What is this?
A homeless person care package is a combination of many essentials and basic needs items that homeless people often are not able to attain. You can compile food, products, and many more items in order to possibly help a person in need and benefit they’re quality of life! Your items can be placed in as simple as a plastic bag and given to people in need of basic necessities.
Why should I make these?
This quick, easy, and inexpensive project is excellent to fulfill yourself but someone in need! A lot of us take everyday items for granted consistently. If you were to stop and think about the luxuries that many of us are fortunate enough to have such as food, water, shelter, and so much more, it is also just as important to think and care about those who are not as fortunate as us. When thinking in this way, the question of “How do I help?” often comes up. This is an easy way to make a huge impact in someone’s life.
The items listed below are some suggestions of items to put in your homeless people care package. This list is meant to serve as a place to start in your journey towards helping someone. When making your packages, it is essential that you choose items that are new, unopened, unused and clean to ensure the health and safety of all people.
General homeless people basic needs:
- Masks
o Preferably reusable, however masks of any kind are important for all people during these times and that includes homeless people.
- Hand sanitizer/ hand wipes
o Just like masks, hand sanitizer can help to prevent the spread of germs and can help to keep homeless people safe.
- Food/ snacks
o Try to choose nutritious foods for your packages and just a few examples are granola bars, dried fruit, beef jerky, mixed nuts (try to avoid peanuts), sandwiches (you can make these yourself or purchase pre- made ones).
- Water
o Even one bottle of water can make a huge difference for a homeless person! Try to include this in your package.
- Socks
o Socks can play a big role in keeping people warm especially when the temperature gets cold. Try to include a pair of new socks.
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste
o Basic hygiene products are necessary even if you are homeless. A new and unopened toothbrush and toothpaste can benefit someone in need.
Extra beneficial items to consider including
- Face wash/ body wash/ bar soap
- Shampoo
- Hats/ gloves/ scarves (depending on your weather conditions)
- Lotion
- (For women) Feminine Hygiene products
- Chapstick/ lip balm
- Nail clippers
- Hairbrush/ comb
- Deodorant
- Mouth wash
- A clean and new t-shirt
- Band-aids
- Sunscreen
How to create your care package:
1- Gather all the items that you would like to include in your care package
2- Ensure that your items are clean
3- Compile your items into a reusable bag of your choice
4- (optional step) Write a kind, uplifting, and respectful note to include in your package to brighten someone’s day even more!
5- Deliver your package (safely) to someone in need!