What Do Homeless People Need: Homelessness in the United States is a persistent problem affecting individuals and families in urban and rural areas. Homeless people face numerous challenges, and their needs go beyond simple shelter.
But what are some essential items for homeless people? Let’s look at some basic needs they may need, including 10 essential items that may be helpful.
What Do Homeless People Need the Most?
It’s not always obvious what homeless people or homeless shelters need most. When considering contributing to our cause, consider the following items.
There are many items that a homeless person needs, whether they sleep outdoors or not, especially depending on the time of year and the weather. Here are some ideas of what you can easily provide to a homeless person to make a difference in their life.
Basic Necessities for Survival
One of the most challenging aspects of homelessness is limited access to basic needs—the essential items and services people need to survive.
Basic needs have changed over the years, but today they typically include:
- Food
- Water
- Shelter
- Clothing
- Access to medical care
These essential items and services can be provided through a targeted care program designed to help people struggling with homelessness.
Essential Items to Help the Homeless
There are many items that a homeless person needs, whether they sleep outdoors or not, especially depending on the time of year and the weather. Here are some ideas of what you can easily provide to a homeless person to make a difference in their life.
Blankets
A blanket is one of the essential items you can donate to a homeless person. It serves as warmth and a place to sleep, as well as to protect the belongings they carry.
Donate blankets to your local charity shop or a department store. These places often have blankets in good condition that can be given away.
Ask friends and family if they have extra blankets they’d be willing to donate. It doesn’t matter how old or ugly the blanket is. The most important thing is that it keeps you warm on cold nights.
Food
The most important thing homeless people need is food. It’s also the easiest to get and doesn’t require any special skills or training. Just make sure food is available and then give it away. If you do it right, those who receive it will likely be so grateful that they’ll tell their friends about your generosity and help spread the word about your good deeds.
This type of publicity can also help you get more donations, which means even more people will benefit from your efforts. Many large companies have donated large amounts of food without being asked; they just want to do something good. So, if all goes well, more free food will be delivered to those in need.
Water
Water is vital for everyone, but it’s imperative for the homeless. It can be difficult to stay healthy and maintain good hygiene without clean water. It’s important to ensure they have access to a reliable supply of fresh water; this helps them stay clean and avoid infection or illness.
It’s also useful for cooking and washing dishes. If the homeless person will be living in your home temporarily (as opposed to staying with you permanently), it’s a good idea to have their personal hygiene items, such as shampoo, toothpaste, soap, and toilet paper—even a small bar of soap—on hand.
A Tent
A tent is a portable shelter that allows you to live outdoors without exposure. It can be used for many purposes, including:
Protection from the elements. Tents are commonly used as temporary shelters that protect from rain, wind, and snow. They also provide shade from the sun, which can help keep you cool on hot days.
Privacy. In crowded homeless encampments, it is important to have a private place where you can isolate yourself from others if necessary; a tent provides this privacy by blocking outside sights and sounds (although some tents do not offer much soundproofing).
Safety during adverse weather conditions, such as severe thunderstorms or tornadoes. A tent offers shelter from dangerous natural forces if there is no other place nearby where people can safely shelter together indoors.
However, keep in mind that not all tents are created equal, so make sure yours has adequate protection before using it during extreme weather events.
Clothing
You need clothes. You need clothes. You need something to wear. Clothing keeps you warm in the winter and can also keep you cool in the summer if it’s made of a lightweight material like linen or cotton.
Many people sleep outdoors in the same clothes for days at a time. In winter, this means they are at risk of developing hypothermia. New socks and underwear can help keep them warm.
A place to charge your phone
A phone is a vital tool for staying safe and seeking help. However, if you’re homeless, it may have been stolen or may not be working properly. You’ll need to charge it to use it, but finding a place to do so can be difficult if you don’t have money.
If someone gives you money for your phone bill and tells you where there’s free Wi-Fi, call them. They should help you arrange available charging stations whenever the weather permits (so people don’t freeze).
Sunscreen
Sunscreen may be an unexpected addition to this list, but it’s essential. While not all homeless people spend all their time outdoors, they may spend hours outdoors during the day. In warmer climates, time in the sun can accumulate and lead to sunburn.
Sunscreen may be an underrated essential item for health.
Toiletries
Toothpaste and toothbrushes. Basic oral hygiene products are often taken for granted, but they are of utmost importance for those lacking stable housing. Your donation of toothpaste and toothbrushes can brighten the lives of those who have been through difficult times.
Shampoo. Access to clean personal hygiene products can bring normalcy back to the homeless. We request shampoo only in plastic bottles to ensure its safety, convenience, and comfort.
Liquid Body Wash. Liquid body wash offers a more hygienic option than bar soap for maintaining hygiene, making it an essential item to donate.
Shaving Cream and Disposable Razors for Men and Women: Personal care is often neglected in extreme circumstances. Your donation of shaving cream and disposable razors empowers people to care for themselves with dignity.
Clothing
Men’s T-shirts and underwear (sizes M, L, XL, XXL)
Women’s underwear (sizes S, M, L, XL, 2XL)
Garments like these are crucial to providing comfort and dignity to homeless people with limited wardrobes.
Menstrual Supplies
- Tampons
- Disposable or Reusable Pads
Lack of access to menstrual supplies is a very serious issue for those experiencing homelessness. When girls and women don’t have access to the menstrual supplies they need, they avoid going to school or work. By providing these items, our clients feel safe, comfortable, and able to move forward on their journey to overcoming homelessness.
Baby and Toddler Supplies
When thinking about what homeless shelters need most, many never consider infants, toddlers, and young children as part of the homeless population housed at Opportunity House. Our youngest clients depend on your support to provide them with diapers of all sizes, while their parents can focus on providing safe and stable housing.
Diapers and Pull-Ups: For families with young children, diapers (sizes 2, 3, and up) and pull-ups (all sizes) are indispensable. These items relieve parents of one of their most pressing concerns, allowing them to focus on rebuilding their lives.
Bus Passes
Most homeless people have no means of transportation or way to get around the city. Providing them with a bus pass gives them that freedom, especially for those who live in the city. They are inexpensive, yet extremely valuable for those who need to get around the city.
What Do Homeless People Need in the Summer
People experiencing homelessness need specific supplies and support during the summer to stay safe and healthy. Some essential needs include:
- Water and Hydration: Bottled water, reusable bottles, and electrolyte packets to prevent dehydration.
- Food: Non-perishable, easy-to-eat foods, such as protein bars, resealable canned goods, and fresh fruit.
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and light-colored clothing to prevent sunburn and heat exhaustion.
- Hygiene Supplies: Moisturizing wipes, deodorant, soap, toothpaste, and feminine hygiene products.
- Shelter and Cooling: Access to shade, cooling centers, portable fans, and light blankets.
- First Aid Supplies: Bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and foot care items.
- Clothing and Footwear: Breathable, lightweight clothing and sturdy, comfortable shoes.
- Insect repellent: Mosquito repellent and anti-itch creams to prevent bites.
- Information on public resources: locations of shelters, food banks, cooling centers, and medical services.
What Do Homeless People Need in Winter
Homeless people face extreme risks in winter and need specific supplies to stay warm and safe. Essential items include:
- Warm clothing: thermal socks, gloves, hats, scarves, and insulated jackets.
- Blankets and sleeping bags: waterproof and insulated sleeping bags and fleece blankets.
- Shelter and protection: access to shelters, emergency shelters, and tents.
- Hot food and drinks: high-calorie foods, protein bars, canned food, and instant soup.
- Hand and foot warmers: disposable or reusable warmers to prevent frostbite.
- Waterproof gear: boots, ponchos, and rainwear.
- Hygiene and first aid: lip balm, lotion, soap, bandages, and cold medications.
- Flashlights and batteries: for added safety and visibility at night.
- Transportation assistance: bus passes or gas cards to get to shelters or services.
Conclusion
The list of things homeless people need is very long. Clothing, food, shelter, and many other items are necessary. If you want to help the homeless in your community, consider donating some of these items to local shelters or agencies that work with homeless people.
