El Nino is on the way and we are expecting a harsh winter here in Southern California. It is a blessing on one hand, as the past few years have left our land parched. On the other hand, California is home to thousands of homeless.
Our tiny cabin, where we hang out when we are at home is in the San Bernardino Mountains at an elevation of 6000 feet. It can get cold. In fact, deadly cold for anyone with no place to live, no shelter, no roof over their head.
I felt the need to do something to help, and have decided to put together 100 survival/comfort kits to help some of the homeless in our area. That is a pretty big task, but I am up for the challenge.
I spent the afternoon researching online, and found some decent sources for some of the basic items in bulk, such as beanie hats, socks, rain ponchos, and toothbrush/paste. It is just the tip of the iceberg of what I want to include, but it got me thinking that maybe I could do more.
I found a video that had been posted on YouTube a couple of years ago by a couple in Washington who put together backpacks for about $20 each that they passed out to those most in need. That video went on to become the foundation of a GoFundMe campaign that I put into play this evening.
You can click here to find the campaign. Your donations are welcome 🙂
I am determined to make as many of these packs as I can, and am aiming for 100 of them. My first priority will be to help those in the mountain communities, where the exposure to a harsh, cold and wet winter will be brutal.
If there are packs left over, they will be distributed in the San Fernando Valley, or donated to a friend who has been feeding the homeless on SkidRow for over 20 years so that they can be passed out there. I promise that the items will NOT go to waste.
Over the next few weeks, we will shop for, order and gather-up as many of the supplies as we can. Once the supplies are in place, I would love to host a “put kits together” party, and will be looking for any kind souls who would like to volunteer to give me a hand.
A most sincere thank you in advance for anyone who feels moved to make a donation or if you have items to donate for the packs, that would also be welcomed.
GRATITUDE MOMENT: Today I am grateful that I have a dry, safe place to sleep each night. I know that there will be food on my table, and clean, warm clothes hanging in my closet.
A Note From Abroad 
I would love to help put the kits together! Do you want to do it at our house? Laura
Sent from my iPad
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Thank you Laura for offering to help. I’m thinking right after Thanksgiving might be a good time as I think I can get the needed items ordered and gathered up by then. We can work together to set a convenient date and time. Having the “construction party” at your home would be great!
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Great ideas. We pass out dry socks with some cash in them. We have run out of socks. Thanks for reminding me to stock up again.
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Passing out dry socks is a wonderful act of kindness and I know it is very appreciated. Thank you for helping those in need!
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Homeless needs help from good hearts like you. They definitely need it.
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I’m grateful that we are in a position to be able to help to others.
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That’s right! Well said!
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Wow – this is a great thing to do. I knit lots of hats “for charity” – local shelters, mitten trees, etc, but have never even thought of taking it to this level. I wish I had 100 hats ready to send to you. I will be thinking of you, though, and will step up my hat making for our local shelter. Thanks for the inspiration.
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I love that you are making hats. Anything that is made with love is a wonderful gift to whomever is fortunate to receive it. Thank you for helping make things better!
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Canada doesn’t have as many homeless for two reasons. We have a relatively good social safety net. Also with our winters the homeless would simply freeze to death. So various shelters open up and people go around and move the homeless indoors. This is a busy time for the social services and charities because many take advantage of the cold to get people into housing and if they are drug addicted, into treatment centres. Many of them go right back to homeless as soon as the winter is over but a lot of them will take advantage of vearious services and get out of the rut they were in. This is not to blame anyone or to say that what are doing is not a great thing. It is what it is.
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I applaud Canada for their progressive approach to helping those in need. We have some programs here in the USA, but unfortunately there is not enough help. Also, some people when they get so down have no idea where to turn for help. I know we are only touching the very tip of the iceberg, but the few we do help, do make a difference. Every life matters.
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Good luck with you caring project. Over here, we’ve been busy donating for the Syrian refugees gathering in Calais, north west France.
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Thank you so much for reaching out to help others. It really does not matter what or where or how – I just hope everyone will take a moment to ask themselves, “how can we help make the world a better place” and will share their own blessings.
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Good for you, Joanne.
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Thanks Christine!
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