Local teacher living homeless for month talks to WFTV

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A central Florida teacher who is living homeless for 30 days to raise awareness and money for the cause walked to Channel 9's studios to talk to anchor Greg Warmoth Tuesday.

Thomas Rebman said he has come close to quitting on three different occasions. He started with only the clothes on his back and his identity card. He's so committed, he wouldn't even accept an offer for a bottle of water on Tuesday.

"What's it like? It is horrible," Rebman said.

It's been just 11 days since the Orange County teacher started his homelessness project.

"Here we are 11 days in and I have less than $2 in my pocket. I really don't know how my days are going to go. I thought it wouldn't be this difficult as it's been," Redman said.

The military veteran and middle school teacher said he has feared for his life and been turned down by 150 business to work for food or money. He said he has also dealt with humiliation.

"People demean you. It's miserable. Feet, bug bites, constantly sweating and tired," Rebman said.

Rebman is staying completely anonymous while being homeless and only connecting to followers on Facebook.

"I've got to find a safe place. I don't know where I'm going to be. Last night I slept between a building and air conditioner," Rebman said.

He said he's learning a lot about what it's like to be homeless and plans to continue to share his experience with his followers.

"It is absolutely the hardest thing I've had to do, just trying to survive," Rebman said.

WFTV