Sadly, there are homeless people in all of our Communities who don't have access to food and shelter. It is difficult to help everyone, but we all come across people who could use a little help when we're out and about in our cars. If you have the financial means (or perhaps your friends and family can all contribute together), we encourage you to create/assemble "Blessing Bags" to hand out if you see someone begging for money. I've worked with the homeless for over 25 years and unfortunately, the money you give usually ends up spent on alcohol or drugs. If you keep these Blessings Bags with toiletries and non-perishable food in your car, you can conveniently hand them at as you run your errands. They are ALWAYS appreciated!
Br. Paul, the Founder and Guardian of the OFH, has a Blessing Bag Ministry and has created an Amazon Wish List that you can donate items to that will be sent directly to the Member for the Blessing Bags I assemble:
All of the items below are BULK QUANTITIES of Travel Toiletries that you can buy from Amazon.com to use in your own Blessing Bags. I've tried to find the least expensive items... you can buy smaller quantities if you search for like items, but I like to make 200 kits up at a time as I live in the San Diego area and I can see 20+ homeless people on a typical day running errands. They go quickly! For the non-perishable food items, I usually buy those at Costco to save money.
To Make Your Own Blessing Bags, We Recommend Including Toiletries such as...
Non-Perishable Foods (Snack Size - Best Purchased at Costco or Similar Warehouse Store or Walmart)
Everything is obviously optional... just give what you can afford. EVERYTHING is appreciated by those you help out.
Br. Paul, the Founder and Guardian of the OFH, has a Blessing Bag Ministry and has created an Amazon Wish List that you can donate items to that will be sent directly to the Member for the Blessing Bags I assemble:
All of the items below are BULK QUANTITIES of Travel Toiletries that you can buy from Amazon.com to use in your own Blessing Bags. I've tried to find the least expensive items... you can buy smaller quantities if you search for like items, but I like to make 200 kits up at a time as I live in the San Diego area and I can see 20+ homeless people on a typical day running errands. They go quickly! For the non-perishable food items, I usually buy those at Costco to save money.
To Make Your Own Blessing Bags, We Recommend Including Toiletries such as...
- Socks
- Wash Cloths
- Antiperspirant
- Band-Aids
- Comb
- Dental Floss
- Hand Wipes
- Hand Warmers
- Lip Balm
- Lotion - Body/Hands
- Q-Tip Swabs
- Razor - Disposable
- Shampoo
- Shower Gel/Body Wash
- Soap
- Tissues
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Ziplock Bags - Gallon Size
- Cross Necklace (They really appreciate these)
Non-Perishable Foods (Snack Size - Best Purchased at Costco or Similar Warehouse Store or Walmart)
- Beef Jerky
- Cheese and Crackers pack
- Energy Bars
- Fruit Cup or Applesause (Include a Spoon & Napkin)
- Fruit Leather
- Granola Bars
- Gum
- Juice Box
- Mints
- Nuts
- Raisins
- Sunflower Seeds
- Trail Mix
- Water
Everything is obviously optional... just give what you can afford. EVERYTHING is appreciated by those you help out.