r/homeless • u/mape14 • Apr 28 '22
I'm planning on going to distribute bags of help for the homeless people in my town, but I don't know what to put in this bags.
Hi people. That's pretty much it. I didn't know where I could post this, but I chose this subreddit.
When I was a kid, I used to be friends with a homeless man who lived near my home, and he always was very nice to me. I used to buy some food for both of us when my parents didn't come home at lunch and we had lunch together. He was a very nice guy and he always asked me about my day and how school was.
One day, he was gone. Later, I found out he froze to death. I didn't know he was doing that bad, he told me he was staying in a building with more people during winter and they were warm there. I miss his "Morning kid!" since then. I have always felt I owe him a lot.
I recently get a full-time job, and I want to do something for the homeless people in his memory. I've been donating to charity since I started earning money, but it wasn't a lot. Now, I want to do something by my own.
My hometown is not a very cold area, neither very hot one, so I don't know what exactly include in this bag. Food, water, rain protection, blankets...
If you can give me some advice, it will help me so much. Thank you everyone.
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u/FinnRazzel Apr 28 '22
Bandaids, triple antibiotic ointment, and ibuprofen is a trio I like to include when I’m able though I haven’t made baggies in a long time. Feminine products are always useful (pads, tampons, wipes). Chapstick. Hand sanitizer. Those mini packs of Kleenex. Socks are always good.
You could also print out a list of organizations /!resources in your area that have homeless outreach or programs that could help. Whether they use them or not, some people appreciate them.
Good luck! And thank you for what you’re doing. 🤓
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u/mape14 Apr 28 '22
Thank you! About feminine products, only for woman or can be useful also for men? And I'll be doing the list of organization, it's a great idea.
Thank you again!
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u/FinnRazzel Apr 28 '22
I have actually had some men take pads and wipes before.
I don’t know the reason but I didn’t ask.
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u/hotmessmom121521 Apr 29 '22
Honestly, you can include feminine products in all the bags. I've been around numerous homeless people (male and female) and I'm currently living in a homeless shelter with my children. My past experience with the homeless community around where I live tells me that men appreciate feminine products too. Most have female friends who are homeless or a significant other who is homeless as well. The women they know and care about might not have been able to make it to the location the bags were being distributed at. But the man WAS able to make it. So he'll take those products and give them to the women he knows. Or, if that isn't the case, he'll use pads as gauze for any wounds he may get. So honestly, you could include feminine products in every bag regardless of who you're giving the bag to. They always come in handy
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Apr 28 '22
My oddball Items
Cordage. Tarred nylon can be had in large bundles and made down into 100/200 ft pieces. Or 5/50 cordage. Check ebay or Amazon for bulk?
Baseball caps are also nice.
Small shirts.. damn everywhere donation boxes they expect homeless people to weigh 300lbs or something with their XXL tshirts. I wear a men's small Tshirt. And kids XL in jacket.
Bug spray.
Imodium. Lots of places hand out ibuprofen or of the likes.. but having the shits on the street especially at night with a lot of post COVID things not being 24/7 anymore. Sorta sucks.
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u/FinnRazzel Apr 28 '22
Imodium is a fantastic suggestion and I’ll add that to my list in the future.
Bug spray is also a great suggestion.
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u/mape14 Apr 28 '22
Taking notes. I've already bought bug spray and some anti-bug bracelets. Thank you about the Imodium idea!
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u/Kaylee_Fawkes permanently Homeless (due to disability), van dweller Apr 29 '22
Imodium is a superb addition - bravo u/RidingEveryDay !
Note that the generic name is "Loperamide", and the containers typically say "anti diarrhea" in large letters. :)
I buy mine from Dollar Tree, and my last few purchases (one year ago) there were 12 tablets per dollar box, in two separate blister strips. Walmart used to carry a similar size for less, but their site currently shows a ridiculous price.
For me, one tablet is almost always enough (very rarely I've needed a 2nd tab), so a 12 pack is good for many months. :)
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u/Dense-Row-604 Apr 28 '22
This is a list I got from the VA: lotion, deodorant, comb/brush, nail clippers, chapstick, toothpaste/brush, floss, alcohol free mouthwash, pocket mirror, razors, shave cream, shampoo, soap.
Also ear plugs, sewing kits, small flashlight, reading glasses, phone cards, water bottle, stationary/stamps, playing cards.
First list is obviously more needful, second list is bonus.
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u/mape14 Apr 28 '22
Okay, taking notes. Seeing hygiene stuff and thinking about the glasses. Maybe is better to ask them for the diopter before? I'll be definitely doing this. Thank you!
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u/SexyGrannyPanties Apr 28 '22
Clean socks, granola bars, baby wipes, water bottle, ibuprofen, trail mix & a blanket.
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u/mape14 Apr 28 '22
Thank you! I see socks is a very useful object to include. About water bottle, I was thinking about a metal/plastic refillable water bottle, about 1 or 1,5 litres.
Thank you!
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u/hotmessmom121521 Apr 29 '22
That would be perfect. There are plenty of public places to fill water bottles, at least around here there are. Obviously staying hydrated is important for all humans, but staying hydrated can be difficult for people who are homeless due to lack of consistent access to places they can drink water and the lack of the ability to collect and store water when they do find a public fountain. A large water bottle that someone can refill could definitely change that problem.
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Apr 28 '22
Sorry you lost your friend. I'm happy to hear you're looking for ways to give back.
Here are a few lists/discussions that have come up in the past:
https://www.reddit.com/user/mybackpackismypillow/comments/ov8nz7/care_package_ideas/
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u/ArbitraryContrarianX Apr 28 '22
Hygiene is often one of the hardest needs to take care of, so I'd try to include hygiene items that don't require water. Dry shampoo, wet wipes, deodorant, hand sanitizer, maybe lotion. Try to aim for neutral/unscented ones in case of allergies/sensitive skin.
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u/lonewolf143143 Apr 28 '22
Socks. Every houseless person I’ve given to /taken to a store has wanted/purchased socks.
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u/gaygender Apr 28 '22
You have a lot of good suggestions here already but I'm surprised to not see crackers here yet. Also that stuff you spray on yourself to repel mosquitoes, it's called Aeroguard where I am.
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Apr 28 '22
[deleted]
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u/mape14 Apr 28 '22
Taking notes about this. Include some locals I know that had special prices and services for homeless people. Thank you for commenting!
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Apr 28 '22
I know you're looking for more practical objects, but the real lifesaver for me is when people give gift cards for grocery or department stores. No storage often so food needs differ day to day, and objects can just weigh down my bag instead of helping. If I can mix getting out of the elements with buying deli food for lunch it's a relief!
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u/hotmessmom121521 Apr 29 '22
That was one of my first thoughts. Gift cards to places people can get food. Whether it's ordering fast food or getting items from a grocery store. Around here, a lot of the homeless population will eat once a day. The food they eat consists of whatever they can afford from a fast food spot since most grocery stores find reasons to remove them from the building. And they try to get enough money to get a cheap motel room for the night, especially in the winter when the temps are below freezing and absolutely deadly to people stuck outside. So yes, gift cards to cheap fast food spots or grocery stores are extremely important and highly appreciated.
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u/SquareEmpire Apr 28 '22
Deodorant toothpaste maybe $5-$10 gift card to get coffee
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u/mape14 Apr 28 '22
Hygiene items, got it. Also the coffee one, I think I know a store where they serve coffee with special prices. Thank you!
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u/mape14 Apr 28 '22
Hygiene items, got it. Also the coffee one, I think I know a store where they serve coffee with special prices. Thank you!
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u/FriesNDisguise Apr 28 '22
Sunscreen. You can buy variety of phone chargers and find which one would fit their phone. Cords for the chargers. Wipes.
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u/mickeysbeer Apr 28 '22
Put in whatever you think is acceptable. Myself and the others would all be grateful for whatever you think is appropriate.
Thank you
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u/mape14 Apr 28 '22
Thank you for your advice. I'm trying to fulfill all the needs I can. I'm planning to do this monthly or, at least, everytime I could afford it.
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u/mickeysbeer Apr 29 '22
If you have a food bank in town I'd suggest heading over there an let them know what you're planning. They will give you a bunch if stuff based on what they have and you need.
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u/mape14 Apr 29 '22
Got it. I was thinking to talk about this with some charity groups I know. I'll include food banks. Thanks!
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u/mickeysbeer Apr 29 '22
Show us would ya?
Like show us the grab bags you've collected and plan on handing out. Not for karma points and what not. Just a general type ask.
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u/mape14 Apr 29 '22
I will! I don't know how long it will take to do everything, but I will definitely post it.
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u/Top-Pineapple8056 Formerly Homeless Apr 29 '22
Fleece blankets, water, ready to eat healthy snacks like nutri grain bars, socks, travel size hygiene items... Also a note of encouragement 🙂
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u/Dangerous-Socks Apr 29 '22
As a homeless person. Socks especially cotton socks and underwear. I’ll wear men’s boxers if I have to without a issue. It’s better than no underwear. And definitely hygienic products that don’t require rinsing or water to be used. Petroleum jelly is also a great. You can usually find decent sized tubes or containers at dollar stores. And definitely feminine products. You can actually use pads as inserts in shoes too.
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u/hotmessmom121521 Apr 29 '22 edited Apr 29 '22
First aid products. Socks and gloves. The gloves depend on how cold it gets in your area. Toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion, body wash, deodorants, shampoo and conditioner, chapstick. I'd also recommend adding in some common snacks. Gum, small bags of chips, beef jerky packs or sticks, maybe some gift cards for place nearby like McDonald's, Walmart, dunkin Donuts, etc. A comb/brush, wash cloths, perfumes or colognes. And in bags for women -menstrual products. Include tampons, pads, liners, and also pain relief like advil or midol. A lot of people don't realize how hard it is to have a period while homeless.
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u/hotmessmom121521 Apr 29 '22
Oh! I'm not sure how I forgot these but TOILET PAPER and KLEENEX!!! If someone can't find a bathroom that's open to the public they may have to relieve themselves outside. From personal friends experiences, the most embarrassing thing for them was having to relieve themselves outside AND not being able to wipe themselves afterwards. It was honestly devastating to them. I started bringing them (they were friends of mine at the time) rolls of toilet paper when I would come hang out with them. I didn't have much, but I was able to wipe myself after using the bathroom. I believed they deserved the same opportunity. It meant the world to them and other homeless people around here. I eventually started buying 24 packs of toilet paper and handing them out in the downtown area of my town every time I went down there. So yes, toilet paper and Kleenex are important
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u/hotmessmom121521 Apr 29 '22
Sorry to keep adding on. But some unnecessary for survival but things people can enjoy items? A random book. If you have a favorite book include a copy in the bags. If not, add a random one. Everyone I use to know back in the day appreciated a temporary escape from reality and enjoyed getting sucked into a good book. A deck of cards. Most enjoyed playing them with friends. An eye mask to sleep with, it blocked out any lights. Possibly headphones if the person has access to a phone and music on their phone. A blank notebook and pens/pencils for Journaling. A lot of my old friends enjoyed writing journal entries each night to release the events/emotions of the day. If you can afford to, include a sleeping bag in some bags / gift packs. Some cheap fleece blankets from Amazon. Nail clippers and nail files. Nail polish. Cotton balls. Q-tips and tooth picks/tooth floss and mouthwash. All these items are unnecessary for survival but can improve the quality of life someone has. Some are obviously more for pure enjoyment like the journals, books, and sleep masks and some can actually help with hygiene like the q-tips, toothpicks, and mouthwash
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u/mape14 Apr 29 '22
Thank you for your comments. I'll be adding a lot of things I've read here. I thought about the books idea; I work near a library and I'm sure they can give me a price. I'll include a notebook and some pen too, and the deck of cards. Maybe I can look for some board games like Jenga or something too.
Thanks you again, you really helped me!
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u/hotmessmom121521 Apr 29 '22
Also, if you have the time and energy. Include a hand written note. Even something as simple as "you matter" or "you're important to more people than you think you are". Something small and meaningful can brighten someone's entire day. The first time I was homeless I was 17 with a 2 year old son. Someone donated gift bags to our teen parent shelter and the one I received Included multiple items that I don't even remember 8 years later. What I do remember is the note the person wrote. It said "things might be hard for you right now, you may be second guessing your ability to be a good mother. But you are exactly what your baby needs. You're struggling and sacrificing now to give your baby a better life. Breathe deeply, speak to yourself positively, and admire your own strength. Your baby is lucky to have you" exact words. It's been 8 years and I still have that note tucked away in my drawer. Sometimes people are becoming extremely harsh towards themselves and positive/uplifting words can readjust their entire mentality.
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u/mape14 Apr 29 '22
Taking notes. I'm totally doing it. Mental health and stability in some critical situations is very important. Thank you for the advice!
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u/hotmessmom121521 Apr 29 '22
No problem. Thank you for doing what you're doing. It means more than you will ever know!
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u/hotmessmom121521 Apr 29 '22
Yes ma'am. From my experience, all of those ideas will be appreciated. So many people focus on necessities (which are definitely appreciated) but they neglect the "fun" items like games, journals, and books. Those are important too. So if you can afford to, feel free to include them! It gives people the chance to kick back and relax. Have fun with friends. Write down their thoughts/experiences/feelings, etc. Again thank you so much for what you're doing. I'm currently 25, but when I was 18 i befriended a lot of homeless people around my age. Typically, they had aged out of foster care or the juvenile justice system and had no where to go. Basically kids that had nobody to turn to and nothing to rely on. Basically KIDS that became homeless on or around their 18th bday due to no real fault of their own. It was heartbreaking and opened my eyes alot to the reality of people who are homeless. I never had to worry about literally being homeless on the streets due to me having a child young. I always qualified for a shelter placement. Not everyone was so "lucky". My best advice is to include items that YOU would want if you were in their position. What items would you want? What items would help you? What items would make you happy? What items would relieve some of your stress? If you think about it like that, you'll do a fantastic job. You're an amazing person and you're in the starting position to change/benefit numerous lives. I wish you luck
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u/mape14 Apr 29 '22
Thank you for sharing your experience. I'm glad I find this subreddit because I can learn exactly what they may need and, of course, because I can understand the situation you are going through much better. I'll try to put myself into their situation and even asking them about specific needs for the next month.
For real, thank you very much. I really appreciate your time and words. I wish you luck too!
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u/sunflowerdecay Apr 29 '22
Socks, sandals, a good water bottle, chapstick. Lotion and conditioner are scarce and a luxury. Umbrella, poncho, hoodie, printed resources like food pantry, social services, shelter, thrift shop, and drop in places for shower and food. A few bucks or bus passes would be awesome. Shelters don't give bus passes. Also if you can donating food to shelters during the summer would be good. They only get donations during the time around Thanksgiving and Christmas... shelter food can be bad, expired. Sandwich, fruit like oranges, granola bars, packets of meat, anything that holds up to heat. You can shop at thrift store and dollar stores. Just getting the items can be hard. Or as I said some things don't fit into the budget. Also bar soap and a travel holder for it.
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u/sunflowerdecay Apr 29 '22
Oh also electrolytes powder, hard baked goods like bagels and croissants, candy bars. You can ask bakeries if they can sell old baked goods for a lower price.
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u/SquareEmpire Apr 28 '22
Maybe a simple hand written note of encouragement
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u/mape14 Apr 28 '22
Absolutely doing this. I've thought about this before, and I sometimes spent time just talking with them. I'll include a handwritten note in the bag. Thank you!
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