Where to Find Free Blessing Bags for the Homeless

Homelessness remains a widespread problem in the United States, leaving many people without consistent access to basic needs like food, hygiene, and shelter. A simple yet effective way for communities to respond is through blessing bags: small packages containing essential items like toiletries, snacks, socks, and notes of encouragement. These bags provide practical relief and a reminder that compassion still exists.

Where to Find Free Blessing Bags for the Homeless

If you are homeless or helping someone in need, this guide explains where and how to find free blessing bags, what they typically include, and how local communities distribute them.

1. Churches and Faith-Based Organizations

Churches are among the most consistent providers of blessing bags. Many congregations organize community drives to collect travel-sized personal hygiene products, bottled water, and snacks to give to people in need. You can check out:

Local churches and ministries often distribute blessing bags during Sunday services or community outreach events.

Homeless ministries, such as Catholic Charities, the Salvation Army, and Lutheran Services, regularly provide blessing bags along with other essential items like clothing and food.

Community outreach programs affiliated with religious shelters or food banks may also distribute blessing bags during weekly meal programs or worship nights.

Tip: If you visit a church office, ask if they have “homeless kits,” “care packages,” or “blessing bags.” Even if they don’t have any that day, they can often connect you with nearby programs that do.

2. Homeless Shelters and Transitional Housing Programs

Shelters not only provide beds and meals, but often collaborate with volunteer groups to distribute blessing bags. Many organizations receive donations from schools, scout groups, and community members who prepare these kits specifically for residents. You can ask:

1. Salvation Army Shelters
2. Union Rescue Missions
3. City-run Homeless Resource Centers
4. Volunteers of America Transitional Housing Programs

Even if a shelter is full, the front desk staff often has hygiene kits or small blessing bags available for walk-ins.

3. Local Food Pantries and Community Centers

Many food pantries and community outreach centers recognize that people facing hunger often also lack personal care items. Some have small “care shelves” filled with blessing bags for anyone who requests them. Such as:

1. Feeding America Affiliated Food Banks
2. Community Action Agencies
3. YWCA or YMCA Centers
4. Neighborhood Resource Centers or Warming Stations

These centers can also help you access related support, such as clothing closets, showers, or transportation vouchers.

4. Street Outreach and Mobile Ministry Programs

Across the country, street outreach programs visit encampments, parks, and roadside areas to provide direct assistance to homeless people. Volunteers often bring blessing bags filled with items such as toothbrushes, wipes, socks, protein snacks, and feminine hygiene products. Such as:

The Street Medicine Project (operating in many U.S. cities)

Mobile Loaves & Fishes (Austin and surrounding areas)

Dream Center Outreach programs (in several states)

Local “Hope Vans” or “Care Trucks” operated by nonprofits and city governments

You can usually find these programs on social media or through local homeless resource directories.

5. Libraries and Public Resource Desks

Public libraries have become increasingly safe and welcoming spaces for the homeless. Some libraries partner with charities to distribute blessing bags, especially during the winter months.

Ask your librarian or social worker (many large city libraries have one) if they have hygiene kits or referral lists for community outreach organizations.

6. School and Youth Programs

Many high school service clubs, scout groups, and campus ministries prepare blessing bags as part of volunteer projects. These are often donated to local shelters, churches, or distributed directly during community events.

If you live near a local college or university, check with your student services office or campus ministry. They may know when the next community outreach event or donation drop-off is scheduled.

7. Nonprofits and Charity Drives

Several national and local nonprofits regularly distribute free blessing bags or hygiene kits to the homeless. Some of the most active include:

Blessing Bags International: Coordinates community drives and donation events across the United States.

Project Ropa: Provides clothing, hygiene kits, and personal care services in Los Angeles.

Hope Vibes: Distributes blessing bags and mobile hygiene units in North Carolina.

Love Beyond Walls: A mobile community outreach group that delivers care kits and showers in Atlanta.

Be Kind Project: Hosts blessing bag events in various cities, often during the holidays.

Most of these organizations post their schedules online or on social media, making it easy to find nearby events.

8. Community Events and Seasonal Giving Campaigns

During the holidays and colder months, community centers, churches, and civic groups hold “Blessing Bag Giveaways” or “Winter Campaigns.” These events often include food, blankets, and hygiene kits for those in need. Look for announcements on:

• Local news sites

• Facebook community pages

• City or county social service departments

Many cities also host Homeless Resource Fairs: one-day events offering free meals, haircuts, medical screenings, and blessing bags.

How to find Free Blessing Bags for the Homeless

If you have internet access, search for phrases like:

“Free blessing bags for homeless people near me”

“Homeless hygiene kit distribution [name of your city]”

“Community support for homeless people [city]”

Websites like HomelessShelterDirectory.org, FindHelp.org, and 211.org also list local programs offering personal care kits and emergency support.

If you don’t have internet access, call 211 from any phone in the U.S. It’s a free service that connects you with local charities, food programs, shelters, and community outreach events.

List of Blessing Bag Providers by State

Alabama

First Light Shelter (Birmingham): Provides hygiene kits and blessing bags to women and children.

Foundry Ministries (Bessemer): Distributes care packages during community events.

Alaska

Downtown Soup Kitchen Hope Center (Anchorage): Provides meals and hygiene kits daily.

Love INC of Anchorage: Provides blessing bags through partner churches.

Arizona

Phoenix Rescue Mission: Distributes blessing bags through its Hope Coach mobile units.

St. Vincent de Paul (Phoenix and Tucson): Regularly distributes hygiene bags and care kits.

Arkansas

La Van (Little Rock): A mobile relief program delivers blessing bags directly to homeless encampments.

Refugio Nuestra Casa (Little Rock): Provides hygiene kits to residents and visitors.

California

Los Angeles Mission: Provides blessing bags and hygiene kits daily.

Project Clothes (Los Angeles): Delivers clothing and care kits through mobile units.

Impact in the City of San Francisco: Distributes blessing bags and meals weekly.

Union Rescue Mission (Los Angeles): Distributes hygiene kits and food daily.

Colorado

Denver Rescue Mission: Distributes blessing bags to homeless people downtown.

Catholic Charities Denver: Provides hygiene kits and toiletries at shelters.

Springs Rescue Mission (Colorado Springs): Provides hygiene bags and free showers.

Connecticut

New Reach (New Haven): Distributes care packages through homeless assistance programs.

Hartford Missionary Outreach: Provides blessing bags and food boxes weekly.

Delaware

Friendship House (Wilmington): Provides blessing bags, socks, and hygiene items.

Sunday Breakfast Mission: Distributes hygiene kits in shelters and during street outreach.

Florida

Miami Rescue Mission: Provides blessing bags and personal care kits daily.

Orlando Union Rescue Mission: Distributes hygiene kits and clothing.

Blessing Bags of Brevard: Local nonprofit organization that distributes free blessing bags throughout Brevard County.

Georgia

Love Beyond Walls (Atlanta): Mobile units deliver blessing bags and hygiene kits.

Atlanta Mission: Provides hygiene supplies, meals, and prayer support.

Hawaii

Human Services Institute (Honolulu): Distributes hygiene kits and food.

Hale Kipa: Provides community outreach and care bags for homeless youth.

Idaho

Boise Rescue Mission: Provides blessing bags and meals daily.

Corpus Christi House (Boise): Provides hygiene supplies and day services.

Illinois

Pacific Garden Mission (Chicago): Distributes hygiene kits and care bags.

Blessing Bags of Chicago: Volunteer-led organization distributing care bags throughout the city.

Indiana

Wheeler Mission (Indianapolis): Provides blessing bags and emergency supplies.

Lighthouse Mission (Terre Haute): Provides hygiene kits to those in need.

Iowa

Central Iowa Shelter and Services (Des Moines): Provides hygiene bags and essential items.

Blessing Bags for the Homeless – Des Moines Chapter: Volunteer group distributing monthly kits.

Kansas

Union Rescue Mission (Wichita): Provides blessing bags and clothing.

HumanKind Ministries (Wichita): Provides hygiene items through community support vans.

Kentucky

Hope Center (Lexington): Distributes hygiene kits and food daily.

Louisville Rescue Mission: Provides care bags and community support services.

Louisiana

New Orleans Mission: Distributes blessing bags and personal care kits.

The Shepherd’s Table (Baton Rouge): Provides food and hygiene kits.

Maine

Preble Street Resource Center (Portland): Provides hygiene kits and clothing.

Hope Acts (Portland): Provides blessing bags and support to immigrants and the homeless.

Maryland

Helping Up Mission (Baltimore): Distributes blessing bags and clothing.

The Light House Shelter (Annapolis): Distributes hygiene items and meals.

Massachusetts

Boston Health Care Program for the Homeless: Provides care kits during support visits.

Blessing Bags Boston: Volunteer-based nonprofit organization that provides free kits to homeless residents.

Michigan

Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries: Provides blessing bags daily.

Blessing Bags Brigade (Grand Rapids): Delivers hygiene kits and essential items.

Minnesota

People Serving People (Minneapolis): Provides blessing bags to families.

The Drawer (Twin Cities): Distributes socks and hygiene items through partners.

Mississippi

Stewpot Community Services (Jackson): Provides hygiene kits and meals.

The Hub for Community Services (Hattiesburg): Provides blessing bags and community support.

Missouri

The Gathering Tree (Springfield): Distributes blessing bags through Eden Village’s community outreach program.

New Life Evangelistic Center (St. Louis): Offers hygiene kits and food.

Montana

Poverello Center (Missoula): Offers blessing bags and daily meals.

God’s Love Shelter (Helena): Offers hygiene kits and clothing.

Nebraska

Open Door Mission (Omaha): Offers care kits and food daily.

Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach (Lincoln): Distributes hygiene and comfort kits.

Nevada

Las Vegas Rescue Mission: Offers blessing bags and hygiene kits daily.

Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada: Offers care kits and meals.

New Hampshire

Nashua Soup Kitchen: Offers hygiene kits to walk-ins.

Families in Transition (Manchester): Offers blessing bags and personal care items.

New Jersey

Newark Hope Center: Distributes blessing bags weekly.

New Jersey Blessing Bag Brigade: Nonprofit organization distributing kits in northern New Jersey.

New Mexico

The Rock at NoonDay (Albuquerque): Provides meals and hygiene kits.

St. Felix Pantry (Rio Rancho): Provides care packages and food.

New York

Bowery Mission (New York): Distributes blessing bags daily.

Coalition for the Homeless (New York): Provides hygiene kits through mobile assistance.

Blessing Bags NYC: Volunteer group distributing care packages throughout the city.

North Carolina

Hope Vibes (Charlotte): Distributes blessing bags and mobile showers.

Raleigh Rescue Mission: Provides hygiene kits and meals.

North Dakota

New Life Center (Fargo): Offers hygiene kits and winter clothing.

Minot Area Homeless Coalition: Offers blessing bags and support events.

Ohio

Blessing Bags of Columbus: Community organization distributing free care bags.

Cleveland City Mission: Offers hygiene kits and emergency supplies.

Oklahoma

City Rescue Mission (Oklahoma City): Offers blessing bags and clothing.

Tulsa Nightlight: Distributes care kits during weekly support events.

Oregon

Portland Rescue Mission: Offers hygiene kits and meals daily.

Transition Projects (Portland): Distributes blessing bags through support teams.

Pennsylvania

Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission (Philadelphia): Offers hygiene kits and blessing bags.

Light of Life Rescue Mission (Pittsburgh): Offers care bags and food daily.

Rhode Island

Crossroads Rhode Island: Offers blessing bags and personal care items.

Mathewson Street Church (Providence): Distributes hygiene kits weekly.

South Carolina

Charleston Transitional Housing and Assistance: Offers blessing bags and food.

Columbia Mission (Midlands): Provides assistance with hygiene and clothing.

South Dakota

The Banquet (Sioux Falls): Offers care kits and daily meals.

Bishop Dudley House of Hospitality (Sioux Falls): Provides blessing bags to residents.

Tennessee

Nashville Rescue Mission: Distributes hygiene kits daily.

Room in the Inn (Memphis and Nashville): Offers blessing bags through partner churches.

Texas

Mobile Loaves & Fishes (Austin): Delivers blessing bags and food through food trucks.

Star of Hope (Houston): Provides hygiene and comfort kits.

The Stewpot (Dallas): Distributes blessing bags to homeless residents of the center.

Utah

The Road Home (Salt Lake City): Provides hygiene kits and personal care items.

Catholic Community Services of Utah: Provides blessing bags through outreach activities.

Vermont

Charity Blessing Bags (Burlington): Volunteer-led organization that provides free kits.

Spectrum Youth and Family Services: Provides hygiene items to homeless youth.

Virginia

Caritas (Richmond): Provides blessing bags and hygiene kits.

RVA Blessing Warriors: Local group that distributes free care packages.

Washington

Union Evangelical Mission (Seattle): Provides blessing bags and meals daily.

Mary’s Place (Seattle): Provides hygiene kits for women and families.

West Virginia

Union Mission Ministries (Charleston): Provides hygiene kits and food.

Blessing Bags of WV: Distributes care packages in several counties.

Wisconsin

Milwaukee Rescue Mission: Provides blessing bags and hygiene kits daily.

Madison Street Angels: Distributes care packages through street outreach.

Wyoming

Cheyenne Rescue Mission: Provides blessing bags and food daily.

Seton House (Casper): Provides kits and hygiene items to families.

What’s in a Typical Blessing Bag?

Although the contents vary, most blessing bags include:

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and deodorant
• Feminine hygiene products
• Socks, gloves, or a hat
• Hand sanitizer or wipes
• Snacks (granola bars, trail mix, cookies)
• Bottled water or juice
• A kind note or card of encouragement

These small gestures can mean a lot to someone going through difficult times.

Final Thoughts

Blessing bags are simple but powerful tools of compassion. Whether they come from a church, a school group, or a kind stranger, they help restore dignity and comfort to the homeless.

If you need it, don’t hesitate to ask at local churches, shelters, or community centers; they often have more resources than many realize. And if you’re looking to help, preparing and distributing blessing bags is one of the most personal and direct ways to make a difference.