This is a list of material possessions homeless people need to survive. Sure, there are many things that homeless people need that have nothing to do with material possessions, but I'll write about that another time.
I will mention this, though. Sure, giving away your hand-me-downs is easy. These things you were not using or were going to throw away anyways can be used by homeless people. But know that looking like a homeless person wearing someones discarded items has a negative psychological effect on homeless people that can worsen and extend their homeless experience. Critical to a homeless person's recovery from homelessness is a feeling of worth, and dignity. Being able to wear decent clothing, being able to not look like a homeless person, provides many benefits for homeless people.
- Coats - with hoods is a bonus. Hoods help keep the wind and rain off, and the warmth in.
- Socks - Homeless people go through socks fast. Homelessness is tough on feet, and keeping feet healthy is difficult in the homeless environment.
- Blankets - especially for the homeless who won't or can't get into a shelter. Still, some shelters have little in the way of blankets and so the homeless are allowed to use their own as well.
- Backpacks - they wear out fast with daily use. Now, I'm not much for making endorsements of products, but time after time I've learned that JanSport backpacks are by far the best of the lesser expensive backpacks. They hold up very well.
- Toiletries - toothpaste and toothbrush, deodorant, comb or brush, fingernail clippers, soap, shampoo, razors, shaving cream, tissues, aspirin, lotion, chapstick, etc
- Knit Caps - in natural colors please. Sure, a florescent pink cap with fuzzy knobs may look cute on a coed, but not on your average homeless guy.
- Tents - more and more homeless people are sleeping outside, and good inexpensive tents can be found, if you don't already have one you don't use. Walmart usually has a good selection at a good price.
- Rain Ponchos - They work better than umbrellas because they can cover a backpack and other carried things. It may be tempting to buy and pass out cheap ponchos, but know that the will be worn often in rainy snowy climates and the cheaper stuff will wear out and tear after only a few uses.
- Bus Passes - or bus tokens are easy to get from your local transit authority.
I would add a small flashlight, shoes, and for a treat, a burn cell phone. Oh, and nail clippers or small swiss army knife that includes a file.
ReplyDeleteThis may be a stupid question, but where would someone take these items if they wanted to help out?
ReplyDeleteTake them anywhere that homeless people are. And really, homeless people can be anywhere. Of course you can contact your local homeless shelter, or if you'd rather be more involved, you can take them to the homeless yourself. Just do so safely. Just like meeting anyone for the first time that you don't know, do so in a public place.
ReplyDeleteInteresting list. Quick story, I was talking with a homeless guy yesterday and one thing I like to do is ask what do you need. (Because I hate thinking that I'm helping but in reality, there is something more effective I could be doing.) And one of the things that he said was bus passes. It never occurred to me. And low and behold I read your list and what do I find, bus passes! It is now confirmed and bus passes are now on my mental list of things that are "really needed".
ReplyDeleteI am very interested to hear what you have to say as far as non-material possessions.
How about letting them sleep in your garage
ReplyDeletewhen its freezing cold outside? Many people treat their dogs better than a homeless person!
How does a christian person pray to God when they treat homeless people as Non-Humans?
Please explain this to me!
I have to admit that the biggest need for me is laundry. I have at least four bags of clothes now in y storage locker. I hate getting even more clothes as it's just a waste. Keeping laundry up to date for me is the biggest hurdle. Last time I got $20, it all went to laundry.
ReplyDeleteMy Church has a Food Pantry so when someone comes to the Church and askes for help we take them to our Pantry and let them "shop". The groceries and toiletries come from our Church members. We just announce what we are low on and members donate it. I also make Comfort Bags which have alot of the items you listed but now I know what to add. Thanks.
ReplyDeletegood!
ReplyDeleteI keep gallon sized Ziplock bags in my car with a water bottle, snacks (peanut butter crackers, beef jerky sticks, Snackwell cookies, etc..), baby wipes, tooth brush & paste, deodorant.... I have them on hand to give when I come across a need.
ReplyDelete