Street Survival Kits

Here is an ongoing volunteer project that you can do with your club, faith community, school, friends, coworkers, or family!  Many times people ask us (when we go out to speak about homelessness) what they should do when they see someone asking for money.  Here is one way to help people out with essential items while they are staying on the street or in a shelter.  You can either keep some bags in your car to hand out when you drive by someone asking for money, or you can give them to us, or other groups involved in street outreach. 



In a backpack (the draw-string style bags are recommended), put the following:

(If you can’t provide a backpack, then putting items in a plastic zip-lock bag works)

WINTER KIT LIST:

• Socks
• Hat
• Scarf
• Gloves
• Hand warmers
• Poncho
• Toiletries:
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Bar soap in small ziplock bag
• Lotion
• Wet wipes
• Hand sanitizer
• Deodorant
• Feminine products (add to ladies kits)
• Water bottle
• Energy bars/trail mix/dried fruit
• Gift coupons (Subway and McDonalds sell $5 coupons)
• Bus tokens

The kits will be donated to these two groups who do street outreach to individuals and families experiencing homelessness:

Project Jump Start: a program that allows students to serve the homeless community of Baltimore City by providing food, clothing, toiletries, and information on area services.  They are supported by USGA.  www.umaryland.edu/usad/PJSVolunteer.html

Rose Street Community Center: a drop in center and shelter for youth on the east side of Baltimore.  They are supported by the Abell Foundation.  http://www.abell.org/

If you would like to organize a drive and/or have any questions please contact:  Lindsay Vanderheiden

Email: lcallahan@hchmd.org    Phone: 443-703-1349