Care kits contain essential relief items for people living homeless. Things like clean socks, a rain poncho, a hand warmer or gloves, bath wipes, and snacks offer comfort to someone living outdoors in difficult conditions. When you give care kits, you are showing kindness and compassion for a fellow human being going through difficult times and enduring cruel living conditions.

Blanchet House volunteers offer the care kits that you make to our meal guests daily. If you would like to make care kits we ask that you sign up below. We must know ahead of time how many kits you plan to bring. Choose a date from the calendar.

Thank you so much for helping us alleviate suffering.

Care Kit Sign Up Calendar

Types of Care Kits

People experiencing homelessness are in most need of the following items. Please do not include literature, medications like Tylenol or Advil, or liquid hand sanitizer.

All Year Hygiene Care Kit

Fill a zippered gallon-size plastic bag containing travel or trial-sized of some or all of the following:
(No paper bags. Why? Paper falls apart easily. Zippered plastic bags can be reused.)

  • Bar of soap
  • Band-aids
  • Neosporin or antibiotic ointment 
  • Wet wipes or bath wipes
  • Cotton swabs
  • Lotion
  • Lip balm
  • Nail clippers
  • Pair of socks or t-shirt (adult-sized)
  • Rain poncho
  • Wrapped snacks
Download How-To PDF
Care Kit How-To
Summer Care Kit How-To guide.

Summer Care Kits

The hot, dry days of summer in a mostly concrete environment greatly increases a human’s need for water. Regular access to clean drinking water is very difficult for people experiencing homelessness in Portland. Our summer care kit addresses the basic needs of survival for someone living outdoors during hot, sunny weather.

Fill one zippered gallon-size plastic bag containing the following:
(No paper bags. Paper falls apart easily but zippered plastic bags can be reused.)

  • Water Bottle
  • Hygiene Items
  • Wrapped soft snacks (Many people have dental issues)
Download How-To PDF
Care kit items for people experiencing homelessness

Where to Purchase Care Kit Items

  • Most items are available in bulk from Amazon, grocery, and dollar stores.
  • You could also hold a drive with your friends and community to collect items.
Shop Amazon Wish List

Drop Off Times

Care kits can be dropped off Mon-Sat, at 310 NW Glisan St. from 8:00 – 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 – 4 p.m. Please avoid dropping off during meal services when our staff is occupied.

Pull up to the entrance on Glisan, leave your items in the car, knock on the door to get our attention, and a staff member will retrieve your donation. If you’d like a donation receipt, we will provide one. You can also call us at 503-241-4340 or email hjanowski@blanchethouse.org.

Not in the Portland metro area? You can support our guests by purchasing items from our Amazon wish list. They will be shipped directly to Blanchet House. If you would like to collect or donate clothing for people in your town call your local shelters, religious centers, or charity kitchens.

Questions? Email us at hjanowski@blanchethouse.org.

Learn more about Blanchet House and Blanchet Farm programs.

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