lower cost solar
electric power systems.
Many conveniences, such as televisions, now use far less power than they used to. LED (light
emmiting diode) lighting requires 1/4 the power of conventional bulbs, and with batteries can
be put where needed, instead of lighting a large area. Compact flourescent bulbs as a
replacement for conventional tungsten lighting use a fraction of the power, and last longer.
Rechargeable batteries keep improving too.
Living Off the Grid
For those who want to live farther out in the country, where electrical power and some other
conveniences may not be available but land is cheaper, there are alternatives. It's possible to
have limited electrical power with solar panels or wind power, or a generator for occasional
use. Systems for drinking water and waste are also available. These don't have to be very
expensive, and eliminate the need to buy such services. People lived in the country long
before there were the kind of conveniences we expect today. With current technology it's
possible to live far better than people did a century ago, but still not depend entirely on public
utilities. If you aren't paying everything you have on rent it can be it possible to buy these
systems, and not have to pay ever rising energy costs.
For those who want to live farther out in the country, where electrical power and some other
conveniences may not be available but land is cheaper, there are alternatives. It's possible to
have limited electrical power with solar panels or wind power, or a generator for occasional
use. Systems for drinking water and waste are also available. These don't have to be very
expensive, and eliminate the need to buy such services. People lived in the country long
before there were the kind of conveniences we expect today. With current technology it's
possible to live far better than people did a century ago, but still not depend entirely on public
utilities. If you aren't paying everything you have on rent it can be it possible to buy these
systems, and not have to pay ever rising energy costs.
Section 8 Housing
Some people who have a disibility and very limited resources, as with social security or SSI
income, may qualify for subsidized housing based on a percentage of their income, known as
Section 8 housing (information available at hud.gov), but there are usually long waiting lists.
This may be good for those who depend on some services in urban areas due to health
problems. Those with substantial medical problems may need to live where the appropriate
medical facilities are.
Some people who have a disibility and very limited resources, as with social security or SSI
income, may qualify for subsidized housing based on a percentage of their income, known as
Section 8 housing (information available at hud.gov), but there are usually long waiting lists.
This may be good for those who depend on some services in urban areas due to health
problems. Those with substantial medical problems may need to live where the appropriate
medical facilities are.
Urban Homeless Living
People who are homeless due to not being able to afford housing often find ways to live in
urban environments, but it's certainly not a good way to live. I've seen articles on novel ways
people have made shelter for themselves, even if not legal. One person made a home for
himself right inside a lift bridge in Chicago, until he got caught. I'm not suggesting that anyone
should have to live like that. What about finding ways of living legally, peacefully, and with a
good quality of life instead of spending everything just to get a room with a bed and a
bathroom in a slum neighborhood?
People who are homeless due to not being able to afford housing often find ways to live in
urban environments, but it's certainly not a good way to live. I've seen articles on novel ways
people have made shelter for themselves, even if not legal. One person made a home for
himself right inside a lift bridge in Chicago, until he got caught. I'm not suggesting that anyone
should have to live like that. What about finding ways of living legally, peacefully, and with a
good quality of life instead of spending everything just to get a room with a bed and a
bathroom in a slum neighborhood?
Learning to Deal With It
In not so many years I may be living on just a social security check, like so many millions of
others. The prospect of having to live in a cheap run-down trailer park or apartment doesn't
appeal to me. Many cheap rentals I've seen are absolutely awful, with noise, crime, and drug
dealing. I wouldn't even walk through some areas of the county where I live after dark unless it
was an emergency. It's not a way anyone should have to live, and part of why I'm thinking of
what alternatives there are.
So many people try to live in a lifestyle, promoted by the media, that they have come to think
of as necessary. Does every household really need a huge flat screen TV, central AC running
24/7, and all the latest electronic toys? Many people spend all they have on stuff they don't
really need, and then find themselves homeless when the money runs out.
Making the changes in lifestyle are not necessarily easy, but there are ways of living that can
actually be better while not costing nearly as much.
In not so many years I may be living on just a social security check, like so many millions of
others. The prospect of having to live in a cheap run-down trailer park or apartment doesn't
appeal to me. Many cheap rentals I've seen are absolutely awful, with noise, crime, and drug
dealing. I wouldn't even walk through some areas of the county where I live after dark unless it
was an emergency. It's not a way anyone should have to live, and part of why I'm thinking of
what alternatives there are.
So many people try to live in a lifestyle, promoted by the media, that they have come to think
of as necessary. Does every household really need a huge flat screen TV, central AC running
24/7, and all the latest electronic toys? Many people spend all they have on stuff they don't
really need, and then find themselves homeless when the money runs out.
Making the changes in lifestyle are not necessarily easy, but there are ways of living that can
actually be better while not costing nearly as much.
Cooperative Housing
I've noticed that in some university neighborhoods that cooperative housing (co-ops) are
somewhat popular with the student population. The co-op owns or leases the property and
members share in expenses and chores. Some have meals for all the residents. In such
co-ops it's possible to live for far less than having an apartment. Of course, for a co-op to
function successfully the residents must get along together. In ones I've seen, a person
interested in joining the co-op must be approved by the current members and agree to house
rules. While obviously not for everyone, this type of housing would be excellent for many
people on relatively low incomes. Link to Wikipedia article: Housing Cooperative.
I've noticed that in some university neighborhoods that cooperative housing (co-ops) are
somewhat popular with the student population. The co-op owns or leases the property and
members share in expenses and chores. Some have meals for all the residents. In such
co-ops it's possible to live for far less than having an apartment. Of course, for a co-op to
function successfully the residents must get along together. In ones I've seen, a person
interested in joining the co-op must be approved by the current members and agree to house
rules. While obviously not for everyone, this type of housing would be excellent for many
people on relatively low incomes. Link to Wikipedia article: Housing Cooperative.
In Arizona many Hopi villages have been turning to solar electric power. The Hopi prefer not to
have major utility companies intruding on their land and also like solar power as being
non-polluting. Over 800 solar power units have been installed for Hopi and other Native
American homes.
have major utility companies intruding on their land and also like solar power as being
non-polluting. Over 800 solar power units have been installed for Hopi and other Native
American homes.
 | |  |
One of the weaknesses of our age is
our apparent inability to distinguish
our need from our greed.
Author unknown
our apparent inability to distinguish
our need from our greed.
Author unknown
While an old style
fireplace may be
suitable for some,
there are newer
alternatives that are
far more efficient.
fireplace may be
suitable for some,
there are newer
alternatives that are
far more efficient.
A Solar Electric Panel
Such panels are quite expensive at present, but
the prices keep coming down. From 1998 to 2008
the cost of home photovoltaic systems dropped
30%, and 4% in just the last year (from a Berkeley
lab report). At present a 2000 watt home system
could cost around $18,000, but would a 500 watt
system do the job for you?
Such panels are quite expensive at present, but
the prices keep coming down. From 1998 to 2008
the cost of home photovoltaic systems dropped
30%, and 4% in just the last year (from a Berkeley
lab report). At present a 2000 watt home system
could cost around $18,000, but would a 500 watt
system do the job for you?
Living in Travel Trailers?
A lot of people have turned to living in travel trailers to cut expenses, even if just until they can
get better housing. This has become even more common lately with the current economic
situation. It can be done, though that may depend a great deal on the local climate. In
northern states where temperatures get well below zero it may not be possible, as the typical
travel trailers offer very little insulation.
In order to be legal, it usually becomes necessary to stay in a travel park, which isn't cheap
either. In some areas it's okay to pay a landowner to use their property, when not barred by
local ordinances.
In areas like in Florida, the outdoor area is usable most of the year as part of the overall living
area. Having a large tarp, grill, and outdoor furniture makes for a desirable living area.
A couple links of interest: cheaprvliving.com and workamper.com.
A lot of people have turned to living in travel trailers to cut expenses, even if just until they can
get better housing. This has become even more common lately with the current economic
situation. It can be done, though that may depend a great deal on the local climate. In
northern states where temperatures get well below zero it may not be possible, as the typical
travel trailers offer very little insulation.
In order to be legal, it usually becomes necessary to stay in a travel park, which isn't cheap
either. In some areas it's okay to pay a landowner to use their property, when not barred by
local ordinances.
In areas like in Florida, the outdoor area is usable most of the year as part of the overall living
area. Having a large tarp, grill, and outdoor furniture makes for a desirable living area.
A couple links of interest: cheaprvliving.com and workamper.com.
A wind turbine by
Aerotecture,
aerotecture.com,
mounted on a roof.
The blades of the
turbine are clear plastic.
The cost of devices
such as this could come
down substantially in
the next few years, and
with higher efficiency.
Aerotecture,
aerotecture.com,
mounted on a roof.
The blades of the
turbine are clear plastic.
The cost of devices
such as this could come
down substantially in
the next few years, and
with higher efficiency.
What other possibilites are there for those with limited fixed income who are willing and
capable of being more self-sufficient? If you move away from urban areas there will be less
services available for assistance, but the land is cheaper. Developing your own way of living
will require some savings to get started with as well.
I hear people complaining about how things are continually getting worse in the city where
they live, with crime and overcrouding. If it's really that bad, why not consider the options?
capable of being more self-sufficient? If you move away from urban areas there will be less
services available for assistance, but the land is cheaper. Developing your own way of living
will require some savings to get started with as well.
I hear people complaining about how things are continually getting worse in the city where
they live, with crime and overcrouding. If it's really that bad, why not consider the options?
References here do not imply an endorsement of
any individuals, organizations, or companies. If
you find some information to be misleading, or you
would like to add something, please let me know
at:
clyde@homelessamerican.com
any individuals, organizations, or companies. If
you find some information to be misleading, or you
would like to add something, please let me know
at:
clyde@homelessamerican.com
Some Wikipedia articles about alternative
constuction and energy:
Straw Bale Construction. Using straw as a
building material.
Solar Energy. Various methods for using solar
energy.
Photovoltaic System , solar electric power.
Alternative Natural Materials, for construction.
Geodesic Dome for home construction.
constuction and energy:
Straw Bale Construction. Using straw as a
building material.
Solar Energy. Various methods for using solar
energy.
Photovoltaic System , solar electric power.
Alternative Natural Materials, for construction.
Geodesic Dome for home construction.
What About Houseboats?
Perhaps a cost-effective alternative could be a small houseboat, such as a 25 foot one. There
are places around the U.S. where it's not unusual. There could be some good buys on used
ones. How about having solar electric and water heating panels across the roof. It would be
possible to have a comfortable place to live, with the possiblity of changing location anytime.
Check the Wikipedia article Houseboats for information.
Perhaps a cost-effective alternative could be a small houseboat, such as a 25 foot one. There
are places around the U.S. where it's not unusual. There could be some good buys on used
ones. How about having solar electric and water heating panels across the roof. It would be
possible to have a comfortable place to live, with the possiblity of changing location anytime.
Check the Wikipedia article Houseboats for information.
| homelessamerican.com |
An intermodal freight container. These are
commonly used for shipping freight, typically from
overseas. They are eight feet wide and from 8'6"
to 9'6" high, and made of steel.
commonly used for shipping freight, typically from
overseas. They are eight feet wide and from 8'6"
to 9'6" high, and made of steel.
| homelessamerican.com |
Intermodal Freight Containers
These containers are used for shipping freight, by ship, rail, or truck. As it costs money to
send them back overseas after being used for imported goods, they tend to be abandoned
here and can be bought at very reasonable prices.
The containers are made of steel and build to carry substantial weight. Sizes range from 20'
long by 8' wide by 8'6" high, to 45' long by 8' wide by 9'6" high. Single or multiple containers
can be modified and made into a home which is exceptionally strong while low-cost.
These containers are used for shipping freight, by ship, rail, or truck. As it costs money to
send them back overseas after being used for imported goods, they tend to be abandoned
here and can be bought at very reasonable prices.
The containers are made of steel and build to carry substantial weight. Sizes range from 20'
long by 8' wide by 8'6" high, to 45' long by 8' wide by 9'6" high. Single or multiple containers
can be modified and made into a home which is exceptionally strong while low-cost.
< 8 feet wide >