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 without 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 without 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.
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.
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.
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.
 | |  |
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.
some, there are newer alternatives that are far
more efficient.
| homelessamerican.com |
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 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 wind turbine by Aerotecture, aerotecture.com,
mounted on a roof. It can produce around 1000W of
electrical power in a 35mph wind. 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 be more
readily available.
mounted on a roof. It can produce around 1000W of
electrical power in a 35mph wind. 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 be more
readily available.
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?
Urban Living
Cooperative housing
Section 8 housing
Rural Living
Living "Off the Grid"
Build it Yourself Housing
Travel trailers
Alternative sources of energy
Learning to Deal With It
Cooperative housing
Section 8 housing
Rural Living
Living "Off the Grid"
Build it Yourself Housing
Travel trailers
Alternative sources of energy
Learning to Deal With It
A shelter made from weatherproof corrugated
polypropylene, suitable as a temporary shelter or
cabin. It's 12 feet tall with 200 sq. feet of floor
space. Cost is about $2500 and includes pre-cut
panels all hardware. Deck to mount it on not
included. Information is available at World Shelters
worldshelters.org.
polypropylene, suitable as a temporary shelter or
cabin. It's 12 feet tall with 200 sq. feet of floor
space. Cost is about $2500 and includes pre-cut
panels all hardware. Deck to mount it on not
included. Information is available at World Shelters
worldshelters.org.
References here do not imply an endorsement of
any individuals, organizations, or products.
any individuals, organizations, or products.