Vanessa Hudgens' homeless shelter stay

Vanessa Hudgens moved into a homeless shelter to prepare for her role as a pregnant, homeless teenager in 'Gimme Shelter'.

Vanessa Hudgens spent two weeks living in a homeless shelter.

The 23-year-old actress left behind her home comforts and moved into the New Jersey facility in preparation for her role as a homeless, pregnant teenager in forthcoming film 'Gimme Shelter'.

She said: "My character ends up at this pregnant, homeless teen shelter that's actually ran in New Jersey by a woman and I actually went and stayed in the shelter for two weeks before I started filming.

"I lived there with all the girls, with all the kids, so I think that it's really interesting because you find so much more about yourself."

Appearing on the Rachael Ray show, the former 'High School Musical' star admits that chopping her long locks off for the part was a traumatic event.

She said: "I actually cut my own hair for this movie, I did that to myself, yes I did. [Rosario Dawson and I] both look so messed up in this movie."

The next thing on Vanessa's to-do list is to cheer on Adele at Sunday (12.02.12) night's Grammy Awards, where the 'Someone Like You' singer is nominated in six categories.

She added: "I'm really excited to see Adele come back, considering she's been taking her rest [for throat surgery] and she's so amazing. I'm such a big fan of hers. She really is, her voice is just so stunning, so I'm excited to see her come back, yeah, working it!"