Best Items to Donate to The Homeless

If you want to help those living in a shelter for the homeless or those living out on the street, it’s helpful to know which items are most needed and requested. Many people who live on the street rarely get a chance to take off their shoes. So, clean socks are very much needed and often requested. New and clean underwear is another item to consider donating. What Do Homeless People Need the Most Besides Shelter | The Right To Shower

Personal hygiene products can be very hard for homeless individuals to access. They are rarely available in food pantries and for those with food stamps or SNAP benefits, these items may not be covered. Travel sized items are easy to carry. Some hygiene products to include are soap, shampoo, deodorant, shaving supplies, brushes, combs, toothpaste and toothbrushes. Period products such as tampons and feminine pads are also very much needed and difficult to acquire.

Gift cards and transportation passes can also be very valuable for undomiciled folks. A gift card to a coffee shop can give the person a chance to sit indoors and enjoy a warm beverage. A grocery or drug store gift card can provide food and supplies. Transportation passes can give the person access to a warm dry place to sleep as well as the opportunity to get around town.

Rain gear can be vitally important to those at the mercy of the weather. This might include an umbrella, boots, or a tarp to protect belongings. When cold weather arrives, coats, hats, gloves, long underwear and boots are always in demand.

One item which is not always considered is pet food. Those trying to hold onto a pet while living outdoors will appreciate food for their companions.

If you have any backpacks or roller suitcases you no longer need, these can be a big help for someone on the street to gather and transport their belongings. Small tents are also options.

But it’s also important not make sure that donations are needed and wanted. It’s not helpful to leave a bunch of stuff near where a homeless person is sleeping or a place they appear to have temporarily left. In some cities the person could end up getting fined or otherwise penalized for the piles of stuff well meaning people have left behind. This can jeopardize their opportunity to stay in certain locations. Leaving food can attract rats and mice. And if you donate to a shelter, be sure to check with the shelter to make sure they need and have capacity to accept what you are donating. If you are donating used items, be certain they are items you would wear yourself and not something soiled or damaged. If it’s garbage, it belongs in the trash or recycling bin. With some thought and care, you can help out a lot people.