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# Tips for transients on the Westside
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/tips-for-transients-on-the-westside/
- Published: 2007-09-25T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T02:56:58.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Santa Monica, #archive-import, Homeless

OK, SO YOU’RE HOMELESS, NO SWEAT. If you’re gonna be homeless, then there’s no better place to be than Santa Monica, California. Whatever the myriad of reasons may be that got you to where you are today, just know that there are a slew of social services here to help. Nothing tastes better than a free meal on the taxpayer’s dollar!

Don’t be surprised if you get the occasional stare-down or hurtful speech from the city’s rich folk, average Joes, tourists, teens/immature adults, shop owners or even the fellow vagrant. Sometimes people may need to hurt you in order to feel better about themselves... and sometimes you might have it coming.

Let’s review a few key points that will make homeless life a bit more palatable for both you (the homeless) and others around you (the non-homeless). First and foremost, be nice to others. This doesn’t mean you can’t stand around yelling at imaginary people and brick walls, just be sure to respect the real people you encounter throughout your daily endeavors. Next, try to mix up the words you use if you choose to panhandle. The phrases “Can you spare some change?” and “Got an extra cigarette?” are simply too commonplace and minimally effective; maybe try taking something like “A penny for your thoughts,” then reversing it and upping the ante, to something along the lines of “A dollar for my thoughts?”

Here’s a great idea, stand at the 10 Freeway off-ramp with a big sign that reads: “I’m saving the world one tin can at a time.” People will be throwing all their empties at you as they wait for the light, and guaranteed, you’ll fill up several trash bags with cans and bottles over the course of a few hours. Even better, since you’re not actually asking for money, some will give your their empties and even throw in a buck or two out of sheer respect for the earth-conscious service you’re conducting.

When it comes to sleeping, try to avoid store entrances along the main roads — alleys are definitely the way to go. You see, when June Cleaver walks her pooch in the morning and sees you sleeping on the sidewalk, her first thought is that you’re going to rape her or something. Sure, she’s 80 and looks like a prune with a fur coat, but she thinks she’s pretty and vulnerable. Who are you to take that away from her? Please stay out of sight when sleeping, it’s better for everyone. Next, if SMPD gives you a citation for “camping,” it’s OK, 90 percent of the time it gets dropped in homeless court. Just say “yes, sir/no, sir” so that the cop can finish with you quickly and go about their day and conduct more important things like nailing jaywalkers and sidewalk cyclists.

Now, going back to the whole money thing, people will throw you some change, not because they think it’s going to change your life, they do it so that they can feel better about themselves. When seeking a free ride from others, try not to be drunk or expose any alcohol or drugs, it will greatly lessen your chances of success. I’d like to think I’m giving you money for a sandwich rather than booze. We all know the truth that some of you will use it for drugs or alcohol, but our society isn’t based on truth, it’s based on appearance of truth.

Finally, if you’re homeless and you have no ambition of changing your situation, then don’t be shocked when people stop giving you money. If, however, you’re in this situation and there’s motivation for a change in lifestyle, then just know that you’re in the best location to help make that possible.

If you’re in dire need of food, clothing, shelter, bus tokens, etc., you can go the public library and get a free card, then go upstairs to the computer lab and check out these Web sites: www.stjosephctr.org, www.opcc.net, www.smgov.net. There is never a reason to be hungry in this town. You can reach OPCC at (310) 450-4050 and St. Joseph Center at (310) 396-6468\. Tell them that you’re homeless, hungry and desperate for help and they will set you up with food, clothing, blankets, tokens and get you on the waiting lists for shelters and give you even more resources around Los Angeles. For help with drug and/or alcohol addiction, you can call CLARE Foundation at (310) 314-6200 or New Directions (for veterans) at (310) 914-4045\. You can also dial 211 from a payphone (free call) and that will connect you to LA County Free Services.

Good luck and be well.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on September 25, 2007.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/092507.pdf?ref=smdp.com)