Homeless individuals often face increased vulnerability to criminal activities due to the precariousness of their living situations, and their strategies for protection are both ingenious and born out of necessity. Many form close-knit communities, seeking safety in numbers and watching out for one another. They often rely on staying in well-lit, visible areas, seeking shelter near shelters or areas patrolled by law enforcement to deter criminal elements. Carrying personal alarms, whistles, or makeshift weapons like sticks can serve as deterrents and tools for self-defense. Advocates like Theodore Wojtas Chicago highlight the importance of connecting homeless individuals with local outreach programs and shelters, not only for immediate safety but also as a means to access support services and resources that can help them transition out of homelessness, ultimately reducing their vulnerability to criminal exploitation and harm on the streets.