When researching what you should put in care kits for people experiencing homelessness, it’s important to consider which items have the highest turnover rate at homeless shelters. If you’re unsure what will make the greatest impact at your local homeless shelters, reflect on which resources patrons are most likely to request. Use the following list of highest demand items at homeless shelter\s to get informed on what resources your local shelter might need the most.
Toiletries
The things you’d find in your bathroom are among the most sought-after at homeless shelters. Items such as shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other staple hygienic tools help support the health and general well-being of those lacking the resources. Since health and safety guidelines encourage regular use of these items, they’re quick to go at homeless shelters.
Toiletries Tip: Because those experiencing homelessness might not have a stable location to stow their bathroom goods, shelters often prefer travel sizes for toiletries. For example, travel-sized shampoos, conditioners, and body gels are more portable for those in housing limbo.
First Aid Kits
The materials inside of first aid kits are some of the highest demand items at homeless shelters. A few essential first aid kit items include:
- Band-aids
- Sanitary wipes
- Gauze
- Antibacterial ointment
These first-aid kit tools are just a few examples of products that can help reduce the risk of infection, thus making them in high demand at shelters.
Baby Items
Homelessness affects a wide demographic of folks, some of them parents. Because of the common misconception that homelessness impacts a narrow group of folks and that babies go through tons of products daily, shelters are typically in need of baby items.
Before You Donate Baby Items: Confirm that your baby item materials are unscented, as some babies are sensitive to products that have fragrance. The more basic the item, the easier it is for shelters to redistribute to a family.
Of course, the list of items that go fast at shelters doesn’t end there. Things that may influence which resources go quickly at a shelter include the type of shelter (youth, family, women’s, etc.), its average volume of patrons, and its location’s climate. Consider these factors when compiling a charitable donation.
