Charity
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Donate clean socks to homeless people, as they are a high-demand item often overlooked.
Socks are essential for warmth and hygiene; wet or missing socks lead to dangerous conditions like trench foot.
- Do not give old, stinky socks.
- Shoes may be better but are harder to size correctly.
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Recognize that homelessness often results from bad luck or systemic issues rather than a lack of hard work.
A single unexpected event like an injury or car repair can lead to job loss and eviction for those with little savings.
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Donate Darn Tough socks to homeless people.
They are durable enough to withstand walking miles without shoes for years.
one person who lived it
Trade stories for food or coffee with homeless people to build human connection.
This approach helps humanize them.
- It can take time.
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Avoid giving carbonated drinks to homeless people with empty stomachs.
It will make them feel worse.
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Pack tampons, pads, or vouchers for menstrual supplies when assembling aid kits for women experiencing homelessness.
Buy wool items from military surplus stores because they are cheap and remain effective when wet and cold.
Real wool works when it is wet and cold out.
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Offer to handle small chores like dishes or lawn care for people dealing with difficult situations.
It is easy to let these details pile up when dealing with hard times.
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Donate baby wipes for cleaning hands, face, or body odor, or as a substitute for toilet paper.
They are almost always useful.
- Never flush them.
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Hand out travel-size sunscreen and bottled water to people begging outside during the summer.
It helps prevent severe sunburn for those standing in the heat.
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When traveling, avoid giving money, pens, or candy to begging children.
One person from Nepal reports this often causes more harm than good through dependency or trafficking.
- Based on one person's experience growing up in Katmandu, Nepal.
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Pack tampons, pads, or vouchers for menstrual supplies when assembling aid kits for women experiencing homelessness.
Such items are hard to find for people without housing, almost every woman needs them, and improvised solutions are distressing.
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- Provide menstrual supplies such as pads and tampons to homeless women.3
- Donate feminine hygiene products like tampons and pads to food pantries or women's shelters.1
- Include baby wipes in care packages for homeless people to use for cleaning their whole body when shower access is unavailable.1
Donate smooth peanut butter and pudding cups.
Pudding cups are fantastic.
- Ensure the recipient is not allergic to peanut butter.
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Save hotel amenity snacks and drinks to give to homeless people standing at intersections or off-ramps.
Small items like muffins or juice can make a big difference for someone who has fallen on rough times.
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Offer to take homeless people and their pets to a vet for spaying/neutering and shots.
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Provide small-sized hygiene products like toothpaste tubes and soap bars.
Weight adds up for those carrying all their belongings.
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Do not feel ashamed if you cannot support yourself before giving to others.
Nobody owes them anything.
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Give money to create a brief human connection, regardless of how the funds are subsequently used.
Money should not determine which people we attempt to ignore.
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Give fresh fruit to homeless people.
It provides vitamins and nutrition.
- Do not give nearly rotten fruit.
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Take leftover food from restaurants in a box to give to homeless people, particularly in large cities where they may appreciate real, potentially hot food more than anything else.
It is a great alternative for those afraid of recipients using money on harmful things, and homeless people often appreciate real food more than anything else.
- Most homeless people in some areas will not take food.
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When offering food to homeless people, provide items in sealed packaging or let them watch you purchase it, as they may refuse offers due to fear of sabotage.
People sometimes sabotage food to harass homeless people.
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- Give pre-sliced fruit packages rather than whole fruits to homeless people.1
Create care packages containing hygiene items, snacks, and clean socks to show deeper care.
These items provide small comforts that recipients often lack, sometimes bringing them to tears.
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Leave donations at the shelter office for staff to distribute; do not bring family members inside expecting to view the residents.
It is a home, not a zoo, and residents deserve decency.
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Choose dark colors for donated blankets, coats, hats, and gloves.
Homeless people may avoid bright items to prevent drawing attention or becoming targets for theft or violence.
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Ask a homeless person for their name before giving money to make the interaction more personable.
They appreciate it, and it can build a positive connection where they may stop asking for money later.
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If a panhandler claims to need money for a specific item, offer to buy that item for them directly rather than giving cash.
This approach diffuses hostility that often follows a flat-out refusal.
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Donate loose foreign coins to homeless shelters, churches, or NPOs for more reliable use.
Shelters and organizations can ensure the money is used reliably.
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Donate to trusted charities instead of giving cash if you struggle to say no to people.
It provides an alternative outlet for your generosity when direct refusal is difficult.
- Be aware that some charities may not pass most of the money to the intended recipients.
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Provide food directly, such as sandwiches or drinks, instead of cash to ensure the aid is used for survival needs.
Giving food ensures the recipient uses the resources to survive rather than spending money on unknown purposes.
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Show kindness and treat begging people, especially children, as human beings rather than objects to be pitied.
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Donate backpacks, blankets, basic hygiene items, and men's clothing.
Men's clothing is rarely donated aside from undergarments.
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Include pens and notepads in care packages for homeless people, as they are very popular.
they are very popular
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Volunteer time at local homeless shelters to help with daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, or serving food.
Give water to homeless people, especially in hot weather.
Homeless people often cannot get a glass of water for free.
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Do not assume a homeless person has money because they possess a smartphone.
They may have a phone without a plan to use free WiFi, which is necessary for accessing city services and maintaining support networks.
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Volunteer time at local homeless shelters to help with daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, or serving food.
Shelters often need bodies for day-to-day operations, and volunteering is a frugal way to help.
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Recognize that homelessness can result from systemic barriers, such as company insurance requirements for a registered home address to obtain work.
It creates a vicious cycle where obtaining work is impossible without an address.
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Do not attempt to verify the truthfulness of a homeless person's story before deciding whether to help.
Those who fabricate stories are highly skilled at perfecting their narratives, making verification nearly impossible.
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Listen to homeless people and trust your instincts during interactions.
Respectful conversation often reveals their immediate needs and leaves both parties feeling okay.
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