Terra Haute, IN
Homeless: 2021 – Present
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
First name is Chris. I only recently became homeless though I was teetering on the edge of such for years. I'm 38. I live in Terre Haute, IN. I have considered stealing, but it goes against my moral code. I have resources I can utilize to make sure my hygiene is acceptable. There is a box on a main street that continually has hygiene products for both sexes.
Were you ever in a situation where you didn’t have access to basic necessities; including oral hygiene products, deodorant, shampoo, body wash, or menstrual care items?
Yes, quite a bit over recent months. But as a homeless veteran I have access to resources that other homeless people do not have, such as hygiene items. But those resources are finite and once I use them up I have to wait a period of time before I can get more items. My biggest concern is toilet paper and a place to go number two.
Did you ever not know the next time you would be able to brush your teeth or take a shower?
I'm told I can take a shower at the local YMCA for free, but as a person struggling with social phobia it is hard for me to push myself into that type of situation.
Did you ever frequent homeless shelters or churches, hoping they might be able to provide those hygiene necessities?
I frequent a church, one I used to volunteer at, for the soup kitchen. Sometimes they have such items but not often. I'm aware of various resources in my town. There are these boxes all over my town called Blessing Boxes that contain food and sometimes hygiene items and even clothes. It varies.
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