My first experience learning about blessing bags (care package ideas for the homeless) was when a local woman started a street ministry to meet the needs of local individuals facing homelessness.
She worked in a downtown area and was moved by seeing people in the cold with no hats or gloves. It started as that. She collected hats and gloves to distribute on her lunch break. As she got to know people better and became familiar with their needs, she started putting together blessing bags.
From there, it became her whole mission. And, while it doesn’t have to be your whole mission, if you’re looking for a way to meet the needs of homeless women and men you might see around town, blessing bags are a low-barrier way to get started. Here’s what I’ve learned from being involved with various ministries over time.
What are Blessing Bags: Care Packages Ideas for the Homeless
Blessing bags are, well, a simple way to provide immediate relief for a person facing homelessness.
Generally, you fill a Ziplock bag with items specific to the needs of an unhoused person, including hygiene supplies, food, items to face the elements, and a list of local resources providing care.
They can be taken to a homeless shelter to distribute or kept in your car to hand out your car window to anyone you might run across in your day-to-day life.
Dos and Don’ts for Filling Blessing Bag Care Packages for the Homeless
When creating a homeless blessing bag, it’s important to make a few considerations before you head to the store and start filling your cart.
There are lots of great ideas out there of what to include or how to go about doing this ministry.
That said, there’s a lot of bad advice out there, too. If you want to make sure that you’re creating something that homeless people can actually use, make sure to be mindful in the creation process. Here are some of the biggest things I feel are important to consider.
DO: Consider What is Actually Useful
Some people like to include fun items in their care packages. I get it. We WANT to bring joy to people. And while I don’t see this too often, when choosing items, ask yourself:
- Is this item useful to someone who doesn’t have a place to store it?
- Will it be useful to someone without access to a kitchen?
- Is this item helpful to someone without regular access to a bathroom?
These small considerations can go a long way in providing useful items in your blessing bag care packages for the homeless.
DON’T: Make it About Yourself
There’s a lot of conventional advice (too much of it) that says to include things like small copies of the Bible, Bible verses, or religious tracts.
If you’re doing good work, let the work speak for itself.
If you’re including these, or any items about church ministries (that don’t SPECIFICALLY provide assistance and resources to unhoused people), you’re making it about yourself and your feelings.
Homeless gift bags should speak specifically to the needs of the person receiving them. They shouldn’t burden a homeless person with more things to carry around that aren’t essential to their well-being. (And before you go there, I understand spiritual well-being is a thing, but this is not the time, nor the place.)
DO: Consider the Specific Needs of Unhoused People
Granola bars and trail mix are great. But they can be hard to eat for people who may have dental issues. Canned soup is something that can be easily heated or eaten cold, but is an exercise in frustration unless someone has a can opener or is given a pop-top can. Hand sanitizer is a great gift…unless it contains alcohol that could trigger someone with a substance use disorder.
When choosing everything from non-perishable food to personal items, it’s a good idea to think through donations. If you’re unsure, contact a local shelter or food pantries that may often serve unhoused people to ask for guidance.
DON’T: Give People Trash
We are not going into this with the mentality of, “they should just be grateful for whatever they get.” Unless they’re in EXCELLENT condition, don’t give used items. And NEVER give used personal care items. We’re going for dignity here, not dumping our old crap to whoever is on the side of the road.
DO: Consider Changing Seasonal Needs
The needs of unhoused people vary from bitterly cold winter months to painfully hot summer months.
When collecting supplies and creating homeless care kits, think about the changing weather. That will ensure that you’re providing essential items that can be used right away. Think things like a rain poncho (most seasons) versus gloves and hand warmers for winter, or sunscreen for summer. (More items listed below.)
DON’T: Combine Food and Personal Care Items in the Same Bag
People won’t like that I have to say this. But it MUST be said. I absolutely CRINGE when I see people sharing photos of blessing bags that contain both a bar of Irish Spring soap and a crunchy granola bar.
I don’t know about you, but I’m not a fan of soap-flavored food. And neither are the recipients of these items. While some things, like toothpaste, may not run as big of a risk for flavor/smell transfer, I always say not to risk it.
Dos and Don’ts for Handing Out Blessing Bag Care Package Ideas for the Homeless
Too many people do this wrong. And I will say it so loudly. There are so many videos online that have both heartwarming stories of people happy to receive, and then there are videos of people who are unsure, ones who don’t want to talk, or worse.
You have to understand the vulnerability of having a stranger approach you, with seemingly some kind of motive. Above all, remember the humanity of the people you’re serving, and bring dignity to every interaction. Here are a few specific things to look out for.
DON’T: Make it a Photo Op
Let’s just get this out of the way. If you feel like you NEED photo or video evidence that includes the people you’re supposed to be serving, you’re doing service wrong. Period.
If you’re part of a church ministry and want to show that you’ve been active in the community, or are serving people, or are using donations mindfully, here are some other photo and video opportunities you can take that don’t involve taking advantage of unhoused people:
- Volunteers shopping for supplies at the dollar store
- Fanned out gift cards to local businesses or fast food restaurants that will be included
- Volunteers having a “packing party” with an assembly line to fill bags
- Group leader or pastor talking about the importance of the ministry or why it’s important to support the local homeless community
- Group photo before heading out to hand out supplies
- A vlog of the process that ends with everyone getting out of the car to deliver supplies
There are SO many opportunities to document your work of helping people without further marginalizing the recipients of your support.
DO: Keep Things Short and Informal
Particularly if you’re planning to visit an encampment, just imagine a stranger showing up in your living room. Just imagine that for a moment.
When you’re approaching the personal space that a person has carved out for themselves, be respectful. Smile, tell them your name, and ask if they would like a blessing bag/snack bag/hygiene kit, or whatever it is that you’re offering. Don’t try to sell it to them. Don’t try to coerce any kind of reaction (EVEN gratitude).
If you’re doing it to serve, there should be no expectation of a specific reaction or interaction.
Shopping List for Blessing Bag Care Packages for the Homeless
As mentioned, there are seasonal changes and other considerations to make when packing blessing bags. I will surely miss a few things, but I’ll do my best to cover all of the bases.
Items for Hygiene Kits
Hygiene kits are a great way to get started when doing a homeless care package ministry. The need is pretty straightforward, and it’s a concrete way to help people feel a little better and address immediate needs.
For most items, consider travel size items. These items are lighter-weight than full-size items and easier to pack. Here are some recommendations for hygiene kits:
- Feminine hygiene products/period products – period poverty is REAL, ya’ll!
- Packages of baby wipes or bathing wipes
- Sunscreen
- Toothbrush/Toothpaste
- Alcohol-free mouthwash
- Alcohol-free hand sanitizer
- Shampoo/conditioner
- Body wash/soap
- Flossers
- Fingernail clippers/Nail file
- Deodorant
- Lip balm
- Tissues
- Laundry detergent (dry sheets or single-load/pods)
- Quarters or instructions on local free laundry offers
- First aid kit: Band-Aids, ointment
- Condoms
- Blister patches
Items for Snack Kits
Perhaps you just want to focus on items for snack kits to hand out for when a food pantry isn’t available. Here are some good options for snacks:
- Pop-top, single-serve cans of soup, ravioli, etc.
- Fruit snacks
- Fruit cups/Vegetable cups
- Pop-Tarts (A favorite in my local community)
- Single-serve drink mixes for bottled water (Another BIG favorite, especially in the summer months when lots of organizations hand out bottled water!)
- Individually wrapped tea bags
- CHEWY granola bars – NOT crunchy
- Snack cakes
- Peanut butter or sunflower butter packets
- Meat sticks (try to avoid very tough varieties)
- Tuna or chicken packets
- Instant oatmeal packets
- Hard candies (Not mints, unless packaged separately!)
- Napkins or hand wipes
- Plastic utensils
Items for Winter Blessing Bags
Cold weather brings with it its own set of needs, and the best way to help people with immediate needs is to think about how best to provide comfort. Any of these items would be a thoughtful addition to your homeless care packages in the winter:
- Warm socks (thick, wool or thermal if possible)
- Knit hat or beanie
- Gloves or mittens
- Hand warmers
- Scarf or neck gaiter
- Lip balm
- Lotion (cold-weather formulas help prevent cracking)
- Emergency thermal blanket (mylar)
Additionally, if you have a church group interested in making crochet sleeping mats, these can make a huge difference in the comfort of someone having to sleep outside in less-than-ideal weather.
One caveat: ask people to donate their used bags. The world does NOT need more plastic bag use than necessary. Please don’t go get brand new bags from the store. People have plenty of them inside another bag under their sink that they’ll be happy to donate.
Items for Summer Kits
Like winter, summer brings with it its own set of needs. Heat, sun, and storms can make it a dangerous time to be without shelter. Here are some essentials to consider including in your summer blessing bags:
- Refillable water bottle/bottled water (refillable bottles can be filled at local libraries or soup kitchens)
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Lip balm with SPF
- Cooling towel or bandana
- Sun hats or visors
- Socks (yes—still essential in summer)
- Body wipes
- Electrolyte packets or water flavor packets
Nice Extras to Include
These are extra items that you can include in most kits that show an extra layer of care:
- Handwritten, personal note of encouragement (Remember, though, it’s not about trying to “convert” someone. It’s about CARE.)
- Resource card with:
- Local shelters
- Food pantries, giveaways, or a local food bank
- Warming/cooling centers
- Crisis hotlines
- Free events, including laundry days, haircut events, or free dinners
- Small notebook and pen
- Backpack or sturdy tote bag
- Flashlight or keychain light
- Phone charging cord or portable power bank
- Ziplock bags (for waterproofing belongings)
- Socks (arguably the most high demand item)
- Underwear (new, packaged)
- Poncho or rain jacket
Blessing Bags are a Small but Essential Part of Serving Our Unhoused Neighbors
While blessing bags are a great way to get started supporting people facing homelessness, the work doesn’t stop there.
Yes, we should absolutely work to meet people’s immediate needs with seasonal essentials, portable food items, and hygiene items that support their overall health.
However, we must also work to ensure that people have safe, adequate housing. That their jobs are protected, and that they have access to resources that might meet any other needs that can be a barrier to stable housing.
So, make your blessing bags, and then seek ways to start doing the deeper work to make a lasting impact.