There are several different names for these kits: homeless care packages, blessings bags, care kits, etc. But, no matter what you prefer to call them, a homeless winter kit is a way to package useful items that can be passed out to those in need throughout your community.

In particular, the winter in many States can be a brutal time of year and even worse for those that don’t have the means for consistent shelter, food, and/or care. A homeless winter care kit can make a world of a difference to someone – especially if the items included are thoughtful, helpful, and packaged in a reusable waterproof backpack or plastic bag.

Benefits of Giving Back

The Department of Housing and Urban Development recently released its 2022 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report and shared that nearly 600,000 people in the United States are experiencing homelessness and of those, more than 25% are families with children. This crisis is not going to disappear overnight, so it is up to us to give back if we are in a position to do so – even the smallest act can make a significant difference.

When you make the decision to give back, you aren’t just helping other individuals, but you are helping your community and even yourself.

Helping Others

The most obvious benefit of giving back is people helping people. People need people and even with one act, one homeless care kit, you can help another human being.

The homeless need food, water, and shelter; but beyond that, they also need support, care, and respect…just like you and me. We are all human beings, and we should treat each other with human decency. By offering a winter homeless kit to someone in need, you are – by extension – extending your heart, as well.

Each person you help may just be that one extra thing they needed to help them get back on their feet or simply have a brighter outlook on their future.

Healing Your Community

Beyond an individual level, giving back also helps heal at a macro level – it helps to heal your community. It helps tear down barriers, open lines of communication and find ways to connect with each other. When more and more people help improve the world around them, the entire community, state, and country become stronger, healthier, and hopeful.

It also inspires others to do good. A ripple effect tends to occur when others see someone else, like you, doing a positive act. They see the positive outcomes, and therefore, want to also be a part of improving the world around them.

Another wonderful way giving back heals your community is that it actually teaches you a better sense of community overall. It takes individuals out of their little bubbles and provides them with the understanding that we don’t just coexist with each other; it’s up to us to improve the community around us for each other.

Become a Better Version of Yourself

Beyond helping others and your community, giving back actually helps you, too. There are the initial feelings of, “I’ve done something good for someone else,” but there’s also actual science that shows that giving back can actually help “lessen the risk and symptoms of depression and day-to-day stress.” (U.S. News, What Generosity Does to Your Brain and Life Expectancy)

There are also links to lowers mortality rates, even more so than exercising four times a week! You can read more about that in this Chopra article.

Helpful Items to Include in a Homeless Winter Kit

Building your homeless care package is quite simple and most items can be found at stores like Dollar General, Amazon, and Walmart. If you plan on making several winter homeless kits, consider buying them in bulk or these pre-built care package kits.

As you consider what you want to include in the package, remember that many homeless people do not have access to dental care and may have sensitive and/or poor teeth. You also don’t want to assume where they stand with religion and offend by including items that are religious-based. That said, there are items you will want to avoid and they are listed below.

To help you out, I’ve included this downloadable homeless winter kit checklist.

Food Items

• Applesauce
• Bottled Water
• Crackers
• Dried Fruit/Fruit Snacks
• Hard Candies/Mints
• Individual Peanut Butter Packs
• Plastic Spoon
• Protein Bars/Cereal Bars (soft/chewy are preferable)

Clothing Items

• Gloves
• Stocking Hat
• Rain Poncho
• Scarf
• Socks (#1 most requested item at shelters)

Hygiene & Healthcare Items

• Antibiotic Ointment
• Bandaids
• Comb/Brush
• Travel Size Deodorant
• Hand Sanitizer
• Lip Balm
• Lotion
• Maxipads/Tampons
• Plastic Bag(s)/Waterproof Backpack
• Tissues
• Toothbrush/Toothpaste
• Travel Size Soap Bar (wrapped in a sealable plastic bag)

Nice-to-Have Additional Items

The following items are not required but definitely add a nice personal touch.

• Waterproof Tarp/Plastic Liner
• A Handwritten Note
• Cash/Gift Card
• Hand/Feet Warmers
• Local Resource Guide
• Small Bag of Dog/Cat Food

What Not to Include

• Canned Items with No Pop-Top Opening
• Hard Foods
• Perishable Food
• Religious Literature/Items
• Sugary Foods
• Sharp Items

How to Package Your Homeless Winter Kit

The next step is to simply take all your items, and pack them into your waterproof bag or backpack.

I typically carry one or two in my car so that I can grab it when I see someone who may benefit from receiving a care kit. However, be mindful of how long you keep them in your car due to expiration dates and extreme changes in temperatures.

Now, Go Out & Make a Difference

If you choose to walk around an area to hand out your bags, it is recommended to go in groups – at least with one other person. You can also distribute your bags by simply having them ready in your car and if you see someone at an intersection, you can roll down your window and hand it to them. But, if you are not comfortable with doing that, you can always drop them off at your local food bank or locate your closest shelter.

Once you’ve handed out your first bag, you will have already taken one small step to help your community and touch someone’s life in a positive way.

I hope you enjoy the experience, want to continue to do it, and make this world a better place for all. I will leave you with one of my favorite quotes that I believe truly encapsulates what giving means:

Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.

Lau Tzu