Materials / products to help the homeless and beggars

Products that are useful all year round

• Non-perishable food: Canned goods, energy bars, dried fruits, and cookies can provide energy and nutrients.
• Paper tissues: Useful for cleaning your face, nose, and hands.
• Hand sanitizer: Allows for hand disinfection in the absence of water and soap.
• Shower gel or soap.
• Toothpaste and toothbrush: To maintain good oral hygiene.
• Bag (backpack): For easily carrying your belongings.
• First aid kit: To treat minor everyday injuries.
• Refreshing wipes / wet towels: Convenient for cleaning up and feeling fresh without access to a shower.
• Sanitary towels or tampons for women.
• Opaque umbrella: Provides protection from rain and sun.
• Sleeping bag.
• Tent.
• Inflatable mattress.
• Information on available resources: daytime or nighttime shelters, social restaurants, community shops and groceries, healthcare and hygiene services, social assistance structures, housing assistance, social reintegration, employment, etc.

Products useful in summer

• Fresh water: This is the most important product, especially during hot weather. Prefer bottled or fountain water if access to drinking water is not guaranteed.
• Spray bottle: A small manual or rechargeable spray bottle can be very useful for refreshing your face and body.
• Sunscreen: Choose a sunscreen with a high protection factor (SPF 30 or higher) and broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.
• Hat or cap: A wide-brimmed hat protects the head and face from the sun.
• Sunglasses: Good quality sunglasses protect the eyes from harmful UV rays.
• Insect repellent: To avoid bites from harmful insects.

Products useful in winter

• Warm clothing and accessories: Coats, down jackets, sweaters, hats, gloves, scarves, thick socks. Prefer waterproof and windproof clothing.
• Blankets: New or good-quality blankets are essential for protection against the cold at night.
• Heat packs: These help to retain some warmth. For the body, hands, and feet. They can be found commercially at reasonable prices. Please recommend disposing of these products in the appropriate trash bins after use and not in public places or nature!
• Hot drinks: Prefer beverages like vegetable broth. It’s less diuretic, making it less uncomfortable for those with limited access to restrooms!

In addition to this list, do not hesitate to ask homeless individuals what they need the most. Their needs may vary depending on their individual situation.

Remember that helping homeless people also means showing compassion, respect, and humanity. A smile, a kind word, and attentive listening can make a difference.

Do not stage these moments, do not engage in "Charity Business" by publicizing your donations; prefer discretion. If your donation is refused, simply accept it.

The help that retains the greatest value is obviously that which is selfless. The most rewarding help is that which enables a person, who so wishes, to become completely independent and no longer have to endure such a lifestyle.