I used to have bouts of homelessness in the past, and I had to ask to crash on friends' couches - even if I didn't know them that well, or even if I didn't particularly feel safe. Some of those experiences were tough, which caused our friendship to get strained. Others were actually kind of nice, but I lost touch with them.

If it is a survival thing, I think you are making a good choice. But do try to stick to your boundaries with your friend, and don't feel obligated to be close or do or say anything that you don't feel comfortable, or that isn't you. Be true to you.

During a pandemic, there are many more homeless persons, and such places are breeding grounds for spreading the virus and other diseases. Some even have things like lice or other communicable issues, so you kind of want to avoid homeless shelters anyway. I know - I've lived through a few homeless shelters, and it wasn't pretty. It was a last resort though.

There might be rooms for rent, or even temporary BNBs or the like you can do. There might also be low-cost motels and hotels, as well as programs that offer discounts for motel vouchers.

Looking back, however, I wished that I could have avoided some unsafe people I tried to live with for a short time. One person had a gun, and I had no idea until after I moved in temporarily. I left immediately and stayed in a homeless shelter instead. I'm sure your situation won't be as traumatic though.

I'm so sorry you are struggling with housing, on top of relationship/friendship issues. Being in that position is not fun at all.