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Care Kits for Houseless Folks
Care kits contain essential relief items for people living homeless. Things like clean socks, a rain poncho, a hand warmer or gloves, bath wipes, and snacks offer comfort to someone living outdoors in difficult conditions. When you give care kits, you are showing kindness and compassion for a fellow human being going through difficult times and enduring cruel living conditions.
Check with local shelters, soup kitchens, or social service organizations to see who distributes care kits to the houseless community in your area. They may have additional requirements or instructions for donations.
All Year Hygiene Care Kit
People experiencing homelessness are in most need of the following items. You should not include literature, medications like Tylenol or Advil, or liquid hand sanitizer. If you buy the items in bulk, you can make 20 kits for around $200.
Fill a zippered gallon-size plastic bag containing travel or trial-sized of some or all of the following: (No paper bags. Why? Paper falls apart easily. Zippered plastic bags can be reused.)
- Bar of soap
- Band-aids (big ones to cover blisters)
- Neosporin or antibiotic ointment
- Wet wipes or bath wipes
- Deodorant
- Cotton swabs
- Lotion
- Lip balm
- Nail clippers
- Pair of socks or t-shirt (new and large adult size are the most needed)
- Rain poncho
- Wrapped snacks (must be easy to chew)
For Winter Kits
- Mylar Blanket
- Hand Warmers
- Gloves
For Summer Kits
- Refillable Water Bottle (either new or gently used and sterilized)
- Sunscreen