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DIY Homeless Handouts

  • Writer: Raven
    Raven
  • 17 hours ago
  • 2 min read

What goes into homeless handouts?


The simple answer is that it varies from place to place and time of year. The basic homeless handout kit is pretty simple and you can modify it as you feel necessary.


Before we begin, let's mention what to AVOID adding:

  • Sharp objects - You don't know people's state of mind and giving out free sharp objects can lead to them hurting themselves or others.

  • Medicine - You don't know what people have allergies to, if they have taken something that could react negatively with [medicine], and you are not a pharmacy. Don't include medicine.

  • Fire - You are not aware of people's state of mind and fire starters (matches, lighters, etc) can potentially lead to trouble. It's best to avoid this.


Let's jump in with some basics that you can include in every kit:

  • 1 gallon Ziploc Bag (to hold everything)

  • 1 bottle Water

  • 1 Protein Bar

  • 1 Fruit (apple or orange)

  • 2-3 Tampons or Pads

  • Bandaid

  • Information on where to find help (EMS, shelters, soup kitchens, etc)

  • Weather Protection (socks, poncho, sunscreen, emergency blanket, etc)

  • General Hygiene (deodorant, lip balm, toothbrush/toothpaste, soap, etc)


Cost breakdown with Costco focus and Amazon focus
Cost breakdown with Costco focus and Amazon focus

I did a basic cost breakdown for 200 handouts with ONLY basic items where each bag would have 1 bottle of water, 1 protein bar, 1 piece of fruit (note I listed different options), 2 tampons (1 regular, 1 super), and 1 bandaid. Overall, Costco is cheaper, if you're only buying from a single location. Amazon does beat Costco with prices on gallon size resealable bags, packaged fruit items, and bandaids. Tampons are about the same. The big issue items are WATER and a (okay-ish decent) PROTEIN BAR.


When you break it down by bag, you're generally looking at $2.25-$3.61 per handout bag with these basic items.


A general list of essentials and some possible extras
A general list of essentials and some possible extras

As you can see, handouts can cost quite a bit.


Here are some things to keep in mind with these handout kits:

  • You are not giving them a full pantry. It's a little bite to eat and some items that they might desperately need.

  • You are not bank-rolling these people. You can only give what you can afford to give.

  • If you need ideas on where to shop for bulk items, ask your fellow RLSH or leave a comment below.

  • You aren't required to make everything healthy, but maybe don't make everything junk food. Those are just empty calories with no nutritional value.


Some online bulk places to check out:


On an entire other note, if you are an RLSH, please take a moment to fill out this RLSH 2026 Demographics Survey. It's anonymous. Just looking to gather some general information to study. It will end up becoming an article after the end of the year.


If there is something you would like to see me discuss here on Herocore, please feel free to contact me. raven@herocore.online

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