When you’re putting together a care package for someone experiencing homelessness, you want to help-really help. But too often, well-meaning gestures end up doing more harm than good. I’ve seen it firsthand in Bristol: boxes full of canned soup no one can open, socks with holes, expired medicine, and single-use blankets that turn to dust after one night in the rain. These aren’t gifts. They’re burdens.
Don’t pack items that require special tools or conditions to use
Think about the reality of life on the streets. Most people don’t have a can opener, a stove, running water, or even a safe place to store food. A care package full of canned goods without a can opener is just a heavy, useless metal can. Same goes for instant noodles that need boiling water, or dried beans that need hours to cook. These aren’t meals-they’re waste.
Instead, choose ready-to-eat food. Granola bars, fruit cups in juice, peanut butter packets, cheese sticks, and pre-cooked meals in easy-open pouches work. Look for items with pull-tab lids or foil seals you can tear open with your fingers. If you’re including water, go for small, sealed bottles-never large jugs that are hard to carry or refill.
Avoid clothing that doesn’t fit or isn’t practical
Donating old clothes is kind in theory, but in practice, it’s often a mess. I’ve watched volunteers hand out winter coats that are two sizes too big, shoes with worn-out soles, or sweaters made of itchy wool. People living outside need clothing that works-right now.
What actually helps: clean, new socks (always), underwear, and waterproof jackets. Socks are the #1 most requested item in shelters across the UK. Feet get wet, cold, and blistered fast. A good pair of socks can prevent infection, pain, and even hospital visits. Avoid bulky sweaters or formal wear. People don’t need suits for job interviews when they’re sleeping under a bridge. They need layers that trap heat, dry quickly, and won’t fall apart after a week in the rain.
Never include expired or unsealed medications
Medication is dangerous territory. I’ve seen care packages with leftover antibiotics, painkillers, or antihistamines that expired six months ago. These aren’t helpful-they’re risky. Without a prescription or medical guidance, taking the wrong pill can cause a reaction, mask a serious condition, or even be fatal.
Shelters and outreach teams have trained staff who can connect people with free clinics and proper healthcare. Don’t play doctor. If you want to help with health needs, donate money to local clinics or buy sealed, over-the-counter items like hand sanitizer, lip balm, or basic first aid supplies. Keep it simple: no pills, no creams, no supplements unless they’re factory-sealed and clearly labeled.
Skip the personal care items that are messy or impractical
Bar soap? Too slippery and hard to hold with wet hands. Full-size shampoo bottles? Too heavy, too likely to leak. Perfume? Unnecessary and can attract unwanted attention. These items seem useful, but they’re not.
What works: travel-sized, sealed bottles of body wash, shampoo, and toothpaste. Wet wipes are gold. They clean skin, hands, and even teeth when water isn’t available. Toothbrushes with protective caps. Deodorant sticks-not sprays. Feminine hygiene products-always appreciated, often forgotten. And don’t forget toilet paper. Not the fancy kind. Just plain, unscented rolls in a sealed plastic bag.
Don’t give items that require storage or maintenance
People experiencing homelessness rarely have a place to lock things up. A backpack might be their entire home. If you give them a reusable water bottle, they’ll lose it. A multi-tool? It’ll be stolen or pawned. A book? Hard to carry. A blanket? Too big to sleep with.
Focus on single-use, portable, and disposable items that don’t need care. A thermal blanket (the silver kind) is better than a heavy quilt. A foldable tote bag beats a bulky tote. A small flashlight with fresh batteries beats a candle that could start a fire. Think: lightweight, compact, and disposable after one use.
Don’t assume everyone wants the same things
Not everyone needs a warm coat. Some people are young, active, and hot-natured. Some are women who need menstrual products. Some are older adults with diabetes who need sugar-free snacks. A one-size-fits-all package ignores reality.
Build variety. Mix in snacks for different dietary needs: gluten-free, nut-free, low-sugar. Include gender-specific items. Add a note: “Take what you need, leave the rest.” That simple phrase gives dignity. It tells someone they’re not being handed a handout-they’re being offered choice.
What to include instead
Here’s what actually makes a difference:
- Ready-to-eat snacks: granola bars, fruit pouches, peanut butter packets
- Water: 500ml sealed bottles
- Socks: new, clean, in pairs
- Underwear: new, cotton
- Waterproof jacket or poncho
- Wet wipes (unscented)
- Travel-sized hygiene items: toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, deodorant
- Feminine hygiene products
- Thermal emergency blanket
- Hand sanitizer
- Basic first aid: bandages, antiseptic wipes
- A small notebook and pen
- A printed list of local shelter hours and hotlines
And here’s the most important thing: include a handwritten note. Not a generic “God bless you.” Something real: “Hope this helps today.” “You matter.” “Thank you for being strong.” People remember kindness more than stuff.
Why these mistakes keep happening
Most of these errors come from good intentions wrapped in ignorance. We see someone in need and think: “I’ll give them what I’d want.” But that’s not how it works. People on the streets aren’t just cold or hungry-they’re exhausted, traumatized, and often dealing with mental health issues or chronic illness. What you give has to work in chaos.
Shelters and outreach workers see the same mistakes over and over. They’re not ungrateful. They’re just trying to survive. And they’re not asking for your old clothes or expired medicine. They’re asking for dignity.
How to get it right
Call your local shelter. Ask them: “What’s the one thing you wish people would stop donating?” Most will tell you. Ask what they need most right now. Many shelters have donation wish lists online. Follow them.
If you’re organizing a drive, make it simple. Set up bins labeled: “Socks,” “Water,” “Wet Wipes,” “Snacks.” Don’t let people drop off random boxes. Guide the effort.
And if you’re unsure? Don’t give it. Better to give less, but useful, than to give a lot and add to someone’s burden.
Final thought: It’s not about what you give-it’s about how you give it
Homelessness isn’t solved by stuff. But the right stuff, given with respect, can be a lifeline. It can keep someone warm one night. It can let them wash their face before an interview. It can remind them they’re still human.
Don’t just fill a bag. Think like the person who’ll carry it. What would help them today? Not tomorrow. Not next week. Today.
Can I donate used clothes to homeless shelters?
Most shelters prefer new socks and underwear because they’re hygiene-critical. Used clothes often arrive dirty, torn, or ill-fitting, and staff spend hours sorting through them. If you do donate used clothing, make sure it’s clean, in good condition, and seasonally appropriate. But even then, new basics like socks and underwear are always more helpful.
Why are socks the most requested item?
Feet are the first part of the body to suffer when living outside. Wet, cold, or blistered feet lead to infections, hospital visits, and even amputations in severe cases. Socks dry quickly, are easy to carry, and can be changed daily. A clean pair can prevent serious health issues-and give someone the confidence to walk to a job interview or clinic.
Is it okay to give energy drinks or sugary snacks?
Occasionally, yes-but not as the main item. Energy drinks are high in sugar and caffeine, which can worsen anxiety or dehydration. Better options are protein bars, nuts, or fruit. If you include sweets, pair them with water and healthier items. Avoid candy that melts in heat or requires chewing if someone has dental issues.
Should I include a note or card?
Yes. Many people say the most meaningful part of a care package is the note. A simple “You’re not alone” or “Hope today is better” means more than any item. Avoid religious messages unless you know the person’s beliefs. Keep it human, not preachy.
Can I donate blankets or sleeping bags?
Thermal emergency blankets (the silver, Mylar kind) are excellent-they’re lightweight, waterproof, and reflect body heat. Regular cotton blankets are bulky and hard to carry. Sleeping bags are great if they’re new and compact, but many shelters already have them. Always check with the shelter first.
What about pet supplies? People with pets need help too.
Many people experiencing homelessness are with their pets-and those animals are often their only companions. Pet food, leashes, and basic flea treatment are deeply appreciated. Look for small bags of dry dog or cat food. Avoid wet food-it spoils fast and needs refrigeration. Always check if the shelter supports pets before donating.