Backpacks are an essential asset to people experiencing homelessness, so we must recognize their importance. These simple items can store basic amenities for surviving without housing.
Having a backpack can help people without homes feel comfortable and confident when times are hard. Here are just a few ways to fight homelessness with backpacks so that we can all make a difference through our contributions and efforts.
Safeguards Their Belongings
Some people travel lightly, and other people pack everything they can. You always need the means to protect your belongings when you’re in transit. No matter who you are, you at least need the basics to get by. How much you carry with you also depends on priorities and preferences.
People without housing tend to travel more than most people do, which means they require more space for their things. Donating backpacks will do people without homes a huge favor. A sturdy backpack means they can have the availability to preserve necessary items for their survival; this should be the ultimate priority.
To Preserve Their Dignity
A certain amount of pride come with being able to call something your own. Owning something makes people feel responsible for and worthy of that item. Something that you might consider more minor or insignificant could mean a great deal to someone else. A backpack, for instance, may not mean much to you, but it could make a world of difference to someone experiencing homelessness.
Look for Spacious Backpacks
Whether you’ve roughed the outdoors for long periods of time or not, you should know that certain clothing items are more beneficial than others for keeping you warm and dry. No matter what time of year it is, the weather can subject you to uncomfortable or even dangerous conditions, so you’ll need the basics. As such, the deeper and wider the backpack, the better. Just make sure that your chosen backpack also has enough arm and back support, as poor support can hinder your ability to move around. Without the proper support, you could critically injure your spine over time.
For Your Clothing Needs
If you’re outdoors for extended periods of time, you will need to plan ahead and have clothing for all four seasons. As far as basic measures are concerned, you’ll always need certain items to get you through the day.
You’ll need plenty of socks and underwear to start. You should bring as many pairs as you can carry so that you can cycle through them all before needing to do laundry. You’ll need a few shirts and a few pairs of pants and shorts, depending on the weather.
A light jacket and a coat will also be beneficial so that you can layer as the seasons change. These are just the basics, but you can put more in your backpack to suit your needs. Individuals living without homes can benefit from larger backpacks because they provide ample space to carry an assortment of clothing.
Personal Hygiene
People often prefer backpacks with a lot of space because they make it easier to get through each day. People need a place to store their hygienic products so that they can stay as clean and healthy as possible. It’s hard to practice consistent personal hygiene when you’re on the move.
For instance, you might turn your nose up at the idea of using wet wipes as an adult, but bathrooms may not be as readily available for people who spend most of their time outdoors. When you don’t have regular access to a restroom, having a set of wet wipes on hand becomes necessary to keep yourself clean and feeling your best; backpacks provide a way to always keep wet wipes on hand. This also helps preserve a person’s self-esteem and pride by allowing them to freshen up and look presentable around others.
As such, it is vital to consider space when donating backpacks. Make sure the backpacks you donate have enough space for a variety of personal hygiene products. The more space available, the more beneficial the backpack will be to someone experiencing homelessness.
Multi-Functional
Today, backpacks are designed to be very durable, ensuring you can get a lot of use out of them. Some are practically indestructible, while others have multiple sections that allow you to carry many items without feeling like you’re hauling anything.
Some backpacks have extra layers of padding that support the arms and back while hiking. These are great because they can also double as a pillow. Hiking backpacks are worth considering when donating to people without homes. They can also use these backpacks as makeshift pillows if they no longer have a place to sleep and recover for the next day.
Source of Inspiration
For some people on the go, their backpacks are their homes. Everything they own must be contained in the backpack for easy transportation. They carry their memories and even entertainment with them in these packs; in a sense, their backpacks are the source of much of their livelihood and inspiration.
Backpacks can help people without homes keep going. This is why it’s crucial that you do your due diligence and research what backpacks will work best for people without housing before making a donation.
Emergency First Aid
Lastly, you must consider the health of the individual who will be carrying the backpack. This is one of the most important things that people think about when living without a home.
Individuals in these scenarios should always carry an emergency aid kit in case they cannot get to a hospital quickly. This kit will allow them to tend to minor injuries on their own until they can seek professional care. When donating a backpack, consider also donating a first aid kit to go along with it.
More and more people are facing homelessness every day. These are just some examples of how to fight homelessness with backpacks, as they serve so many purposes. From carrying personal belongings to food and even medicine, backpacks are truly a tool that can be used to preserve life for extended periods of time.
If you’re considering making a donation, you might consider purchasing bulk kids backpacks from a wholesaler. This will allow you to donate a larger number of quality bags at an affordable rate.
