Are you thinking of supporting homeless people? This article will help you decide on what you can get them. Homeless people are having a truly difficult time, every time – from insecurity to stark lack which means they don’t have enough to stay clean and fed.
It’s advisable and noble to help homeless people, as many of them are victims of circumstances. With a majority of Americans, for example, living paycheck to paycheck, any of the given people can easily find themselves in homelessness, but God forbid! Nonetheless, it usually takes one life-changing event, such as a serious injury, sickness or loss of job, for it to happen. This is why, to reiterate, it is advisable to help homeless people.
What To Give Homeless People
There are various items across different categories that you can give people without housing. Any collection of items or succour meant for unhoused people is referred to as homeless care package or kit. You could choose to hand them one item or a set of them.
Generally, things to give people living in the streets include:
- Some money
- Manufactured or ready food
- Water
- Sanitary or personal hygiene products
- Clothing including waterproof cardigan or jacket for cold
- Waterproof ziplock bag
- Sleeping bag (This may be better than a blanket which if used when wet can kill)
- Thick socks and hand gloves for cold, preferably waterproof ones.
Manufactured or Ready Food
Hobos lack food, which is one of the most needed things in their daily lives. Some rough sleepers sleep on empty stomach frequently or don’t eat well, given the level of their food insecurity.
The idea here is that food to be given to people experiencing homelessness should be ready, without needing to be cooked. Tins should also be easy to be opened. Lastly, foods shouldn’t be expired or spoiled.
Below are some options to inspire your decision.
- Instant cereal packets
- Canned stews
- Bread
- Bottled water
- Gum or mints
- Canned beans or tuna
- Peanut butter
- Peanut butter crackers
- Pre-packed cheese
- Tuna or chicken salad snack packs
- Cup noodles
- Cracker packs
- Fruit snacks
- Pudding cups
- Apple sauce
- Jelly
- Trail mix
- Single-serve juice boxes
- Tinned soups
- Instant oatmeal packets
- Single-serve jam packets
- Rice crackers
- Shelf-stable milk substitutes (almond, soy, oat, etc.)
- Dried fruits
- Instant coffee packets
- Honey packets
Sanitary or Personal Hygiene Products
Sanitary or personal hygiene products, also referred to as toiletries, are very important to help houseless individuals to stay clean. Homeless people, especially chronic ones, hardly keeps clean, because they have no access to sanitary products. This is no surprise because a good deal of them are unemployed.
Personal hygiene products should be separated from food items because of the former’s strong smell impact.
Below are some options to inspire your decision.
- Soap bar or travel-sized liquid soap
- Shampoo or shampoo bar
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Deodorant
- Wet wipes or baby wipes
- Individually wrapped toilet rolls or papers
- Comb or hair brush
- Nail clipper or cutter
- Women’s hygiene products
- Body lotion
- Chapstick
- Petroleum jelly
- Cotton buds
- Hand sanitizer
Clothing & Comforters
Some hobos find it difficult to change their clothes. They usually don’t have money. Secondly, some of them stay homeless for years using same of few clothes. Hence, the assistance of clothing is indispensable.
- Tops and trousers
- Thick wool socks
- Warm gloves
- Body blankets
- Hand warmers
Read: Challenges of Homeless People
Other Essentials
The following are also essential to people living outside. You can add one or some of these to your homeless care kit.
- Flashlight
- Waterproof ziplock bag
- Water bottle
- Sewing kits
- Local gift cards
- Restaurant or grocery store vouchers
- Words of encouragement
- Local resources guide
- Can opener
- Pen and paper or jotter (visibly write words of encouragement on it)
First-Aids Items or Medical Supplies
- Wholesome anti-depressants or other psychotropic solutions
- Band-aids
- Antibacterial wipes
- Antiseptic wipes
- Tylenol or Advil
- Moleskin
- Qauze bandage
- adhesive tape
- antibiotic ointment
- instant cold pack
- hydrocortisone cream (for insect bites)
- antihistamines (for allergies)
Caution
Please:
- because lots of homeless people are in a psychologically bad shape, consider no giving them dangerous things such as knives, needles, blades, matches and dangerous drugs.
- tents may not be given to them. Sleeping bags may be better.
- things such as blankets, hand gloves, socks, cardigans and jackets that can be wetted by the rain may not be given to them, as they’re always outside.
- consider not giving them excess perishable foods, hard foods, sugary foods and badly used items
Conclusion
Homeless people need help and the foregoing homeless care package options can help you choose what to give them. But of course, the important thing is what you observed that your target unhoused people need. The season of the year is also an important consideration. In some cases, all what people without accommodation need might be government awareness of their sufferings or pressure… which you could also help with.
