Blessing Bags for the Homeless – What to Include

It’s sad and unfortunate, but homelessness is a global issue. There are many reasons someone could find their self in such a situation, such as loss of job, domestic violence, or medical or mental health needs, just to name a few.

I volunteered a few times at a local battered woman’s shelter, and became close with many of the women there. Many of them shared there stories with me. Most of them also had kids there and the place offered daycare, counseling, help finding a job, and interview tips, and most of all a safe place to stay.

The sad thing is they had a a long wait list and were completely full at the time I volunteered. It was definitely a humbling experience. It made me sad to think of how many women who were on the waitlist still could either be stuck in a very bad situation, or on the streets at night feeling unsafe.

I have donated a little bit of money to the homeless when I see them, but I thought the idea of a blessing bags to hand out to the homeless would be something they would appreciate, especially during the holiday season.

I plan on getting the kids involved in putting them together too! I plan on keeping them in the car, so I can hand them out if I see anyone in need. You could also make up several bags and donate to a woman’s or shelter for men or even to family shelters, or businesses that work with the homeless population

Here are a few items I’m going to include, in case you would like to make one too to give out in your community. I recommend putting the items in a gallon Ziplock. All of the items will not fit into one bag, so you can either do two or three bags per person, or just pick a few items pick a few items from each

1.Toiletries – Including travel size toothpaste and toothbrush, deodorant, and soap. Here is a bag of travel size products already put together for women and a set for men or you can make one yourself that has items that would be unisex with neutral items that either a woman or man could use.

2. Warm Socks – The importance of socks for the homeless can’t be ignored and is a very important necessity. They keep their feet warm on cold nights, help prevent blisters, and more. Not to mention a pair of nice socks can bring some normalcy to their lives, and boost their self esteem. Having a new nice pair of socks definitely makes me happy, so I’m sure they will love them as well!

3. Hand and Feet Warmers – If you live in a cooler climate or have cold winters, I believe this is another must on the list, and they are reasonable on price. Where we live the temperatures drop pretty low at night and I know these will come in handy,

4. A bag of quarters for use at the laundromat – If you are homeless it is very hard to keep clothes clean and, most only have access to laundry facility. I think having coins to use for the machines would take away one less barrier. Having clean clothes can help them feel more sanitary and add a little confidence boost. They could also use the quarters for a vending machine for on the go snacks.

6. Feminine Hygiene Products – pads, panty liners, tampons. This kit includes travel size woman’s hygiene products.

7. Body Cleaning Wipes or Diaper Wipes – These are great for them to freshen up on the go, or when showers may not be available or unpractical for them. Many of the wipes come in convenient travel friendly sizes and are also flushable.

8. New Underwear – Needless to say, underwear is equally as important for both men and women

10. Gloves – If you live in a cool or cold climate these will be appreciated by both men and women.

11. Non perishable food items such as granola bars, or trail mix – These are all great for on the go and to help with hunger and to regulate blood sugar especially when they might not have easy access for food or meals.

12. Hot Cocoa Packets or Instant Coffee they can make on the go if they have access to hot water or a microwave – This will help keep them warm, and provide a few nutrients.

13. Water Bottle – Having access to fresh water can help prevent dehydration, can be used to brush teeth when there is no access to water, or can be used for the hot cocoa or instant coffee from above.

14. Chapstick – Chapstick would be a huge help especially for those out in the elements

15. Comb or Brush – This is another must I believe and can also bring some normalcy to their life.

16. Tylenol or Ibuprofen in the small individual packets or travel size. A small emergency kit with Band-Aids and other items I also believe would be useful.

17. Gift Cards to local grocery stores, or Walmart This will provide them the ability to shop for their own individual sizes and needs.

18. Handwritten Note, Card of encouragement or, Bible Verse to let them know they are not forgotten. Here are a few different encouragement cards available from Amazon If you have kids that are old enough this would make a good idea for them to do and maybe include a drawing or picture they made. Here are a few homemade crafts you could also do with the kids and include in the blessing bag.

What items would you include in your blessing bags?

While I think this is a great idea for the holidays, it’s needed and I’m sure appreciated any time of the year. For Summer, blessing bags you can add sunscreen, and customize them a little depending on the time of year.

If you don’t want or are unable to make full blessing kits, handing out a pair of socks, a small bag of quarters for them to use at the laundromat or in a vending machine, or even cards of encouragement or a holiday card are also great ideas.

If we all just pull together and help how we are able, it will allow us to take a little bit of burden off the harsh conditions the live in, and encourage hope!