How to Survive Being Kicked Out of Your Home

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At times, a crisis in the home reaches the point of no return, and one or more of the offending parties is asked to leave. This is a sign that the situation at home is extremely serious -- clearly, the person doing the kicking out believes that the problem will be solved if the transgressor is no longer present in the house. If you've been asked to leave your home, you'll need to be ready for a shift in your lifestyle, and to assume responsibility for yourself very quickly.

Contact Family and Friends

If you have family members or friends who you think might be willing to let you crash on the couch until you can go home or find a place of your own, call them. Do this as soon as possible, whether you've been given a deadline to move out or had to leave right away. Even if you can't stay with a family member, get in touch with them anyway, suggests youth empowerment and support organization Hatch Youth. If you've been asked to leave your parents' or sibling's home, a family member may be able to help you figure out what you need to do to return home.

Ask the Police For Help

If you're under 18, your parents are still legally obligated to support you, says Hatch Youth. You can go to the police, let them know what happened, and ask them to help you. Be aware that once you talk to them, you may end up facing some less-than-ideal options, like being placed in foster care, Hatch Youth warns. But make no mistake: The streets are an extremely unsafe place to be living, even for adults. Foster care will at least allow you to finish school, and to prepare yourself for being on your own.

Research Your State's Resources

Many states provide resources to people who are homeless. These programs may be run by the state government or by a private organization, and can include free or low-cost meals, shelters and even some health care programs. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recommends that you look into food stamps, find out where your local food bank is, and contact a homeless assistance or a housing counseling agency in your area. If you're a veteran, your military service can qualify you for some special programs, so don't forget to mention it when you're looking for resources.

Keep a Positive Outlook

Although it might seem nearly impossible in the face of such a stressful and unhappy situation, keeping a positive outlook is one of the most important steps you can take. This doesn't mean you ignore the unhappiness in your life; rather, it means that you approach hard times with a positive, can-do attitude, and that you believe that the best will happen, counsels the Mayo Clinic. A positive attitude is an effective part of stress management, and will help you keep up your physical and mental strength as you look for a job, a place to live, and get back on your feet.