Homeless Care Package Ideas

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Joyful_Song

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Hi all,

Any ideas for items to include in homeless care packages we can give to beggars we see when we are at stoplights in the city?

I was thinking it would be practical to keep a couple packages in the car. I always seem to not have any cash or something to offer when I’m on the way somewhere.

So far, I thought of toiletries, a clean t-shirt, hat, directions to the homeless shelter, a prayer card, packaged snacks and drinks like granola bar and juice packs.
There are so many homeless people here.
 
Joyful_Song said:
Hi all,

Any ideas for items to include in homeless care packages we can give to beggars we see when we are at stoplights in the city?

I was thinking it would be practical to keep a couple packages in the car. I always seem to not have any cash or something to offer when I’m on the way somewhere.

So far, I thought of toiletries, a clean t-shirt, hat, directions to the homeless shelter, a prayer card, packaged snacks and drinks like granola bar and juice packs.
There are so many homeless people here.
Click to expand...
Socks. Good ones. From what I have read, many homeless people have foot problems because they don’t have warm socks.
 
All good ideas. I caution against granola bars, as they can often times be too hard for some to chew, as dental issues are rampant in the homeless population.

Our local shelters have suggested jars of peanut butter, shelf-stable pudding cups, jerky/Slim Jims, canned cheese/meat products, individual rolls of toilet paper , a couple empty ziploc bags (to keep things dry), plastic silverware and for women, hygiene items- individually wrapped pads, tampons etc.
Joyful_Song said:
Hi all,

Any ideas for items to include in homeless care packages we can give to beggars we see when we are at stoplights in the city?

I was thinking it would be practical to keep a couple packages in the car. I always seem to not have any cash or something to offer when I’m on the way somewhere.

So far, I thought of toiletries, a clean t-shirt, hat, directions to the homeless shelter, a prayer card, packaged snacks and drinks like granola bar and juice packs.
There are so many homeless people here.
Click to expand...
 
I agree with SOCKS vitally important. Occasionally their only friend is a dog so it would be a kindness to have easy open food for them too. Money is always helpful. I know a lot of people say don’t because many will buy alcohol. Well so would I frankly
 
I’d agree on the soft foods! If you want to put a piece of fruit in the pack (very welcomed by many homeless people, in my experience), try including a banana. Pots of rice pudding (do you have that in the USA?) are also very popular.

Of course, don’t include anything in tins which needs heating (or where a tin opener is needed) - even people in bed and breakfast housing often have no access to cooking facilities.

It’s a great idea, a very kind thing to do. 🙂
 
The above ideas are very good.

I would caution against encouraging the homeless to solicit funds in traffic. It creates a dangerous situation for them and other motorists.

Sooner or later, their luck will run out, and someone will hit them. This will not happen if people do not give them money and supplies while they are standing in the middle of high density traffic. When you give them money or care packages, you are endangering them and other drivers.

There are plenty of places to solicit money that are not life threatening.

Having worked with the homeless population in the past, most people panhandling at busy intersections are professional panhandlers. They panhandle instead of taking entry level work because panhandling is far more lucrative. A good panhandler can make close to $100,000 per year tax free. $40-$60,000 is not uncommon. Some will even driver their new cars to “work” parking a street over.

Professional panhandlers will beat any other panhandler who tries to beg on their corner/intersection. That is why you see the same people every day with no other competing beggars.

Giving care packages are the right idea. Often money will either end up with a drug dealer or be spent on a modest but comfortable lifestyle.

I would recommend giving the money directly to a homeless shelter, food bank. soup kitchen, or clothes closet. I have also heard that the store, “Men’s Warehouse” will provide suits and dress clothes to indigent people looking for work. A donation of a suit could help a man provide for his entire family.

Perhaps your money would be better spent giving a suit to a homeless man with a family. Doing this might end people wandering in traffic in busy intersections.
 
WJeffrey said:
The above ideas are very good.

I would caution against encouraging the homeless to solicit funds in traffic. It creates a dangerous situation for them and other motorists.

Sooner or later, their luck will run out, and someone will hit them. This will not happen if people do not give them money and supplies while they are standing in the middle of high density traffic. When you give them money or care packages, you are endangering them and other drivers.

There are plenty of places to solicit money that are not life threatening.

Having worked with the homeless population in the past, most people panhandling at busy intersections are professional panhandlers. They panhandle instead of taking entry level work because panhandling is far more lucrative. A good panhandler can make close to $100,000 per year tax free. $40-$60,000 is not uncommon. Some will even driver their new cars to “work” parking a street over.

Professional panhandlers will beat any other panhandler who tries to beg on their corner/intersection. That is why you see the same people every day with no other competing beggars.

Giving care packages are the right idea. Often money will either end up with a drug dealer or be spent on a modest but comfortable lifestyle.

I would recommend giving the money directly to a homeless shelter, food bank. soup kitchen, or clothes closet. I have also heard that the store, “Men’s Warehouse” will provide suits and dress clothes to indigent people looking for work. A donation of a suit could help a man provide for his entire family.

Perhaps your money would be better spent giving a suit to a homeless man with a family. Doing this might end people wandering in traffic in busy intersections.
Click to expand...
Totally agree!! I volunteer at a homeless shelter and I also have learned that they prefer to panhandle rather than look for work. One of the best ideas I got from several sources was to include the following blessed items: Divine Mercy Image prayer card and miraculous medal. A list of shelters/food pantries and resource sheet.
In addition, I ask for their name, how they are doing and tell them that Jesus loves them and that I will be praying for them. I will also add them to our family rosary/divine mercy list of petitions.
 
Cath4life said:
Totally agree!! I volunteer at a homeless shelter and I also have learned that they prefer to panhandle rather than look for work. One of the best ideas I got from several sources was to include the following blessed items: Divine Mercy Image prayer card and miraculous medal. A list of shelters/food pantries and resource sheet.
In addition, I ask for their name, how they are doing and tell them that Jesus loves them and that I will be praying for them. I will also add them to our family rosary/divine mercy list of petitions.
Click to expand...
That is a wonderful idea. A meal or clothes last a short time. Prayers and blessed items may last an eternity.
 
Depending on your purse, you might consider what Australian Catholic relief organisations have developed - the ruck sack. It is a ruck sack with a sleeping bag that is very very tough and has a number of different additions that add value to a homeless life.
• A large rucksack
• A sleeping bag
• A wooly hat
• Gloves
• Scarf
• Underwear
• Socks
• A fleece
• A Thermos flask (leave this empty or provide the initial hot soup. )
• A few tins of soup with ringpulls (easy to open)
• A spoon
Also toothbrush, toothpaste, safety razor and soap.
It costs about $100 Australian, which would be cheaper in America etc. Very popular.
 
Thank you for starting this thread, Joyful Song! It’s very timely for me as my husband and I are spending the winter in an area where we see a number of people asking for money along the side of the road and at intersections and we, too, have started gathering things for care packages. I’ve gotten some good ideas from this thread.

We rarely carry money anymore but I have started trying to at least have a few singles on me. Quarters, too, which probably sounds cheap but I know I’m always in need of quarters so I imagine that’s doubly true for the homeless. I’m torn sometimes about handing a person a big heavy bag that they would need to carry so we’ve tried to buy smaller, individually wrapped items like Lara bars (nutricious and soft,) wet wipes, small water bottles, etc. and hand that to the person along with a few dollars and some quarters.

Socks are a great idea, gonna pick up a bag of those! Also, one of the men we often see has a dog with him so we had already decided to pick up a bag of dry food and treats and I guess just bag some up in smaller, more manageable portions.

Speaking of small portions, there is a website called Minimus that has thousands of small travel sizes of everything you can imagine-food, toiletries, OTC meds etc, etc. You might want to check that site out. Little packets of aspirin, antibiotic ointment, Tums, etc, might be a welcome addition to a care package.

Anyway…I’m kind of just rambling and brainstorming here but thanks again for starting this topic. I’ll be sure to check back for more ideas.
 
Joyful_Song said:
Hi all,

Any ideas for items to include in homeless care packages we can give to beggars we see when we are at stoplights in the city?

I was thinking it would be practical to keep a couple packages in the car. I always seem to not have any cash or something to offer when I’m on the way somewhere.

So far, I thought of toiletries, a clean t-shirt, hat, directions to the homeless shelter, a prayer card, packaged snacks and drinks like granola bar and juice packs.
There are so many homeless people here.
Click to expand...
Soap, tooth brush, troothpaste, goves, gift cards BUT NOT cash for McD or TB, or Rally’s where the food is inexpensive

GREAT project& idea. DON"T be concerned about abuses; God reads YOUR heart and YOU will be rewarded.

God Bless you,

PJM
 
I give on a daily basis,walking through our town, They claim to be the newest city ha ha obviously they’ve never seen a city.Some are ex military,some desperate for whatever reason.I was challenged by a police officer for giving the time of day and cash,I then explained the redistribution of wealth (clause 4 the those old enough) and after a frank discussion and I mean frank she wouldn’t arrest me 'cos it would cost them a carer for my husband. This is the joy of a post Thatcherite country. I don’t have to judge how these people spend this money that is no longer mine.Apparently,this is all the police have to do,
 
jinglebelle said:
I give on a daily basis,walking through our town, They claim to be the newest city ha ha obviously they’ve never seen a city.Some are ex military,some desperate for whatever reason.I was challenged by a police officer for giving the time of day and cash,I then explained the redistribution of wealth (clause 4 the those old enough) and after a frank discussion and I mean frank she wouldn’t arrest me 'cos it would cost them a carer for my husband. This is the joy of a post Thatcherite country. I don’t have to judge how these people spend this money that is no longer mine.Apparently,this is all the police have to do,
Click to expand...
Actually, they are trying to prevent you from getting mugged. They also are trying to prevent people who are not as charitable as you from being harassed and shaken down for money. Think about that the next time you see a six foot tall man blocking the sidewalk from an 80 year old Grandmother or a nice Catholic Mother with her 3 children under age 7.

There is a public policy reason why the Police are doing it. Perhaps it does not apply to you, and I think your charity is commendable. The next time one of these people get mugged or shaken down, take a moment to reflect on your policy of thumbing your nose at a Police Officer who is doing what the Mayor told her to do.
 
WJeffrey said:
Actually, they are trying to prevent you from getting mugged. They also are trying to prevent people who are not as charitable as you from being harassed and shaken down for money. Think about that the next time you see a six foot tall man blocking the sidewalk from an 80 year old Grandmother or a nice Catholic Mother with her 3 children under age 7.

There is a public policy reason why the Police are doing it. Perhaps it does not apply to you, and I think your charity is commendable. The next time one of these people get mugged or shaken down, take a moment to reflect on your policy of thumbing your nose at a Police Officer who is doing what the Mayor told her to do.
Click to expand...
I’m not thumbing my nose at anyone usually in this town the mother with twelve children is what I’m paying for and they’re usually blocking the street because their ovaries ar SO important catholic or not
 
jinglebelle said:
I’m not thumbing my nose at anyone usually in this town the mother with twelve children is what I’m paying for and they’re usually blocking the street because their ovaries ar SO important catholic or not
Click to expand...
I just wanted to stick up for the cop. I’m guessing that he doesn’t like having to talk with you for being charitable. That is a hard position for both of you to be in. The Policewomen didn’t go to the academy to harass charitable people and you shouldn’t have to answer for being charitable. The Cop is ultimately following the orders of a Mayor who wants to be reelected that is afraid he will lose your vote if you are mugged while helping a homeless person.

I worked with the homeless community for a period of time. It was eye opening. Ultimately when questions like this are posed, I err on the side of safety of the charitable people. I try to present a street smart viewpoint so good people do not end up getting hurt.

I’d like to think that someday I will say something that may help both the homeless person and the charitable person. Maybe it will never happen.

The Men’s Warehouse Suit for a homeless person idea is one of the best I have heard in a long time. If a small donation can put a man with a family to work, we can solve a lot of societal problems. It would make the care package unnecessary.
 
Don’t give them anything that will hurt too bad, when they through it at your head because it wasn’t $.

I always think Soup in a can goes over pretty good, but like I said, go with a role of TP if you can’t duck quickly.

God bless your efforts!
 
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