How to build a homeless care package

Regardless of the location in which you live, the chances are great that you'll come into contact with an individual who is a part of the homeless population. Oftentimes, you may feel like taking a couple of dollars out of your wallet to give to them; however, the more beneficial thing that you should consider is creating a care package for them that contains some of the most basic essentials. Of course, you will also want to ensure that you hand out these types of packages with a group accompanying you, such as from a church, rather than risking your own personal safety and going out to do this on your own.

 

Here are four different types of care packages that you can easily put together for the homeless.

 

Traveling Safely

In this particular type of care package, you can include items such as a pair of warm socks (which is incredible important for a homeless person to have when it's cold outside), travel lotion (which can help to ease pain caused by dry skin), and even chewable vitamins (which is good for a person's immune system).

 

Hygiene

This care package should include items like band-aids (to help cover up cuts while outdoors), travel deodorant (which can help take away any bad odors, such as underneath the arms), feminine hygiene products (a large percentage of the homeless population requires something like this, meaning that you will be doing someone an immense gratitude when including these types of items), sugar-free mints (which can be great for those who have dental issues), and beef jerky (which provides a large amount of protein).

 

Unable to Sleep at Night

In this type of care package, consider including items such as a toothbrush, travel tissues, snacks (such as Lunchables or raisins), and a headlamp (which is great for navigating through the dark or attempting to find something).

 

Bare Essentials

If you choose to create this type of care package, include items like baby wipes (which are a useful and easy way to keep clean), applesauce (which is wonderful for those who suffer from dental issues), bottled water, chap stick, and Advil.

 

What Not to Include in a Care Package

While the above-mentioned items are extremely useful, there are also some items that you should never put into a care package for the homeless.

 

These include the following:

*Previously-used items

*Crunchy foods (these can be bad for those who suffer from dental issues)

*Hand sanitizer and/or mouthwash (these products contain alcohol and can end up being abused by those with addictions)