Without a doubt, socks was the first on wishlist of homeless people besides cash or gift cards.

Many homeless people are not able to take a shower and these are a godsend. Unscented preferable.

Boxers for men, cotton panties for women.

A caveat to the optional suggestion above: granola bars, power bars,  chocolate, single serving sized peanut butter, etc. is most appreciated.

Hand warmers, gloves, hats.

Sanitary pads and tampons. These are not covered by food stamps and are not always available in shelters (!!).

Pack of wash cloths

Mylar emergency blankets or a waterproof blanket.

Rain poncho or a small umbrella.

Stick deodorant. No aerosols

Toenail clippers.

A quality all purpose knife (like a Swiss Army knife) with a sharpener to use. As one man put it, “A homeless person doesn’t have silverware, scissors, wire cutters, etc., laying in a drawer somewhere. Opening packages, trimming their hair to keep it out of their face, portioning food, cutting discarded clothing into rags, cleaning up fraying clothes to preserve them, and all uses besides self defense for someone without a home and access to the basic tools we take for granted”.

Both men and women can find uses for hair ties.

Combs and Brushes

Travel size razor and shaving cream.

Pens, paper, envelopes, stamps, etc. No pencils, as they break too easily.

Travel size Advil or Tylenol.

A military can opener that is very small and versatile.

A phone card or throwaway cell phone

A windup flashlight

Travel size/small first aid kit and/or a sewing kit.