Many shelters already receive used clothing donations that include pants and shirts, but accessories like gloves, beanies, socks and blankets are harder to come by. These items are at the top of the homeless needs list during the winter, regardless of where you live or how cold it gets.
Personal hygiene items.
Shelters will always be grateful for donations of shampoo, soap, shaving supplies, tampons, and feminine pads. Travel-size products allow individuals to carry these supplies in their own bags, as well.
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.
Consider lip balm, toothpaste, toothbrush, comb, razor, shaving cream, and deodorant. variety of services available to homeless men, women and families that they might not know about.
Or you can give larger items like baking pans, dishtowels and serving dishes. Help us create a comfortable night's sleep by providing pillows, a blanket, an alarm clock, a quilt, a warm bathrobe and pajamas. Again for the “first place” housewarming, think in practical terms.
Why Socks? Socks are the item of clothing most needed in homeless shelters. They're also the least donated. New socks contribute to better mobility and minimize the possibility of frostbite and reduce the risk of cellulitis, impetigo, fungal infection, trench foot, and skin breakdown.
Offer food.
If you're near a restaurant or café, offer to buy a cup of coffee or a sandwich. This will allow you to address the beggar in a way that's helpful and open. You also can at least be assured they'll have food or a warm beverage. Keep in mind some beggars may trade food for other goods or services.
Some more traditional 'soup kitchens' provide hot meals or sandwiches once or several times a day. Other places will supply coffee, donuts or muffins. In some cities, there are mobile vans that drive around and distribute food such as soup, sandwiches and drinks at various locations around the city.
A bindle is the bag, sack, or carrying device stereotypically used by the American sub-culture of hobos. The bindle is colloquially known as the blanket stick, particularly within the Northeastern hobo community.
So if you're homeless and need a legal place to sleep, churches are an excellent option. Disperse camping zones are another good place. If there are no dispersed camping zones near you, try a traditional campsite. Homeless shelters are another great place to sleep.
If fresh meat isn't available, canned chicken or tuna can be used and peanut butter or beans are also excellent sources of protein. These types of foods can be eaten even without access to cooking facilities or appliances. It is not just those experiencing homelessness who may need assistance with food.
While it's a good idea to offer the homeless a meal, it's not a bad idea to let them know that they can visit a shelter or support center instead. Many charities have donation drives for the homeless, and you may be able to participate. Make sure that you have all of the information at hand.
Pork products, alcohol, pornographic materials, liquid hand sanitizer, or aerosol cans (they may explode). Do not send products in glass containers (unless they are bubble-wrapped a few times. Package all food items that may leak in zip-lock bags.
Care packages are shippable boxes or gift baskets packed with an assortment of items that show your appreciation, including hand-written notes, gift certificates, wholesome snacks, and even toys and games.
According to a national survey of homeless people, 28% sometimes or often do not get enough to eat, compared with 12% of poor American adults; 20% eat one meal a day or less; and 40% did not have anything to eat on one or more days during the month previous to the survey.