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What to give to the homeless person on the street corner

By Barbara Michaluk

Real Estate Agent with Weichert Realtors | Phone Direct 240-506-2434 | 301-681-0550 office MD 593145

September 06, 2018 02:12 PM

What to give to the homeless person on the street corner

homeless gift bag

Like many others, I've often wondered what's the best way to help a homeless person I see asking for a handout on a street corner. After doing some research, I came up with this idea for a small bag containing some items that may be helpful to most individuals in need:

a grocery gift card for them to purchase food or other needed personal items
1 or 2 pairs of socks
a granola or protein bar
a small notepad and pen
a note of encouragement or inspiration
a quart size zip lock back to hold all ingredients

You can put some of these bags together and keep in your car glovebox and when you see a homeless person you can bless them with some needed items.

I'd like to hear any other ideas from anyone for giving to the homeless.

What inspirational note would you include?

Re-Blog

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William Feela

WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN

Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

I will not give cash. I have seen these dirty dressd people walkng down the road a few hours later in nice clean attire.

I offer them lunch from a fast food place. If they way no I hae a good idea they are not all that homeless.

Sep 06, 2018 02:13 PM

Roy Kelley

Gaithersburg, MD
Barbara Michaluk

Silver Spring, MD

Barbara Michaluk

Weichert Realtors | Phone Direct 240-506-2434 | 301-681-0550 office - Silver Spring, MD

Leisure World Specialist / Full Service REALTOR

William, many are skeptical about just giving cash. That is why I concluded it's better to give a gift card to either a grocery store or fast food restaurant to give.

Sep 06, 2018 02:18 PM

Tammy Lankford,

Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA

Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

I always keep socks in my car and in winter some blankets and bottled water

Sep 06, 2018 08:18 PM

Barbara Michaluk

Silver Spring, MD

Roy Kelley

Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thank you very much for sharing this suggestion.

Have a great day and an outstanding weekend.

Sep 07, 2018 05:02 AM

Barbara Michaluk

Silver Spring, MD

Barbara Michaluk

Weichert Realtors | Phone Direct 240-506-2434 | 301-681-0550 office - Silver Spring, MD

Leisure World Specialist / Full Service REALTOR

Tammy, thanks for sharing your ideas. I found that socks are one of the most needed items by homeless and especially in colder weather. This is a good time to stock up and be ready to share.

Sep 07, 2018 05:07 AM

Gabe Sanders

Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL

Stuart Florida Real Estate

What a great idea, Barbara. I think I will prepare some of these packets for future use.

Sep 07, 2018 05:31 AM

Barbara Michaluk

Silver Spring, MD

Barbara Michaluk

Weichert Realtors | Phone Direct 240-506-2434 | 301-681-0550 office - Silver Spring, MD

Leisure World Specialist / Full Service REALTOR

Gabe, I'm happy I inspired you. I did alittle research and determined that CVS would be a good gift card to give since they do not sell tobacco products. Some people want to give to the homeless but don't want to give cash or gift cards where alcohol and tobacco are sold. Have a great weekend!

Sep 07, 2018 05:35 AM

Joyce Marsh

Joyce Marsh Real Estate LLC - Daytona Beach, FL

Joyce Marsh Homes

I really like this idea. Very thoughtful and a great suggestion. Thanks Barbara

Sep 17, 2018 02:58 AM

Barbara Michaluk

Silver Spring, MD

Kat Palmiotti

eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT

Helping your Montana dreams take root

What a great idea! I came here from Gabe's reblog. Thanks for sharing.

Sep 17, 2018 03:26 AM

Barbara Michaluk

Silver Spring, MD

Sally K. & David L. Hanson

EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI

WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce

This may well be a package appreciated at Shelters as well ! Package in bulk and drop them off...checking with the Shelter first of course.

Sep 17, 2018 04:39 AM

Barbara Michaluk

Silver Spring, MD

Dorie Dillard Austin TX

Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX

NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Barbara Michaluk,

I'm so glad that Gabe Sanders re-blogged your post as I missed it. What a wonderful idea for the homeless. Thank you for sharing.

Sep 17, 2018 04:50 AM

Gabe Sanders

Stuart, FL
Barbara Michaluk

Silver Spring, MD

Sheila Anderson

Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ

The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Barbara. I think this nice but it does require preparation. I'm not sur about the quote thing though.

Sep 17, 2018 05:18 AM

Barbara Michaluk

Silver Spring, MD

Barbara Michaluk

Weichert Realtors | Phone Direct 240-506-2434 | 301-681-0550 office - Silver Spring, MD

Leisure World Specialist / Full Service REALTOR

Sheila, Here's my suggestion for a inspirational message you could include in your blessing bag. "You matter. You are not forgotten. Hope this Blessing Bag brightens your day." What do you think about this?

Sep 17, 2018 05:32 AM

Barbara Michaluk

Weichert Realtors | Phone Direct 240-506-2434 | 301-681-0550 office - Silver Spring, MD

Leisure World Specialist / Full Service REALTOR

Joyce and Kat, I hope I can inspire others to take alittle time to put together some of these "Blessing Bags" for the colder months when the homeless need alittle more help. Certainly, socks, gloves and a knit hat will be most appreciated.

Sep 17, 2018 05:35 AM

Barbara Michaluk

Weichert Realtors | Phone Direct 240-506-2434 | 301-681-0550 office - Silver Spring, MD

Leisure World Specialist / Full Service REALTOR

Sally and David, As a matter of fact, myself and my church group have made 200+ blessing bags in the past and donated them to a local shelter during the winter holiday season. I suggest you check with your local shelter and inquire what items are most needed.

Sep 17, 2018 05:38 AM

Barbara Michaluk

Weichert Realtors | Phone Direct 240-506-2434 | 301-681-0550 office - Silver Spring, MD

Leisure World Specialist / Full Service REALTOR

Dorie, thanks for your comment. I am also happy that Gabe reposted this. My hope is to inspire as many people as I can to do something to reach out and help others in need.

Sep 17, 2018 05:39 AM

Kathy Streib

Cypress, TX

Home Stager/Redesign

Barbara- I am so glad that Gabe Sanders reblogged your post and what a great idea!!!! It really doesn't take much to put this together and it's a way of saying someone cares. Last week while we were stopped at a street corner, we gave the gentleman some cash and since it looked like rain was in the near future, we gave him our umbrella.

Sep 17, 2018 05:10 PM

Barbara Michaluk

Silver Spring, MD
Gabe Sanders

Stuart, FL

Barbara Michaluk

Weichert Realtors | Phone Direct 240-506-2434 | 301-681-0550 office - Silver Spring, MD

Leisure World Specialist / Full Service REALTOR

Kathy, That's a great idea to have an extra umbrella handy to give to a homeless person on a rainy day. The dollar store in Maryland also carries plastic rain ponchos that can be included in the "blessing bag."

Sep 18, 2018 12:24 PM

Michael Jacobs

Pasadena, CA

Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Barbara - I came here via Roy's reblog. Great ideas especially during this time of year. Year-round too.

Nov 18, 2018 05:02 PM