Packing for Homelessness

Essentials

• 30L backpack
• Outdoor blanket (compressable)
• Coat with Hood (insulated, wind-resistant, water-repelling)
• Hoodie/Sweatshirt
• Pants
• Socks (wicking, wool-blend preferred), 2 pair
• Underwear, 2 pair
• Balaclava
• Beanie/Knit Hat
• Gloves
• High absorbency towel/chamise

Food

Shelf-stable food items are ideal, but also think of gift cards for stores

• Gift cards for stores and eateries (write the balance on the card)
• Meat sticks/jerky, single packaged
• easy open/ring-pull canned tuna, or foil pouches of tuna
• Trail mix, single packaged (avoid melty foods like chocolate)
• Roasted nuts, single packaged
• Thermos, or water bottle (with clip)

Additional Items

Remember, this isn’t for you.

• Feminine Hygeine Products
• Towelettes/baby wipes
• Toothbrush with travel case, toothpaste
• Waterproof non-slip shoe covers
• HotHands hand warmers
• Can Opener
• Ziploc plastic bags
• Cigarettes and lighters

Electronics

• Mobile phone (unlocked), or a mobile phone with service (trac phone, mint, etc)
• Charging blocks and cables
• Rechargeable power bank
• Alkaline batteries for devices (AA, AAA)

Program Stuff – Pass Info Along

If you know the person and can help make sure that they have identification, a travel pass, and access to state benefits – this helps incredibly.

• SNAP card (through DWS)
• UTA Pass (multiple programs available)
• Utah Medicaid
• Social Security Card
• State ID