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Appropriate dress? What if I were a homeless visitor would I be asked to leave?
The real question I have and have never understood is the assignment of ‘wards’.
Why as an LDS do I have to go to a ‘wad’ as assigned, why can’t I go where I want?
The reason I ask is because my uncle/aunt went to a ‘ward’ for about twenty years they moved a couple of miles away and were told they HAD to go to the closest ‘ward’ as opposed to where their long time friends were.
Do you know why this is?

Why as an LDS do I have to go to a ‘wad’ as assigned, why can’t I go where I want?

Good question. I've been curious myself. I am not LDS but have had many friends that were.

I have seen homeless visitors show up once in a while and they were welcome. Basically, we are to wear the best that we can. My son went this morning wearing his white shirt and a pair of jeans, since his slacks need repairing.

Appropriate dress? What if I were a homeless visitor would I be asked to leave?

I dress in my Sunday best because I want to be my best for the Lord on His day. However, there is no dress code for going to church. Homeless visitors are not asked to leave, they are welcome, as is anyone. We just ask for respect and reverence in the meetings.

The real question I have and have never understood is the assignment of ‘wards’. Why as an LDS do I have to go to a ‘ward’ as assigned, why can’t I go where I want? The reason I ask is because my uncle/aunt went to a ‘ward’ for about twenty years they moved a couple of miles away and were told they HAD to go to the closest ‘ward’ as opposed to where their long time friends were. Do you know why this is?

I think this is for organizational purposes. I grew up in Provo, Utah and the ward is now about 5 blocks square. There are 6 wards in the stake (the stake geographical boundaries are maybe 2 miles by 1 1/2 miles.) I know of one family who went to all 6 wards, didn't like 5 of the wards, but did like the last one, even though they lived in another ward's boundary. Plus, if you are an official member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, there are membership records for everyone.

And pretty much everyone has a calling in the ward: Bishop, he has 2 counselors, Relief Society president (womens auxiliary), Primary, teachers, etc. We also teach from the same lesson manuals for Sunday School and Relief Society/Priesthood, Primary, and Young Men/Young Women. There aren't any ministers who speak every Sunday, members of the ward speak each Sunday on a given topic (usually decided by the bishop and his counselors.)

My parents have lived in the same house for almost 40 years. They have been in 7 wards during that time, without moving. Whenever the wards are split or the boundaries are changed, there are different people in the ward, and friends are in the other ward(s). However, every ward I have ever lived in has had members who don't live in the ward boundaries. Reasons vary, but usually the bishops of the wards are pretty accomodating.

I've been on both ends, living in a ward where my friends were, then having that ward split, and my close friends were in the other ward. It was hard at first, but I saw them at school, and eventually I made new friends.

I got a new job about 4 years ago, and moved from Provo to Salt Lake City, Utah. I had lived in the same area in Provo for many years, and was very comfortable in my ward and stake. It was really hard to move, go to a brand new ward, and make new friends. But I did it. And I guess I have finally figured out that I go to church to worship Jesus Christ and learn more about Him and the precepts of His gospel. And I go to church for social reasons also. It is very difficult to move and lose that association with members in a former ward. I go back and visit, and it is really like going home.

As far as your friends go, they were probably told to go to their closest ward geographically. However, I do know that exceptions can be made.

Just a little history about wards. Wards were created "...to look after the temporal Welfare of the people."

Great diversity exists among wards. Many are located in Mormon communities. Others are in areas where Mormons are a distinct minority. Some have an overabundance of leadership and talent. Others suffer from lack of leadership or lack of youth involvement. Some cover a small neighborhood; others, a widespread area. But wherever located, wards have much similarity, following the same curriculum, working under equitable budget allocations, and adhering closely to central authority from Church headquarters. Increasingly, materials such as videotapes or satellite broadcasts from the General Authorities in Salt Lake City are received in all wards, promoting uniformity and commitment.
As Latter-day Saints move throughout the world, they typically transfer from one ward to another with ease, finding acceptance, responsibility, and similarity of doctrine and practice everywhere. The ward system is successful partly because wards are kept small and because, ideally, everyone in them is needed and asked to accept a calling. Serving one another, bearing each other's burdens, is the norm. Socializing the young is everywhere a mainstream activity, and the youth also contribute much to the dynamics of the ward. Reference Ward

I have been to church all over the world. I have been to Sacrament meeting in Yellowstone park, where we wore our jeans, and flannel shirts. I have been to church in Italy, when I didn't speak a word of Italian. I have been to church in Chile, where I didn't speak a word of Spanish. Everywhere I have gone, I have felt the Spirit of the Lord. For the most part, everyone is very friendly and welcoming.