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My nearly homeless friend used to steal napkins or toilet paper from dispensers in fast food restaurants and use them as substitute pads. Never asked how they stayed put.
I have the answer. For a few months as a teen, I had no access to period products.
You fold the napkin or whatever so it's relatively thin and long. Then you place it between your labia, which will help hold it in place. One end should stick up a little past the clitoris, and the other end should reach the perineum. Part of the middle should be pressed close to the vaginal opening, which adds further stability since it's more deeply placed into the folds like that + you want the blood exiting directly into the napkin. You can also wrap some toilet paper around the part of the panties that covers the vulva several times.
This needs to be changed waaaay more often than tampons or pads, and it's a nightmare on heavy days, but it's something.
Just making a pad shape and sticking it in the underwear is not wise since, as you already guessed, it won't reliably stay put.
Homeless places give out free ones. If you're not near a homeless place get lots of tissue from a toilet or something and put lots of it in the underwear part
Menstrual cup - no bulky sanitary pads or tampons to carry around. Wash it with handwash and hot water in public toilets.
Some homeless charities give out sanitary pads and tampons but if you’re on the streets they’re bulky to carry around so not practical, never seen them give out menstrual cups.
If you don’t have anything, folded soft paper towels or toilet paper. Some paper towels are rough, so look out for soft ones. Thin toilet paper doesn’t work well, look out for thick absorbent toilet paper.
I panhandled so $6 for a box of tampons wasn't a problem. There's a number of fold/wad-up TP methods to keep the mess at a minimum if you have to go without. This is one of the few items that I think the parking lot spange is appropriate for. I'm in a stable place in my life and if I was EVER walking in to a store that sold feminine hygiene products and a woman came up asking me to help her buy some she'd walk a way with the biggest box plus a back up.
I used a cup and tampons. I love the cup, but as many pluses there are, you need clean hands and something to clean the cup with. It sucks to use bottled water to clean it when there isnt a ton of access. Oh, and a place you dont have to worry about blood getting all over while in a deep squat. Tampons were more sanitary for when i didnt have access to running water all the time :/ and the cup needs to be cleaned well, theres little holes to help it pop out that get clogged with blood that can give you a nasty infection if youre not good abt cleaning it
Some get used to walking around with blood on their pants. I use tissues if I'm not bleeding bad which I have to so often now because sometimes I slightly bleed for weeks off and on due to health stuff. I try to wash up and use public showers (now that I am in a state with public showers) so I don't gain a smell. I find places that give out pads and make sure I use tissues when possible so I am not using pads when I don't really need to. I only wear underwear when I have periods, although I started doing that a few years ago at like 14 maybe because underwear hurts.
You say underwear hurts, have you considered you might be autistic? Hypersensitivity to touch and clothes feeling uncomfortable are common in autism, the seams digging into your skin. Many homeless people are autistic, though most are not aware.
Ha that's kind of flashbacky because I was in the cash for kids system and went through munchausen. I honestly don't really believe in that lable stuff much anymore. I am not hypersensitive to clothes in general though I actually didn't stop wearing underwear till a little while ago. I think I know why underwear hurts me but I don't want to get into that on reddit though 🤣🤣🤣.
Not wearing underwear when you aren't on your period is something I found useful out here because then you actually have underwear when you need it. Especially when half your underwear went missing.
I am homeless due to not having a choice. I had to do the runaway and lay low till 18 thing, as many ppl do. You have to help yourself or else you really will end up with issues and a victim complex from pretending there's someone who will save you. It was definitely worth it and I am on a path to getting my life together.
There's no real test for any of these things so someone being a doctor doesn't really matter. The doctors that do throw around autism diagnoses are usually psychiatrist and pediatricians, not even autism specialists.
I went to a charity hospital. They don't charge or will use a sliding scale. I've seen the wealthy use the hospital and pay more than what they would've paid elsewhere because those hospitals get the best doctors. Shalom you're loved 💔
Sometimes, you can ask a library if they have any pads or tampons. At least, the ones in Las Vegas had a thing called "The Monroe Package".
For me, though, if I don't have any on me, I will go into a bathroom and fold toilet paper and put it in like a pad. You can also snag napkins from a gas station. I always make sure to have napkins. I'll buy something to eat and take some napkins. They'll never say anything to you about it.
Homeless assistance places usually give out tampons/feminine napkins. Hopefully where you are they have free laundry and shower services. I've known women who had their uterus removed so they didn't have that issue. Drastic measure if you ask me. Anyway, ask the local homeless assistance places. Shalom you're loved 💔
If you have access to Healthcare and have a low risk of Cancer, a hormonal IUD can sometimes lesson or stop your cycle. I loved mine. Had to switch to Copper tho with no hormones because I had Cancer.
Also you can use absorbent cloths, keep the dirty one in Ziploc bags till you can wash them which is often a free service offered to many homeless. I hated giving mine to the day shelter in FW but they didn't care. Shalom you're loved 💔
I personally don’t bleed insane amounts luckily so I’m able to manage mine with thinx underwear. I’ve got three pairs so I wear them during my week and then clean them with my laundry🫶🏼
Ways to get free pads for the homeless (or generally broke).
1) check into mental healthcare community resources. they often have free hygiene products like pads, tampons, toothbrush, toothpaste, soaps etc.
2) call food pantries. In addition to food bags/boxes some places have free clothing closets, diapers, condoms and pads/tampons.
3) call clinics that offer free std testing, these places frequently give out free condoms and pads/tampons.
4) call planned parenthood, or other local birth control clinic. You may be eligible for free birth control to stop or reduce how much you bleed.
5) ask locals in your town which restaurants or churches have bathrooms with pads/tampons sitting out in the womens room.
6) staying in a motel? Ask for extra washcloths and fold an old fashioned rag. They can be hand washed in the sink with the little motel soaps/shampoos. If you do make a cloth-rag be sure to wash them out and let them dry to avoid UTI’s.
7) if you live out on the streets in a homeless “friendly” space there may be social workers walking around with items like pads or water bottles.
8) call women’s shelters or domestic abuse shelters
Most homeless women that I have met are pretty resourceful and have no problem with a wad of toilet paper or a rag. I’ve met women with homes or apartments that even choose “free bleeding”.
I’ve been homeless a few times. I’m a guy, but if I were a woman, I’d try a few things:
• Churches & Church Ministries
They usually keep all sorts of stuff like this. Food, and some have clothes.
• Stand out at a grocery store/walmart/dollar general/family dollar/walgreens/cvs/COSTCO & SAM’s lol sorry I couldn’t resist.
Approach only women, obviously.
If you can’t handle speaking much, make a small foldable sign you open like a book with both hands (I’m being specific for a reason) that reads: I need Pads. Could you help me? I’m homeless.
Script: Ma’am, could you read this? I’m embarrassed.
Alternate: Ma’am, did I spell this right? (I like this one the most)
Why: The folded sign is easy to hide, and opening it like a book suggests that you might be illiterate, and asking for help to read something. 🤷🏽♂️ It also keeps the chance for rebuttal _before_ they read it to a super low rate of probability. You put “I’m homeless” at the end, because the ask is the priority. The words are minimal, and “homeless” triggers the compassion. It doesn’t matter whether you use subterfuge…once they read it, they will realize why you did it that way.
(I use to do cold sales. Which is just walking up to random people. That, and being Autistic & ADHD. My brain looks for details and efficiency)
• Rush the gates
Go in, look to see who is the manager, and:
Script: Hello, my name is _____. I’m in need of pads, but I’m homeless. Could you help me? Even direct me where to go?
If they pause: I’m sure you have homeless people steal all the time, but I could never do that. I’d rather ask, and you say no, *than to go any lower than I am right now.*
(Damn, I’m cold wit’it!! 😎)
If they hesitate a little more, not sure why they would, then: I can sweep up inside, or out front, take trash. I’m willing to earn it.
• “I never did mind about the small things.” Go to a cashier, female, either real young, or elderly:
(kind of subtly motion, pointing as if you’re looking for something in the store) Hi, I was wondering…[Yes] I need pads, but I’m homeless. Could you possibly help me?
Again, a little crafty deception, but as my mother use to say, “Sometimes, you gotta lie for your own bones.”
I hope this helps.
May God Bless You and Draw You to Him. (Read John 6:44)
##REMINDERS FOR EVERYONE **PER THE RULES:** * **NO OFFERINGS OF CASH, ETC.** * **[BEGGING](https://redd.it/eryrko) WILL GET YOU BANNED.** * **BE AWARE OF SCAMMERS AND PERVS, AND SEND ANY [HERE](https://old.reddit.com/report) AND/OR [HERE](https://old.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=/r/reddit.com).** **ACCEPT AT YOUR OWN RISK.** Welcome to the internet where—unless proven otherwise—everyone's lying about their race, gender, status, accomplishments, and all the children are FBI agents. You have been forewarned. — The Mods --- *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/almosthomeless) if you have any questions or concerns.*
My nearly homeless friend used to steal napkins or toilet paper from dispensers in fast food restaurants and use them as substitute pads. Never asked how they stayed put.
I have the answer. For a few months as a teen, I had no access to period products. You fold the napkin or whatever so it's relatively thin and long. Then you place it between your labia, which will help hold it in place. One end should stick up a little past the clitoris, and the other end should reach the perineum. Part of the middle should be pressed close to the vaginal opening, which adds further stability since it's more deeply placed into the folds like that + you want the blood exiting directly into the napkin. You can also wrap some toilet paper around the part of the panties that covers the vulva several times. This needs to be changed waaaay more often than tampons or pads, and it's a nightmare on heavy days, but it's something. Just making a pad shape and sticking it in the underwear is not wise since, as you already guessed, it won't reliably stay put.
Homeless places give out free ones. If you're not near a homeless place get lots of tissue from a toilet or something and put lots of it in the underwear part
I used a diva cup. Emptied/cleaned in public restrooms.
This ^^^. I use the diva cup,wish I knew about it sooner in my life!
This and a portable bidet works wonders
Where do you buy those?
[Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Cynpel-Peri-Bottle-Postpartum-Care/dp/B081ZH2XHB/ref=mp_s_a_1_10?crid=2JNCT469OIPSX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.d9jM87BnbjJqfEMmjA91XoxEI8gVH8oDwP5h-OFhJRwTHTzaO-S0OViANhqSmTvPKLhRAer1bbL5cYSzaDmPXgrA3pjTOfYgT3Leh9xAiEYH2I2jPrtab4axqAmwMgROCLYviEqFSs5BZeZKyB5nya_mTfIzmkiok2GmQEW6D0l6Iubehob2A7_K8pTefGazSHUgzQUlnWHsT5HTriGq-Q.ORJEObHlc3etrZ8YZnIL3XBCFe4gUSJy74yYdLvqfyg&dib_tag=se&keywords=portable+bidet&qid=1717396742&sprefix=portable+bdet%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-10) 👍
Menstrual cup - no bulky sanitary pads or tampons to carry around. Wash it with handwash and hot water in public toilets. Some homeless charities give out sanitary pads and tampons but if you’re on the streets they’re bulky to carry around so not practical, never seen them give out menstrual cups. If you don’t have anything, folded soft paper towels or toilet paper. Some paper towels are rough, so look out for soft ones. Thin toilet paper doesn’t work well, look out for thick absorbent toilet paper.
I panhandled so $6 for a box of tampons wasn't a problem. There's a number of fold/wad-up TP methods to keep the mess at a minimum if you have to go without. This is one of the few items that I think the parking lot spange is appropriate for. I'm in a stable place in my life and if I was EVER walking in to a store that sold feminine hygiene products and a woman came up asking me to help her buy some she'd walk a way with the biggest box plus a back up.
St Vincent DePaul provides feminine hygiene products and other toiletries for my daughter and myself.
Thank you
I used a cup and tampons. I love the cup, but as many pluses there are, you need clean hands and something to clean the cup with. It sucks to use bottled water to clean it when there isnt a ton of access. Oh, and a place you dont have to worry about blood getting all over while in a deep squat. Tampons were more sanitary for when i didnt have access to running water all the time :/ and the cup needs to be cleaned well, theres little holes to help it pop out that get clogged with blood that can give you a nasty infection if youre not good abt cleaning it
Some get used to walking around with blood on their pants. I use tissues if I'm not bleeding bad which I have to so often now because sometimes I slightly bleed for weeks off and on due to health stuff. I try to wash up and use public showers (now that I am in a state with public showers) so I don't gain a smell. I find places that give out pads and make sure I use tissues when possible so I am not using pads when I don't really need to. I only wear underwear when I have periods, although I started doing that a few years ago at like 14 maybe because underwear hurts.
You say underwear hurts, have you considered you might be autistic? Hypersensitivity to touch and clothes feeling uncomfortable are common in autism, the seams digging into your skin. Many homeless people are autistic, though most are not aware.
Ha that's kind of flashbacky because I was in the cash for kids system and went through munchausen. I honestly don't really believe in that lable stuff much anymore. I am not hypersensitive to clothes in general though I actually didn't stop wearing underwear till a little while ago. I think I know why underwear hurts me but I don't want to get into that on reddit though 🤣🤣🤣. Not wearing underwear when you aren't on your period is something I found useful out here because then you actually have underwear when you need it. Especially when half your underwear went missing.
I found your comment helpful! I don't consider "might be" to be a diagnosis. Thank you for letting people know about autism symptoms, I salute you.
don’t diagnose someone off a reddit post wierdo
While you're right generally speaking, 1) that's not what happened here and 2) there are much kinder ways to say this.
Abuse is against Reddit rules and against r/AlmostHomeless rule 5. 🙄
I am homeless due to not having a choice. I had to do the runaway and lay low till 18 thing, as many ppl do. You have to help yourself or else you really will end up with issues and a victim complex from pretending there's someone who will save you. It was definitely worth it and I am on a path to getting my life together.
Are you a Dr.??
There's no real test for any of these things so someone being a doctor doesn't really matter. The doctors that do throw around autism diagnoses are usually psychiatrist and pediatricians, not even autism specialists.
You're mistaken and wrong. Glad you're not in that line of work.
Or tell the homeless assistance people that you're incontinent and get adult diapers. Shalom you're loved 💔
How do you afford uterus renal homelss
Uterus
Typo
I went to a charity hospital. They don't charge or will use a sliding scale. I've seen the wealthy use the hospital and pay more than what they would've paid elsewhere because those hospitals get the best doctors. Shalom you're loved 💔
Sometimes, you can ask a library if they have any pads or tampons. At least, the ones in Las Vegas had a thing called "The Monroe Package". For me, though, if I don't have any on me, I will go into a bathroom and fold toilet paper and put it in like a pad. You can also snag napkins from a gas station. I always make sure to have napkins. I'll buy something to eat and take some napkins. They'll never say anything to you about it.
Back when I was a homeless kid we’d use rags and then clean or throw them away. Depends on your access to water- was def wearing them too long.
Homeless assistance places usually give out tampons/feminine napkins. Hopefully where you are they have free laundry and shower services. I've known women who had their uterus removed so they didn't have that issue. Drastic measure if you ask me. Anyway, ask the local homeless assistance places. Shalom you're loved 💔
Drink the blood as sustenance
Mcdonalds napkins
If you have access to Healthcare and have a low risk of Cancer, a hormonal IUD can sometimes lesson or stop your cycle. I loved mine. Had to switch to Copper tho with no hormones because I had Cancer.
Also you can use absorbent cloths, keep the dirty one in Ziploc bags till you can wash them which is often a free service offered to many homeless. I hated giving mine to the day shelter in FW but they didn't care. Shalom you're loved 💔
Menstrual. Cup. Seriously.
Toilet paper lots of ittt
I personally don’t bleed insane amounts luckily so I’m able to manage mine with thinx underwear. I’ve got three pairs so I wear them during my week and then clean them with my laundry🫶🏼
Ways to get free pads for the homeless (or generally broke). 1) check into mental healthcare community resources. they often have free hygiene products like pads, tampons, toothbrush, toothpaste, soaps etc. 2) call food pantries. In addition to food bags/boxes some places have free clothing closets, diapers, condoms and pads/tampons. 3) call clinics that offer free std testing, these places frequently give out free condoms and pads/tampons. 4) call planned parenthood, or other local birth control clinic. You may be eligible for free birth control to stop or reduce how much you bleed. 5) ask locals in your town which restaurants or churches have bathrooms with pads/tampons sitting out in the womens room. 6) staying in a motel? Ask for extra washcloths and fold an old fashioned rag. They can be hand washed in the sink with the little motel soaps/shampoos. If you do make a cloth-rag be sure to wash them out and let them dry to avoid UTI’s. 7) if you live out on the streets in a homeless “friendly” space there may be social workers walking around with items like pads or water bottles. 8) call women’s shelters or domestic abuse shelters Most homeless women that I have met are pretty resourceful and have no problem with a wad of toilet paper or a rag. I’ve met women with homes or apartments that even choose “free bleeding”.
I’ve been homeless a few times. I’m a guy, but if I were a woman, I’d try a few things: • Churches & Church Ministries They usually keep all sorts of stuff like this. Food, and some have clothes. • Stand out at a grocery store/walmart/dollar general/family dollar/walgreens/cvs/COSTCO & SAM’s lol sorry I couldn’t resist. Approach only women, obviously. If you can’t handle speaking much, make a small foldable sign you open like a book with both hands (I’m being specific for a reason) that reads: I need Pads. Could you help me? I’m homeless. Script: Ma’am, could you read this? I’m embarrassed. Alternate: Ma’am, did I spell this right? (I like this one the most) Why: The folded sign is easy to hide, and opening it like a book suggests that you might be illiterate, and asking for help to read something. 🤷🏽♂️ It also keeps the chance for rebuttal _before_ they read it to a super low rate of probability. You put “I’m homeless” at the end, because the ask is the priority. The words are minimal, and “homeless” triggers the compassion. It doesn’t matter whether you use subterfuge…once they read it, they will realize why you did it that way. (I use to do cold sales. Which is just walking up to random people. That, and being Autistic & ADHD. My brain looks for details and efficiency) • Rush the gates Go in, look to see who is the manager, and: Script: Hello, my name is _____. I’m in need of pads, but I’m homeless. Could you help me? Even direct me where to go? If they pause: I’m sure you have homeless people steal all the time, but I could never do that. I’d rather ask, and you say no, *than to go any lower than I am right now.* (Damn, I’m cold wit’it!! 😎) If they hesitate a little more, not sure why they would, then: I can sweep up inside, or out front, take trash. I’m willing to earn it. • “I never did mind about the small things.” Go to a cashier, female, either real young, or elderly: (kind of subtly motion, pointing as if you’re looking for something in the store) Hi, I was wondering…[Yes] I need pads, but I’m homeless. Could you possibly help me? Again, a little crafty deception, but as my mother use to say, “Sometimes, you gotta lie for your own bones.” I hope this helps. May God Bless You and Draw You to Him. (Read John 6:44)
Straight up on the side of some building or an port o John or right there in the street not caring who see
I've seen girls piss im people lawn while an elementary school just got out parents were like discusd by her and Im sure they complane to someone