What Should You Include in a Care Package to Homeless New Yorkers?

 

What Should Be Included in Care Packages for Homeless New Yorkers

Photo Credit: Syda Productions - stock.adobe.com

If you are anything like the good folks at Mentor A Promise and its network of partner organizations - and we suspect you are, constant reader - you are concerned with the plight of your fellow New Yorkers, especially those experiencing homelessness. One kind act you may perform is helping to provide for their needs. However, you may wish to contribute in a non-pecuniary fashion - say, a care package. This blog post will discuss what you should include in a care package for homeless New Yorkers as well as the message it sends to its recipient and the community at large. 

Should I Give Care Packages To Homeless New Yorkers? 

The short answer, of course, is an emphatic YES. Nonetheless, we want to stress that these care packages should be the products of genuine compassion and a desire to end suffering. You should not be performing these otherwise kind acts for money and notoriety - also known as “clout” - on social media platforms. These selfish motives will be noticed by the intended recipients and send the message that they are props in your pursuit of fame, money and influence. In short, you signal that you don’t view those less fortunate as human beings deserving of love and respect.

What Should Go Into a Care Package for Homeless New Yorkers? 

The contents of a care package will vary by the season in which they are prepared and distributed. For this blog post, which is being published in the dog days of summer, we suggest including some or all of the  following items: 

  • Bars of soap 
  • Deodorant
  • Band-aids 
  • Neosporin or antibiotic ointment
  • Wet wipes or bath wipes 
  • Cotton swabs 
  • Lotion 
  • Sunscreen 
  • Lip balm
  • Nail clippers
  • Adult-sized socks and t-shirts
  • Rain ponchos 
  • Toilet paper and other toiletries, and
  • Water bottles

Why Should I Assemble a Care Package for Homeless New Yorkers? 

While it is vitally important to care for someone’s basic human needs, these care packages go much deeper in their impact. Cleaning products allow the individual to maintain proper hygiene and a respectable appearance, which can aid in their acquisition of gainful employment, a crucial step toward obtaining housing. Furthermore, these packages remind their recipients of their inherent value and help provide them with the confidence they need to not merely survive the day, but escape the agony of homelessness. In terms of  biological benefits, generosity releases positive hormones in the brains of givers and recipients,  which counteract stress hormones and promote healing. 

To make the most of these and other acts of kindness, reach out to Mentor A Promise and its network of partner organizations. 

Contact Mentor A Promise Today 

Our organization recognizes the immense potential within each individual and seeks to provide them with the educational resources and opportunities they need to thrive. To that end, we have built a strong network of family shelters, educational institutions and community organizations to support homeless children, youths and their families. Click these links to learn more about what we offer or to get involved. Together, we can break the cycle of homelessness. 

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