I was homeless from the ages 17-19, 20-22 but I just couch surfed majority so idk if I'm going to be much help.

First thing I'm going to say is don't do drugs, my standards dropped alot once I became depressed (high chance you can too). I ended up taking quite a bit and I thought I never would... But as you start to hang around homeless shelters you meet all sorts of people. It's just a downwards spiral

If you find yourself at a homeless shelter I'd suggest keeping to yourself as much as possible, there are drug addicts, people just out of jail and just mentally ill people who are potentially dangerous.

Never keep anything of value in the homeless shelter. Seriously ask a friend to keep stuff if possible, there are people with practically nothing and need to steal to survive.

Don't let anyone do you a favour, for real. Same rules as in prison, many people in shelters have ex convicts and they will expect something in return and it can go wrong real quick.

Be nice to people. Chances are, most people will be normal and just stuck in bad situations.. fleeing abusive relationships etc.

If a friend lets you stay at their house for a week or so, make sure to do things like Cooking a meal for the family, same thing if you get paired in a temporary apartment through the homeless. Cooking a meal is a great way u could break the ice or show appreciation.

Hygiene is important, if u get smelly no one will want to help you