[Editor's note: Much of This material was prepared by Rick Reuter for use by those attending the Cold Weather Shelter in Culver City, but it also applies to any group shelter, or to just surviving outside on the street.]

1. If you don't receive SSI or another entitlement, apply for GR (General Relief) so you can purchase items that you may want or need. Avoid panhandling if possible; it is a major complaint about the homeless by the general population and too much of it may bring even more stringent laws against homelessness.

2. Theft is a definite possibility at any time of day or night. Be VERY careful about flashing money, jewelry, etc. Do NOT store money or other valuables in your bag at night -- it could be stolen. If possible, get a 'fanny-pack' to wear at all times and keep your valuables inside. Perhaps even join with trusted friends to rent a small locker to keep REALLY important (birth certificate, legal papers, passport, etc.) documents safe from the street.

3. If you don't want to be late for a meal or an important appointment, carry an inexpensive watch or travel alarm. (Try the 99¢ Store! They usually have an assortment of digital watches and battery-powered alarm clocks.)

4. Shelter users: Bring your own blankets or sleeping bag with you and use them instead of the dirty blanket the shelter will offer you (if they don't run out).

5. Shelter users: You may want to bring some of your own food to the shelter with you. Quality and portion size can vary from meal to meal. There are no late night snacks; breakfast is often iffy.

6. Familiarize yourself with nearby bus lines and schedules.

7. Shelter users: If possible, carry only one bag with you, small enough to fit your lap during the ride to the shelter. If there is room, excess baggage is thrown into dirty, greasy storage areas under the bus before the trip, then onto the (possibly wet) ground in the dark when you arrive.

8. BEFORE you spread your blanket or sleeping bag, CLEAN THE AREA THOROUGHLY. Suggestion: paper towels and a spray bottle of disinfectant like Pine Sol.

9. Shelter users: Bring your own soap and towel with you. The shelter may run out before it’s your turn to shower.

10. Always carry a raincoat or poncho with you. Santa Monica's weather can change suddenly.

11. Shelter users: No matter how badly you need that cigarette, or to go to the restroom, please do it quietly. The rest of us are trying to sleep.

12. Do NOT use earplugs. You'll soon learn to sleep cowboy-style 'with one eye open'. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times. Shelter users: Do use earplugs. 100+ people in a single room create a lot of noise, even asleep - snoring, coughing, getting up to use the restroom, etc. And not everyone is asleep: staff watches TV, your neighbors talk to each other, sing, get up to smoke a cigarette, etc.

13. If you are sick, please isolate yourself from everyone else as much as possible so the rest of us don't catch whatever you've got. Go to the Venice Family Clinic for treatment.

14. If you need to go to the bathroom, please find and use a public restroom. Urine and feces are symbols of homelessness to the general population. Shelter users: if you have any sort of bladder problem, ask for a cot on an outside aisle so you can get to the restroom while causing the least noise and disruption to your neighbors’ sleep.

15. Keep your temper, no matter how much you are provoked. You can be arrested for assault and battery, even if somebody else started it. Shelter users: Keep your temper, no matter how much you are provoked. You can be evicted and banned from the shelter for causing trouble, even if somebody else started it.

16. Shelter users: Take advantage of your time at the shelter to plan what you'll do when it closes. The new Santa Monica City ordinances may mean finding new places to sleep and eat.