What are some items to put in backpacks for the homeless?

Question

Hey, you guys have some really great ideas. However, don't you think there is some concerns to passing out pocket knives to possible mentally handicapped people or bottles of pills to possible drug abusers?

Answer 1

soap, shampoo, deodorant, hand-sanitizer, tooth brush, tooth paste, toilet paper/kleenex, wet-ones, change for phone calls, dried fruit, nuts, pretzels, etc., socks, wash cloth, towel, mittens/gloves, aspirin, maybe a walmart gift card? rain poncho, a small notepad and pen, sewing kit, zip-lock bags, a deck of cards.......

Answer 2

I started publicizing backpacks for the Homeless here in Chattanooga three years ago. The first person to start it in the country to my knowledge was a girlscout leader in Cleveland. If you want to know my take on the whole backpacks thing, please look at the website i created for it here... http://www.ushelplines.org . There's information on what you should provide, how you should provide it and where to get hte stuff from. I buy everything i can second hand or at dollar stores. i can get backpacks for a dollar a piece at the thrift store. at walmart they are at least ten bucks. I always try to buy the pack for less thant twenty bucks. you don't want to give any homeless person any drugs, mouthwash, or any alcohol of any sort, inluding rubbing alcohol. what you do want to give them, the most important thing, in my mind, is what i call the winter kit. for people who have to sleep outdoors, you can save their life with a tarp and a blanket, especially in the colder northern climes. what they can do is to take the blanket, lay it out on the tarp and roll up in it. the tarp acts as a windbreak and moisture barrier, and it can save their life even in fairly cold weather. i buy canned food, a can openeer, a litre of water, toothrbrush, toothpaste, etc. it's mainly common sense stuff. the biggest thing is to buy everything you can used. that way you can help more people. also, try to find used wool blankets at the thrift store. army blankets work great, but they're getting expensive. wool will keep them warm even if it gets wet, and it dries quickly. if you have any questions, check out the website, or email me at [e-mail]. peace. oh, btw, let me tell you one more thing... this is a spiritual pursuit. it's not about helping other people, it's about being a vessel so something greater than ourselves can work through us. the preparation that must go into the process is how it starts. it takes time, effort and money to get ready to do this. you throw the pack in your car, knowing that one day, soon, or not so soon, you will encounter some person who will love you for what you give them. that meeting is total chance. or is it? i've never, ever experienced the love that these people have beamed at me after giving them a pack in any other circumstance. keep that in mind when you assemble your packs. you can save lives. maybe your own. ... fil manley... backpacksforthehomeless.org

Answer 3

I think a backpackers back pack would be a dream! Portable spoon, knife, dish, cup. A light and easy to carry blanket, plus other amenities like easy to eat food and what not.

Money!

I think it is best to go down where the shelters are and ask people there whats really needed! I'm sure they are grateful for all things and all our help keeps them going.


Thank you for inspiring me. I want to crochet blankets to hand out.... I need to start working on that.

Answer 4

Thick socks, underwear, long underwear, hat, gloves, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, rubbing alcohol/astringent, condoms, vitamins, tissues/toilet paper, deodorant, band-aids, gauze/bandages, antibacterial cream, fold up plastic poncho, chapstick, moisturizer/hand lotion, antacids, Aleve/Tylenol/Advil, pens/pencils, paper, lighter, hand sanitizer, handi-wipes, instant or reusable hand, pocket and body warmers/pads. Maybe a blanket if there's room. Possibly some snacks like Power Bars or something.

Answer 5

can opener / multi bladed utility knife (swiss army type)
compact sewing kit / soap / boy scout type cook set (3 or 4 nested pans that fold compactly in a small space)---And one of those compact little silver "space blankets" they are small and light and EXTREMELY efficient at keeping one warm or insulated ----
These are but a few things that would come in big time handy for a person out on the world's back porch !!!

Answer 6

well your obvious basics are shirts, jogging pants, a spare pair of shoes, band aids, non parishable pop top canned goods, crackers, and id add magazines, a newspaper, things like that, as well as a list of places they can go if it is cold and they need a place to stay, homeless shelters, cafes and the such.

Answer 7

water bottle, crackers, toothbrush, deodorant, socks, poncho, first aid kit with bandaids.

Answer 8

food, warm socks, gloves,

Answer 9

don't forget condoms. They come in handy when you are living on the streets. you can sell them to the hookers at 2 am when the stores are closed.

Answer 10

drugs,weapons,twinkies