General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsWhat do people need on the street? Many things.
Note: Yes I have posted this before. But the need is still out there.
Something that is a necessity is a good size pack. When you are out there, it is your home. It is something that is in short supply. So if you have a school pack that is the kind a high school kid would carry and is no longer using it, please donate it. Even a rolling suitcase is useful. Rolling backpacks are a dream come true! And if you have a messenger bag that you dont use, please donate it. They are great for carrying paperwork in. Believe me, when you are homeless, you have a lot of paperwork you need to try (the big word) and keep with you.
Another thing is dark color blankets. They are used all year long. The dark color works as camouflage at night while one sleeps. So, light or heavy in weight, if they are dark the homeless need it! If you have a dark sleeping bag you dont want anymore, it would be great to. The street is not very soft.
So many could use reading glass. Prescription glass as well. Many places have an eye glass drop off to help people that cannot afford them. Sun glasses, all year around, are need. One must protect from the sun and wind. So if you see some cheap reading glasses at one of those $1 shops, pick a couple up to donate to your local shelter to give out and sunglasses too! You would not believe how much they are needed!
Pens and paper are a great help. I know that sounds odd. But when you are trying to find work or take down information to remember later, you need to have something to write on and with. Folders with pockets are great too. You will not believe how much paperwork is involved when you are in poverty and worse. Sometimes it feels like a full time office job just to get help.
Something some may see as odd is batteries, but they are needed for flashlights and, for the lucky few, radios. The flashlights are a necessity, but the radio can be a life saver in and before foul weather. Information is vital when on the street.
Besides the usual cloths like jeans (jeans are a major thing for women and men), everyday shoes, and t-shirt (sweat shirt and coats in winter), the homeless also need cloths for getting work. Believe it or not there are people out there that are in need of black or khaki slacks, dress shoes, blouses/ white dress shirts, and everything else one need to dress for work are a must have to get a job. The dress codes for department stores, call centers, etc. are what is needed on top of the usual needed cloths. Oh, and underwear! For both sexes (bras are an extreme luxury for a homeless woman and you cant look nice without one). You would not believe how little underwear can be found at the places that help with giving out cloths to the homeless. Socks, belts and Rain gear is a big plus too!
And here is something to think about too. Ladies with one piece swimsuits you no longer were, please donate. The swimsuits can buy some time if a woman is sexually attacked. The culprits want to do there dastardly deed and get out of the area. The one piece as well as what is worn over them is a time consuming situation that those that want to do harm cannot afford to put up with.
Wallets, glasses cases and phone cases: These are something that is very useful. The government phones do not come with holders and that makes it hard to take care of. Those phones are your only way to reach help in an emergency and get contacted for a possible job. The phone holder, glasses case and wallets make it easier to keep your ID, food cards (many food banks that help with homeless food packs use an ID card and you also need to keep your food stamp card safe) and many other needed cards in and safe. And the glasses case to keep ones glasses safe. If you have any that you dont use anymore, please donate them. They will not go unwanted!
Another thing is Maxis and Tampons. Yes, the women need them. But did you know that the guys will carry Maxis as part of a makeshift first aid kit? Things one needs to treat wounds are big, everything from decent bandages, peroxide, alcohol, and anti-bacterial ointment. So is hygiene in general. Stuff like travel size shampoos and soaps, even Foot Powder is in high need. And another big one that is asked for at walk-in centers and shelters is toothpaste and toothbrushes.
Toilet paper is also something that is big as well. With a pack on, many cannot go into certain places, so they have to use port-o-potties or park bathrooms. Those choices may or may not have TP, so one learns you must carry your own.
Something else that is also worth its weight in gold is water bottles. The kind that you can fill in a park bathroom or drinking fountain. Having water is something that is very important; there has been many a death due to not having water to drink out there. I remember seeing many homeless get taken away in an ambulance due to being dehydrated. Eating utensils are a nice thought too! Spoon fork and knife is something that are so nice to have. And a can opener! I had been given cans of food but had no way to open it.
The last thing many dont think of is pet food and leashes. Thats right, pet food and leashes. Many homeless have dogs, some even have cats. They are, for many, what is left of their family. The animals watch them and they watch out for the dog or cat. It is such an attachment that those that do have pets will not go to shelters due to the no pets allowed rule at many. It is that important, the pet is their family, what is left of love. I have seen the attachment so strong that if something happens to that pet, the owner will not be long for this world. The food to properly feed them as well as the leashes to keep legal is in need.
Speaking of keeping pets legal, another big thing that has started to happen is groups that are making sure that the homeless pets get shots and licenses. They ever try to help get then spaded or neutered. If you have a group in your area helping with this, donations to buy the shots are welcome in a big way!
For those that are looking for something to do, I hope that it gives you some ideas. To those that are reading this and remembers that you have some of this stuff and you arent using them, please donate!
Laelth
(32,017 posts)-Laelth
Fumesucker
(45,851 posts)libdem4life
(13,877 posts)Whatever you do in the name of one of the least of these, you have done unto me. Jesus.
tavalon
(27,985 posts)I buy most of our clothes and household items from Goodwill. I know they have so many water bottles cheap and depending on the day, dark blankets can be bought for just a couple of dollars.
Now, where should I donate them? I'll happily buy up these items at Goodwill but should I just find homeless people on the streets (I see them all the time, sadly) or is there a good organization that will get them out to them?
I'm about to do some research on this but any input is welcome.
renate
(13,776 posts)Maybe not all do, though. This one has a pretty good amount of space. On the other hand, I wouldn't think that nice clothes sit around there for too long, so maybe most pantries have a clothing closet. They are so appreciative when clothes are dropped off freshly washed and neatly folded instead of thrown into a garbage bag all wadded up... it made me sad when they made such a big deal out of how it shows respect for their clients. They also were happy to get a crockpot and blankets. Most other household items I take to the local homeless shelter rather than to the food pantry, because the homeless shelter helps people get set up in new housing. I think St. Vincent de Paul is supposed to be a really good place to take donations, if you don't have a homeless shelter nearby.
Lady Freedom Returns
(14,120 posts)They can tell you if they or someone else is doing the receiving and passing out.
tavalon
(27,985 posts)I have a line on getting them for about 69 cents a piece.
Thanks so much for the reminder.
rhett o rick
(55,981 posts)Lady Freedom Returns
(14,120 posts)tina tron
(160 posts)But those things are worthless. I was caught in the wilds after dark once and I tried to use one of those. They provide zero warmth. Imagine going into the kitchen and wrapping yourself with aluminum foil and figure how much comfort that provides.
tavalon
(27,985 posts)and I credit it with saving my life. I don't expect homeless people to use them alone but in tandem with a wool blanket, they work very well. It was a sucky night because they are noisy fuckers but I got through the night and I want others to as well.
rhett o rick
(55,981 posts)rhett o rick
(55,981 posts)JimDandy
(7,318 posts)Fumesucker
(45,851 posts)Buns_of_Fire
(17,181 posts)rudolph the red
(666 posts)Great post, Lady Freedom Returns!
ProSense
(116,464 posts)A small care package goes a long way.
raouldukelives
(5,178 posts)Blanks
(4,835 posts)A backpack full of these items sounds like a good thing to provide them with.
There are a lot of pretty good sized wooded areas near the ramps around here. I expect that people live in these areas until the highway department comes in and mows them.
I imagine that even if the folks didn't have a use for some of the items, they could use them to barter.
Lady Freedom Returns
(14,120 posts)The interstate is a good place of many in certain places that has a policy to run homeless out of the city period can stay.
tavalon
(27,985 posts)My feeling is that the moment I hand anything to a homeless or struggling person, it is no longer mine and I have, nor want, no say in how it is used. I've so often heard the argument "they just use it to get alcohol or drugs." and while I could argue that point, I don't. I just say I don't care. It's not my money any more. They are human, just like you and me and are entitled to make their own decisions about how they use _________. Usually stops the conversation in its tracks.
Nothing like reminding people that homeless people are flesh and blood humans just like us. One of the biggest problems the US has in denying that we have a class system is being able to dehumanize. But now that I think of it, even the countries that know they have a class system use dehumanization.
In my perfect world, there would be no homelessness, no hunger, no inequality. I know that's not the world we live in, but it's the world I would like to live in.
rhett o rick
(55,981 posts)Your post is a reminder to help your foodbanks
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024038363
Lady Freedom Returns
(14,120 posts)But sadly many homeless are scared to use them due to some police use it as reason to search their stuff. And while doing it, "accidently" ruin it. It is used as a method of getting home to just go away.
rhett o rick
(55,981 posts)That's unfortunate.
Lady Freedom Returns
(14,120 posts)They say that they may be using them for drug dealing.
rhett o rick
(55,981 posts)about this time go and buy used winter coats. We also include new heavy sox and gloves.
toby jo
(1,269 posts)It's not like there was a typhoon through here, it's just how it is. God have we ever fucked up.
Arugula Latte
(50,566 posts)tavalon
(27,985 posts)I'm trying to be less fucked up. I know my one contribution doesn't fix the problem, but it could help someone and that's good.
Number23
(24,544 posts)MissDeeds
(7,499 posts)Hope it keeps getting kicked for maximum views. Thanks Lady Freedom.
K&R
LadyHawkAZ
(6,199 posts)Arugula Latte
(50,566 posts)I'm wishing you safe travels and hope your situation improves soon.
Lady Freedom Returns
(14,120 posts)And sadly, if a woman is not part of a group or has a man, it is her only line of defense.
badtoworse
(5,957 posts)A lot of places sell the stuff and use the money for charitable purposes. That is good, but not the same as giving a homeless person the use of something you no longer need.
I live in NJ
rhett o rick
(55,981 posts)with the homeless directly. In fact I recommend you contact them first and ask what they need the most.
Lady Freedom Returns
(14,120 posts)stage left
(2,962 posts)Thanks, Lady Freedom Returns. A good list.
SaveOurDemocracy
(4,400 posts)KamaAina
(78,249 posts)Radio Shack has transistor radios for seven bucks. Snag one of those while you're at it.
Lady Freedom Returns
(14,120 posts)They are very important because they give people a heads-up they would not have otherwise.
DirkGently
(12,151 posts)annabanana
(52,791 posts)Those who have never lived quite so "close to the bone" need to know what is truly necessary and useful.
myrna minx
(22,772 posts)Cadfael
(1,297 posts)chervilant
(8,267 posts)Snack packages of nuts and trail mix, lip balm, and anything else that might make life less challenging on the streets.
Lady Freedom Returns
(14,120 posts)Thank you! Good add-on!
chervilant
(8,267 posts)Also, I have been close to homelessness three times now. While I have a car--for now--I still found myself thinking of what I'd need to survive when I had to give it up. I've had a homeless DUer help me understand a lot, and she encouraged me to go stay with my toxic family members because living on the streets is so very dangerous for women.
Lady Freedom Returns
(14,120 posts)I have been Very lucky so far. Even with the hit and run I have been in, safety wise, I have had better luck than most.
Iwillnevergiveup
(9,298 posts)Excellent post, LFR, and thanks for reminding us. If many of us do a little, it might help a lot.
K&R
marble falls
(57,101 posts)Liberal_in_LA
(44,397 posts)Agschmid
(28,749 posts)sabrina 1
(62,325 posts)Fumesucker
(45,851 posts)reddread
(6,896 posts)anything from safe legal campgrounds to multi-occupant rehabbed foreclosures seized from banks that have
gamed and defrauded, to large facilities that have lost their purpose but could house scores of people indoors.
otherwise, where can they keep the things you give them?
Lady Freedom Returns
(14,120 posts)The packs become home. They get a little modification so the bed roll gets attach and you carry just three changes of cloths with you and all others need to be travel size stuff.
Many have cashes to hide there things, where some cities have Walk-In center that they can see about signing up for a locker.
Some places have bike programs that help homeless get bikes and they get outfitted to carry things.
It would be nice if those buildings could/would go for such a purpose, but they will more than likely won't.
reddread
(6,896 posts)If you arent behind housing the homeless, are you for homelessness?
"Some places"?
Some places are taking the belongings of the homeless, and bulldozing their encampments.
Thats real.
Any good stories you might be aware of pale next to the reality of what is actually happening.
I suggest you think about fighting for their rights.
HOUSING IS A HUMAN RIGHT.
Lady Freedom Returns
(14,120 posts)You don't know my background do you?
I am homeless. Been so since Sunday evening, May 11, 2011.
reddread
(6,896 posts)tell me where you live and what its like. It has to be better than Fresno.
Lady Freedom Returns
(14,120 posts)reddread
(6,896 posts)Lady Freedom Returns
(14,120 posts)I have no real address. We can't do much when we are fighting to just see the next day. I, so far have been lucky.
There is a saying on the streets. " Be happy you woke up. Someone else didn't."
That is why I post this kind of thing. So those with addresses can do something.
reddread
(6,896 posts)I want to see things change for the better.
Im tired of giving sleeping bags and tarps and tents to people
over and over again because either the city of Fresno takes them or other people do.
I recognize the difficulty in retaining/protecting and securing personal property.
Thats where Im coming from.
Stay safe, warm and dry as best you can.
Tuesday Afternoon
(56,912 posts)Cleita
(75,480 posts)According to ABC Chicago, the first batch of the 2,300 donated backpacks they plan to hand out this year were distributed Friday night at the Chicago Lights Elam Davies Social Service Center.
The bags are waterproof and were designed in partnership with High Sierra Sport, Co., which is based in Vernon Hills. The bags are also equipped with rain ponchos and straps that can be fastened to wrists or ankles as a precaution against theft. A focus group selected by the CCH provided input on a prototype last year.
Lady Freedom Returns
(14,120 posts)Many add such fetchers to the packs once they get them. But to get one with it all added is awesome!
tabbycat31
(6,336 posts)I wish more places would help out the homeless. I for one wish that gyms would open their facilities up so that they could shower.
Lady Freedom Returns
(14,120 posts)Many a YMCA does just that during the night time!
tavalon
(27,985 posts)tblue37
(65,401 posts)to suggest that their groups "adopt" a homeless shelter or agency by providing such things in quantity.
Greek houses on campus compete to earn points for their charitable and volunteer activities. I rather dislike that it is a competition rather than something done for its own sake, but what the heck--if it pushes them to help more, then I am all for it!
Thanks for the info.