this post was submitted on 14 Dec 2025
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Asking for suggestions on how I can help the homeless who are living near me.
There are people living in vans and cars and some who sleep on the footpaths.
i give money to people sleeping on footpaths and chat a moment and listen to what they have to say.
I can't really do anything substantial, I don't have the resources.
Things I've heard can be really helpful are things like toothpaste and sanitary products. You can imagine if you were a woman and homeless how much harder things would be without a fresh supply of pads.
Aside from that, I'd probably go things that can keep for a while both before and after being opened like cans of lentils or chickpeas.
Got an old handbag ?https://www.sharethedignity.org.au/ Gym passes (for showers etc) Is there a community pantry nearby? These guys are a bit fussy... https://www.petsofthehomeless.org.au/ Cash even if you suspect it might be spent on something "inappropriate"
I wish I knew. Money may or may not help them. They might use it for drugs and alcohol but also might buy something they need, and itâs made a difference to their day. You have to accept both possibilities and, and hope youâve made someoneâs day better. I think food banks are a good donation, either money or items, because at least I know they have the infrastructure to distribute to where itâs needed, and this time of year theres high demand.
I already give to charities that help the homeless and people in need.
where I am there is a free public bathroom with showers and free public kitchen and cooking/bbq facilities
Maybe I should just ask individuals
Do the bathrooms supply soap and razors? They probably would right. What about deodorant to take or mini bottles of moisturiser? Lip balm? Sunscreen? Umbrella?
Pads and tampons is a good option or floss. Socks. Shelf stable snacks like muesli bars for between meals? Portable hand sanitizer? Mini packs of tissues or baby wipes
I think van livers have different needs to street sleepers. And I also don't know what people's circumstances are, only that they aren't sleeping in a house. Tho there are two caravans at the park. Does that count as a dwelling?
I donât know, you might have to ask them directly what is needed. It really depends on the vans setup and what they can access.
My ideas?
spoiler
Tissues are really useful as is sanny if theyâre using park public toilets (like in the night) that might run out of paper or soap or not supply it. Or if theyâre digging sneaky toilet holes. Baby wipes clean both hands and bums as well as pits so a pack of those is always good value.Maybe some cheap flip flops for the public shower visits if the place doesnât give those. Hair ties. Sunscreen. Hat. Laundry bag or dry bag. Nail scissors or clippers. Paracetamol.
Some caravans have a water storage tank that lets you pump it out into the sink, but I donât know if they have a tap nearby in the park to fill it or if theyâd be comfortable drinking it. Also some public taps get disabled by removing the handle. Some bottled water and disposable cups/bowls/utensils may or may not be welcome? A bucket?
Storable snacks. Slim Jims, peanut butter(?), nuts, chips, muesli bars, generic brand Up and Go drinks or juice boxes. Biscuits and crackers. Cheese sticks if they keep. Things that are shelf stable and donât need prep, utensils or cleanup.
Electrolyte powder so they can put some in a plastic bottle and fill it up from the nearest working tap. Vitamin C tablets or multivitamins. Sturdy washable or peelable fresh fruit like apples, bananas or oranges.
Disinfectant wipes or baby wipes for caravan interior cleanup. Garbage bags. Some Salvos sell laundry detergent sheets that are easier to carry in small amounts to laundromats, or maybe whatever equivalent of Tide Pods.
No idea if they have power, they very likely donât. Maybe a few power packs and cables for their phones if they have them. These can possibly run hand warmers or tiny fans for some comfort. Iâd suggest solar powered power banks but annoyingly they arenât very good. The solar powered lantern from Kmart seems alright though.
Foil shields for the windows if the van gets very hot or cold. Sheets to provide curtains for privacy.
Socks and jocks of the appropriate size might be welcome, maybe crop bras if applicable, or even some seasonal clothing.
Maybe thereâs something in there that might be of use.