Winter is a brutal time for anyone to be outdoors, let alone individuals without housing.
Amidst the cold and harsh conditions of winter, all too many people are left out in the cold without adequate access to the resources, support, or tools they need to survive.
Donating useful supplies with this reality in mind can do great things for those in need during the winter and has the capacity to make a significant difference in someone’s well-being.
Best 6 Essential Supplies For People Without Housing During Winter
In this blog post, we’ll list some of the best items you can donate to a charity or shelter this winter to aid those without housing in navigating the season’s conditions.
1. Socks
One of the most needed items in shelters year-round, socks are in particularly great demand during winter. Due to the frigid temperatures experienced in winter, socks are pivotal to staying warm for those without housing.
While a simple thing, socks should definitely not be overlooked when it comes to wintertime donations, as they can really make a positive impact on someone’s overall health.
One important thing to note when donating socks, however, is to avoid wool socks if possible, as they can sometimes lead to calluses and irritation.
2. Hats
Hats are another great item to donate during the wintertime. In fact, they are often regarded as one of the most essential. By keeping wearers warm, covered, and protected, hats have a great capacity to help those in the cold mitigate the harsh conditions of winter.
When donating hats to people without housing, it’s important to avoid colors such as red and blue, as these can sometimes be interpreted as gang colors in some areas.
3. Coats
It really doesn’t get more important than coats when it comes to safeguarding someone’s well-being during the coldest winter months.
As an invaluable tool for keeping one’s core body temperature warm, coats have a massive impact on whether or not someone is able to manage and even survive cold conditions.
4. Blankets
Blankets are paramount to keeping warm and are a versatile item to donate to charities and shelters this winter season.
With an ability to keep anyone warm and cozy, they work for a range of recipients and are extremely functional year-round.
5. Snow Gear
With snow and ice common during the winter months, it’s important for those without homes to have access to some sort of equipment that will make navigating these conditions easier.
By donating items like boots with grip or heavy-duty gloves, you can help those in need keep their footing and prevent falls on slippery ground.
6. Non-Perishable Food Items
A staple for those in need year-round, non-perishable food items are pivotal to sustaining anyone’s well-being, especially during wintertime.
With this in mind, it’s important to not only donate basic supplies like canned food and pasta, but also things like hot chocolate or soup packets as they can really make a world of difference when it comes to keeping warm.
Get Involved and Make a Difference
Donations of these items can help those without housing face winter’s harsh conditions with a bit more ease. By ensuring they have the supplies, tools, and support they need to survive, you’re making a real difference in someone’s life this winter.
Are you looking for a way to get involved and make a difference? Perhaps you have a group of like-minded individuals who are eager to make a lasting impact.
Consider hosting or participating in a kit packing event.
Contact our experts at Kits for a Cause today for more information or help getting started!