Make In-kind Donations
One great way to be a part of the solution to the homeless crisis is to donate material items to homeless service providers.These may be items that you have spare, or they may be items that you buy new.Some items should only be given in a new condition; for example, socks and undergarments should generally not be given used. Other items, such as towels, blankets, and household items can sometimes be lightly used.The bottom line is: shelters are not a depository for unwanted items. Shelters often have to spend their limited time and resources sorting through unacceptably worn clothes, for example, only then to pay for disposing of them.
Here is a list of items that homeless service providers have told us they need in approximate order of priority:
New Socks
Toiletries (Shampoo, Lotion, Razors, Shaving Cream, Soap, Feminine, Hygiene, Nail Clippers, Hand Sanitizer, Deodorant, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes)
New Underwear
Blankets
Linens
Towels
Canvas Bags/Backpacks
Toilet Paper
Paper Towels
Mops
Winter Coats
Emergency Rain Ponchos
Diapers
Phones with pre-paid minutes
Phone cards
Movies (especially about social issues)
Transit passes (MUNI, BART)
Gift cards (grocery stores, clothing stores such as Ross and Marshall’s)
Dog and cat food
Sturdy work clothes
Work boots
Interested in holding a drive at your school or work place?
The items we need most are:
New Socks
New Underwear
Toiletries
Canvas Bags and Backpacks
Please contact our Linking Services Coordinator for information.