Emily Webb, a 25-year-old from Australia’s Gold Coast, has garnered significant attention for her unconventional approach to avoiding homelessness. After finding herself without a stable place to live, Webb turned to dating apps like Hinge, not for romance, but for shelter. She believes her “pretty privilege” allows her to stay at men’s houses, thus bypassing the soaring rent prices that plague many young people today.
Webb shared her tactic on TikTok, explaining that she no longer sees the need to pay for rent. She often arranges dates and spends the night at her date’s place, without disclosing her homelessness to avoid putting pressure on them. This strategy, which Webb describes as a life hack, has sparked a heated debate online. Some view it as a clever way to navigate a tough housing market, while others express concern for her safety and criticize her for exploiting her looks.
Despite her unconventional method, Webb emphasizes that this is not a permanent solution. In an interview with News.com.au, she explained that she has a profitable OnlyFans account with over 100,000 followers and is capable of affording rent. However, she has struggled to secure housing even when offering substantial upfront payments. Webb sees her current strategy as a temporary measure that allows her to be picky about her living situation.
Webb’s story highlights the broader issues of housing affordability and the lengths to which individuals might go to secure shelter. While her approach has drawn both praise and criticism, it underscores the challenges faced by many in securing stable housing. The debate around her actions also raises important questions about safety, privilege, and the societal pressures that lead to such drastic measures.
