20 things homeless people need the most

People experiencing homelessness have unique needs, both mental and physical. It’s difficult to go through life with no place to call home. Here is a comprehensive list of things homeless people need the most to survive on the street.

1. Things Homeless People Need the Most: Socks

Homeless people are always on the move. They really take off their shoes, and that is because they always have to keep changing from one location to another. I mean, you can’t blame them. So if you’re going to be helping a homeless person, one thing homeless people need the most is socks. They need to wear them with shoes and it can help warm their feet.

2. Personal hygiene

Poor hygiene is one of the major problems a homeless person will have difficulty maintaining. Poor hygiene can cause a lot of diseases and infections. If you’re going to be helping a homeless person, make sure you pack a personal hygiene kit. Don’t forget to donate personal hygiene items such as tampons, soaps, feminine pads, shaving supplies, and more. This is another item on the list of things homeless people need the most.

3. Food

Of course, food is top of the things homeless people need the most. Giving money to homeless people might be useless, but giving them something to eat can help them right away. Besides, not every restaurant or business serves or welcomes homeless people. A homeless person will probably face discrimination, so why don’t you just get some food and give it to them?

4. Rain gear

I mean, this is pretty self-explanatory. Weather and climatic changes have no respect for anyone, including homeless people, so if you want to make their lives easier, get some rain gear such as umbrellas and donate them. It would go a long way if you could get those rainproof gears. 

5. Gift cards and transportation passes

Transportation passes can help them move from one point to another, so instead of giving them money, make their lives easier with transportation passes. Cards will be very useful when they want to make a meaningful gift to their family members.

6. Pet food

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that homeless people have pets, too. Well, they do, and just as they need to survive, they also need to feed your pet. For homeless people, having a pet can be a lifesaver because, most of the time, they abandon their friends and family. But that pet serves as a friend to them. So you will do them a huge favour if you donate pet food to two homeless people.

7. Underwear

Why don’t you get some underwear and send it to shelters or homeless people? It would even help the female homeless people who might need underwear for their periods. Yes, this is another item on top of things homeless people need the most.

8. Laundry detergent

Just because someone is homeless doesn’t mean they don’t want to clean up now and then. Giving them laundry detergent will make a significant difference in the daily discomfort of someone who does not have a place to live.

9. Reusable containers

These containers can receive food at homeless shelters. Remember, food is one of the basic things every human needs to survive. Homeless shelters usually pass out food to those who aren’t able to package that food for later. Reusable containers can help a homeless person to store food and eat later.

10. Baby supplies

Yes, it’s sad, but there are many homeless people who have babies. Think about the most expensive things mothers need for the baby: diapers, baby wipes, or clothes. The big items mentioned can be difficult for a mother with a home above her head to buy now. Imagine one without a home. 

11. Grooming items

Items such as combs, brushes, razors, shaving cream, and nail care kits are very useful for homeless people. Just because they don’t have a roof over their heads doesn’t mean they don’t need to groom from time to time. 

12. Bedding items

Sometimes homeless people go to shelters for a warm place to sleep, and there’s a serious demand for more bedding materials. You can always contact your local shelter to see if they need bedding items, and even if you don’t want to donate to shelters, you can always give bedding materials to homeless people who sleep by the roadside or under the bridge. Trust me, they really would prefer to sleep using bedding than on the floor.

13. Pillows

Many people can hardly sleep without resting their heads on pillows, and you can imagine how difficult it will be for people sleeping on hard floors without pillows. Homeless people constantly need pillows, and you can always donate them to your local shelter. 

14. Seasonal wear

If it’s during the summer, you need to donate clothes for summer and if it’s the winter homeless need jackets, sweaters, head warmers, gloves and socks. The change of seasons is something many people don’t think about giving to homeless shelters. Donations will really help homeless people wear clothes according to the season.

15. Additions to Personal Hygiene

These are some of the most in-demand things at homeless shelters, yet are rarely found on donation lists: Deodorant, combs and brushes, clippers and files, hand sanitizer, and sanitary wipes are just a few of the essentials you’ll need in the bathroom.

16. First Aid kit

You never know when a homeless person might need a first aid kit. They might have a simple cut while trying to eat a big hamburger or maybe someone cuts them on the subway. Either way, having a first aid kit handy can save the day in many situations and can be useful for homeless people. 

17. Shoes

Just like socks, shoes are other things homeless people need the most. They need something to wear when moving around. 

18. Foot care

Throughout the day, many homeless people either stand or walk. Their feet ache, and they go through sock after sock like a machine. As a result, the feet of many homeless people are exposed and in discomfort since they don’t wear shoes. Whether it’s chilly or raining, wearing thin or wet socks is a horrible experience. Having a variety of socks options is quite helpful.

19. Sunscreen

There are some homeless people who go unnoticed. It may get very hot in the summer and people can get burned. Homelessness has long-term consequences, including cancer, which is why it is so important for people to get a place to live as soon as possible. It may get boiling in the Sunshine State, especially in the summer. So if you’re wondering what homeless people need, this is it.

20. Treat them like humans

Many homeless people say they feel treated like animals because of the way they are treated. When chatting with someone who is homeless, small gestures can go a long way. Treating someone like a human being is one of the best ways to help them.

t’s pretty simple, really. Just some food, some water, and some clothing is all a homeless person needs the most to survive. If you’re wondering what things homeless people need the most, then this list is something you need!