"Crash Course in Homelessness": An Enterprising Homeless Man Offers a Unique Tour (4 photos)

Bored of tropical beaches, ski resorts, and architectural wonders? Looking for novel experiences and willing to pay for them? For just $2,000, Mike Momany, a homeless man from Seattle, is willing to take you on a three-day tour through his city's alleys and dumpsters.





Former software developer Mike Momany isn't homeless by circumstance—it's his calling. In fact, it's hard to believe someone with such an entrepreneurial spirit could ever be down on his luck. For his three-day "Crash Course in Applied Homelessness," the vagrant-turned-entrepreneur asks for a cool $2,000—a hefty price tag by any standard.



Available exclusively to male clients, Mike's itinerary is packed. It includes visits to Seattle's main homeless hotspots, hanging out with locals living on the street, a lesson in panhandling, and sleeping on a park bench. The tour's crown jewel is undoubtedly an overnight stay in a homeless shelter, complete with the full sensory experience and a complimentary bowl of soup from a local charity.

Momany openly admits to reporters that he hasn't sold a single tour yet. He suspects the steep price tag might be to blame, but he flatly refuses to lower the rate for his exclusive service. Still, he insists interest is growing and says he is currently hammering out the details with one serious prospective buyer.





To drum up interest among his target audience, Mike has announced a 25% discount for church members and social workers. Perhaps this clever marketing move was all the business needed, and the clients will soon start pouring in.

Not everyone in Seattle is thrilled, though—Momany has his fair share of detractors. Instead of investing money or booze into his promising venture to help boost local homeless tourism, critics are demanding he shut down the project altogether.

"Homeless people are not a tourist attraction. They have enough problems as it is without some business exploiting them."

That was the stance expressed to local media by one Seattle community advocate, who is among the most vocal opponents of Momany's venture. He added that raising awareness about homelessness is valid, but it should draw attention to the issue, not turn a profit. Of course, critics seem completely unfazed by the fact that Mike hasn't even earned enough from his business over the years to buy himself a decent pair of socks.



Interestingly, a similar service is offered in Washington, D.C., where another resourceful homeless guide offers visitors the chance to spend two days experiencing the ups and downs of life on the streets. However, that experience costs just $50, with all proceeds donated to a local shelter to help improve living conditions for its residents.