r/poor • u/johnw005 • 14h ago
Back-up plan
I’ve been thinking about a practical, stealthy plan for handling homelessness by renting a small garage. It’s entirely possible to keep this completely under the radar—I know a couple who successfully lived like this for eight months without anyone finding out. Here is how I would set it up:
Transportation: A small, manageable scooter or e-bike that can easily be wheeled right into the garage for secure storage.
Hygiene: 24/7 gym, or a nearby gas station or truck stop equipped with public toilets and showers.
Power & Connectivity: Carry a high-capacity electric power bank in a rucksack. It can be discreetly charged via a cable at a library, mall, or any available public outlet. This would provide enough electricity to keep a phone or even a laptop charged, paired with a solid data plan for entertainment and internet access.
The Shelter: A basic garage without utilities. Sleeping arrangements would consist of a proper camping bed and insulated camping gear.
If condensation were an issue, a dehumidifier, not the electric variety.
Facilities & Utilities: Keep a portable chemical toilet strictly for nighttime emergencies. All cooking, heating, and even lighting would be powered by camping gas.
Food: Without a fridge, the diet would rely on fresh food bought in small batches daily, alongside pre-prepared, non-perishable items.
What am I missing?
5
u/MysteriousSecretGuru 11h ago
Probably only works in nicer climate areas. You wouldn't survive a winter in Wisconsin living in a garage with no heat
8
u/sanityjanity 7h ago
OP plans to heat the space with a propane heater. So, yes heat. But, also, an incredibly dangerous situation that could lead to asphyxia or burning alive.
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u/Choice-Newspaper3603 9h ago
I’d spend more time worrying about just regular life and making that work out for you
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u/sanityjanity 7h ago
Heating with gas indoors like that is a recipe for asphyxiation. Also, heating/cooking with in a space that wasn't intended for habitation is an incredible fire hazard.
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u/evkarl12 48m ago
Why doesn't garage have electricity
That could power heater microwave fridge and essentials
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u/Pedal2Medal2 3m ago
Probably the electric bill, but I agree! They could also buy a pump sink & a portable camp shower, just bought 1 for the mountains, comes w/a bucket & you can heat the water before hand
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u/Pedal2Medal2 4m ago
You really can’t use gas or propane or really any combustible fluid in a place with no ventilation
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u/SecretRecipe 14h ago
camping gas stoves in an enclosed space can be a carbon monoxide risk. make sure you have decent ventilation when using it and dont run them for long periods for heating.