Leland Brown Jr. and Breanna, a couple from Hatfield, Pennsylvania, have recently sparked considerable debate with their unconventional choice to embrace a tent lifestyle, a choice they document for their 178,000 followers on TikTok. Rejecting traditional notions of employment and housing, they argue that what many perceive as homelessness should instead be seen as “houselessness,” a term they believe better reflects their situation and choices.
The couple’s lifestyle and opinions have been met with mixed reactions. On TikTok, where they actively share insights into their day-to-day tent living, they argue that living without a permanent house is not just a necessity but a deliberate choice that enhances their freedom and ability to live minimally. They’ve gone so far as to describe their houselessness as a “flex,” showcasing the survival skills they’ve developed as a result.
This stance has not only sparked discussions but also criticism, with some questioning the sustainability and ethics of their lifestyle, especially considering their dependence on public support through platforms like GoFundMe. They recently launched a campaign seeking $10,000 to sustain their minimalist lifestyle, though it has only garnered a modest $162 so far.
The backstory of how Leland and Breanna ended up living in a tent remains somewhat ambiguous. Despite previous videos showing Leland employed at various businesses and living in a conventional home, they now express a strong disinclination toward returning to traditional work, with statements suggesting they believe themselves to be “too smart for that.”
The couple’s situation raises broader questions about societal norms, the definition of home, and what it means to live independently on one’s own terms. As they continue to share their journey, the debate surrounding their choices serves as a reflection of wider societal conversations about autonomy, responsibility, and the definition of stability.
They have got to be the most stupid people in the world. Even people with money know they need to work to keep that money.