Armed with determination and driven by a thirst for life experience, student Andy Bussell made the decision to become homeless. He's been sleeping in his truck for the past 19 months.
By day, he attends film classes, followed by work for Apple. Andy's evenings are filled with rock climbing and yoga classes. He's become very adept at creating a schedule that allows him to make full use of public facilities and he's become very organized and efficient.
He plans to spend the last week before graduation with no-holds-barred: Andy plans to hit the street without even his truck for shelter. He's going to sleep in the bushes with nothing more than a backpack of belongings.
Homeless By Choice
Student Lives In His Truck for 19 Months
Trend Themes
1. Minimalist Living - The trend of choosing to live with fewer possessions and embracing a nomadic lifestyle could disrupt the housing industry and inspire innovative housing solutions.
2. Alternative Lifestyles - The rise of individuals intentionally choosing unconventional lifestyles, such as homelessness by choice, opens up opportunities for businesses to cater to their unique needs and preferences.
3. Urban Survival Skills - As more people opt for temporary or minimal housing arrangements, the demand for urban survival skills and resources could create disruptive opportunities in the outdoor activity and education sectors.
Industry Implications
1. Housing - The housing industry could explore alternative housing solutions to accommodate the growing interest in minimalist living and provide affordable options for those who choose unconventional lifestyles.
2. Retail - Retail businesses could cater to the needs of individuals who embrace alternative lifestyles by offering a range of products and services tailored to minimalist living, such as compact and multi-functional items.
3. Outdoor Education - The outdoor education industry has an opportunity to provide training and resources for urban survival skills, offering courses and workshops for individuals interested in living with minimal resources or in unconventional locations.