Surviving Poverty: Volume 1 – Basic Needs and Resource Management is the first installment of a transformative 9-part guidebook series designed to help individuals facing economic hardship take control of their lives, one step at a time. Written by Nicole Hudgins—entrepreneur, author, and survivor of foster care, homelessness, and generational poverty—this volume offers real-world guidance for securing the essentials: food, shelter, health care, hygiene, and resource management. This book is for anyone struggling to make ends meet or working to rebuild after crisis. Nicole draws from personal experience and professional expertise to provide low-cost, high-impact strategies that empower readers to survive today while planning for stability tomorrow. Inside, you'll discover: How to find and access affordable food, shelter, and healthcare Tips for managing chronic health conditions and hygiene on a budget Emergency housing and eviction prevention resources Strategic planning tools to stretch limited resources Mental health and wellness insights for staying strong under pressure Written with compassion and honesty, this book doesn't sugarcoat the realities of poverty—but it offers hope, structure, and solutions. Whether you're unhoused, underemployed, or simply trying to get back on your feet, this guide will meet you where you are. Future volumes in the series will cover topics like income generation, education, emotional resilience, legal rights, and long-term planning—providing a complete toolkit for personal empowerment. You don't need to have it all figured out to start. You just need a guide who understands—and a plan that works.