The average day for a homeless person begins early in the morning.
Most shelters require residents to leave around 7am and will not allow
them to return until around 6pm. This is almost twelve hours that
shelter residents have to themselves. For those unfortunate to be
unemployed, the length of this time can feel exaggerated. One of the
most difficult tasks for an unemployed homeless person is finding
something to occupy the hours of free time in every day.
Apart from seeking potential employment, many homeless individuals occupy their time in libraries or other free public spaces. Finding shelter during the day is especially important during the winter months, when the risk of exposure is very high and homeless residents are particularly vulnerable.
Others often choose to attend some of the large lectures, where their status as non-student goes unnoticed. Many shelters also provide classes or programs to help residents gain employment, finding housing, and other issues. Volunteering, either at their own shelter, a soup kitchen or some other location is also a popular method for developing and contributing to the community as well as passing the time.
Around 6 in the evening shelters and soup kitchens open their doors to serve dinner. Following dinner, those fortunate enough to have a bed for the evening are able to stay in a shelter. Those who are not must find other accommodation for the evening, which can be rather difficult and possibly dangerous, particularly in winter.