With the holidays just around the corner, many people are focused on the best gifts to buy for their family and friends. Unfortunately, for homeless youth, the holiday season is particularly challenging. While most families are searching for the perfect gifts, homeless youth and homeless families are just trying to survive through the winter.
Unity Parenting and Counseling is invested in making life better, meaningful, and rewarding for young people and families from disadvantaged backgrounds. We empower and equip them with the resources and knowledge that can enable them to transform their lives so that they can add value to themselves and positively impact their local communities.
On November 29, 2022, join Unity Parenting and Counseling in helping donate to homeless youth in need as we participate in Giving Tuesday. Unity Parenting and Counseling is here to discuss what Giving Tuesday is all about, how to donate on Giving Tuesday to really make an impact, and the best items to donate to help people who are experiencing homelessness.
What Is Giving Tuesday?
In 2012, New York’s 92nd Street Y partnered with the United Nations Foundation to create a day that encourages people to do good in their communities. This day became known as Giving Tuesday. In 2020 alone, nonprofit organizations in the United States raised $2.5 billion in support of Giving Tuesday.
Since its foundation, Giving Tuesday has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. Every act of generosity counts and everyone has something to give.
When Is Giving Tuesday?
Giving Tuesday is held every year on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. Considered by many as the day that kicks off the giving season, Giving Tuesday directly follows three major shopping days: Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday.
This year, Giving Tuesday will be the last Tuesday of November. It will take place on November 29, 2022.
Make an Impact: Donate on Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday is a day that encourages people to give back in whatever ways they can. By donating on Giving Tuesday, individuals can come together to support their community, empower each other, and advocate for social good.
There are many ways in which you can support the homeless population in your community this holiday season. You can donate on Giving Tuesday by giving money, giving time, giving food, and giving items.
Give Money
Monetary donations go a long way toward helping Unity Parenting and Counseling support homeless youth through our programs and services. We value and appreciate your monetary donation. Your contributions are tax-deductible.
Here are just a few of the ways that your monetary donations can support our mission:
$25.00 Donation
This donation can purchase two to three days of groceries for a family of four or book bags and school supplies for a family as their children return to school.
$50.00 Donation
This donation can purchase a week’s worth of groceries for a single homeless youth, fall and winter jackets for the children of homeless parenting youth, or transportation fares for homeless youth to go to a new job and/or job interviews.
$100.00 Donation
This donation can purchase job interview clothes (including suits, shoes, and accessories), daycare registration so a young parent can go to work, a week‘s worth of diapers for four families, a bassinet/crib for a baby of a homeless youth, or college application and testing fees for homeless youth.
$250.00 Donation
This donation can purchase a comfortable bed frame and mattress for Unity’s Shelter for Homeless Youth or an adult bed for Unity’s Transitional Housing programs for Homeless Youth, a computer laptop that youth can use for school or work, or a household setup kit for a homeless family moving into Rapid Rehousing.
$500.00 Donation
This donation can provide a subsidy for the rent of an unemployed homeless young family, partially furnish an apartment for a young family entering rapid rehousing or subsidized housing, purchase a year’s worth of linens (including sheets, blankets, and towels) for the Ujima Village Homeless Youth Shelter.
$1,000.00 Donation
This donation can purchase an educational field trip for 60 homeless youth and their families, a four-month-long arts project, which promotes creativity and positive expression for 12-15 homeless youth residing at the shelter, or six months of consulting fee for a parenting coach at Unity’s homeless youth programs.
$2,500.00 Donation
This donation purchases two month-long rental subsidies for two youth-headed families to extend their time in Rapid Rehousing apartments when unforeseen circumstances such as job loss or health issues impact the ability to pay rent, a partial consulting fee for a Crisis Therapist, for shelter, and other youth housing programs, furniture for five households of homeless youth moving into independent housing, or security deposits for four youth-headed families moving into independent housing.
Give Time
Unity Parenting and Counseling appreciates your in-kind services. Volunteering with us is a great way to help, support, and connect with homeless youth in Chicago. If you are passionate about helping children in your community, Unity Parenting and Counseling can help you become a licensed foster parent in the state of Illinois.
Give Food
People who are experiencing homelessness often struggle to find enough food to eat during the cold winter months. Homeless shelters and food banks depend on donations from the community.
Here are some common food items that you can donate to your local food bank:
Protein
- Canned meats such as tuna, chicken, and salmon
- Beans (canned or dried)
- Split peas and lentils
- Peanut butter
Grains
- Pasta, rice, or quinoa
- Oatmeal or breakfast cereals (whole grain or low sugar)
Dairy
- Shelf-stable milk
- Non-fat dried powder milk
- Dry-grated Parmesan cheese
Prepared Meals
- Pasta sauces
- Hearty soups
- Stews
- Canned pasta
- Baked beans
- Mac & Cheese
Fruits
- Canned fruit in its own juice or 100% fruit juice
Vegetables
- Carrots
- Potatoes
- Yams
- Tomatoes
Baking Goods
- Cake mix
- Flour
- Sugar
Fresh Produce That Doesn’t Require Refrigeration
- Onions
- Garlic
- Oranges
- Sweet potatoes
- Apples
- Pears
- Bananas
Other Items
- Olive oil and canola oil
- Broths
- Lemon juice
- Vinegar
- Spices
- Condiments
Give Items
Homeless shelters can also benefit from other donated items such as cleaning supplies, first aid supplies, and other household items.
Here are some common items that you can donate to your local homeless shelter:
Cleaning Supplies
- All-purpose spray cleaners
- Floor cleaners
- Sanitizing wipes
- Mops
- Buckets
- Brooms
- Dustpans
- Sponges
First Aid Supplies
- Neosporin
- Rubbing alcohol
- Band-aids
- Bandages
- Bandage tape
- Anti-itch cream
Household Items
- Lightbulbs
- Batteries
- Flashlights
- Towels
The Best Items to Donate to Help the Homeless Population
Giving Tuesday is the perfect time to help those who are less fortunate. Shelters and charitable organizations certainly appreciate all of the donations they receive. However, there are still some items that you may not think about donating but could be extremely helpful to those who are experiencing homelessness.
These are some of the best items to donate to help the homeless so you know your contributions are making a difference.
Underwear and Socks
Socks and underwear are crucial to feeling clean and comfortable every day. Surprisingly, though, new socks and underwear are often forgotten when people donate clothing to homeless shelters and secondhand stores. As a result, the least donated items are socks and underwear.
Donating new socks and underwear (still in the original packaging) makes a huge difference in the quality of life for people experiencing homelessness. Since socks and underwear and easily wear out, these donations would be very appreciated.
Toiletries
Keeping up with personal hygiene can be challenging for those who are experiencing homelessness. Without regular access to a shower, sink, or basic toiletries, maintaining personal hygiene can be difficult.
Having access to bathing items greatly influences people’s mental health. Regular bathing improves mood, self-esteem, and quality of life. Additionally, proper access to hygienic products can prevent illnesses and diseases.
Toiletries are very important because these items are depleted quickly. Toiletries to donate include:
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Hairbrushes and combs
- Soap and shower gel
- Lotion
- Deodorant
- Razors and shaving cream
- Nail clippers and nail files
Feminine Hygiene Products
Unfortunately, feminine hygiene products are not deemed essential. As a result, they are often very expensive and taxed heavily. People who experience homelessness often lack access to appropriate menstrual care. Therefore, they often resort to using uncomfortable materials to manage their cycle.
Tampons and disposable pads are crucial items to donate. While donating unopened packages is best, you can also take some of your own (unopened, of course) and package them in resealable containers, which are other necessities that homeless people appreciate.
While you may be tempted to donate long-lasting and eco-friendly items like menstrual cups and period underwear, these items are not ideal for people who do not have frequent access to laundry facilities or a private sink in which to wash them.
Laundry Detergent
Homeless shelters rotate bedding daily, so they do many loads of laundry. Additionally, some shelters may offer cheap or free laundry services for people staying in the shelter. Therefore, laundry detergent and supplies are extremely important.
Laundry detergent can make a significant difference to the everyday comfort of someone without a home. When you donate laundry detergent, consider donating the detergent pods. They are easier to manage as they come prepackaged with the right amount of detergent. Also, try to donate unscented and dye-free laundry detergent as they carry less of a risk of allergic reactions.
Cold-Weather Clothing
People who are experiencing homelessness have to deal with exposure to harsh weather. Help your neighbors in need by donating new or gently-used cold-weather clothing. Winter accessories like coats, gloves, scarves, and hats are in high demand during the holiday season. Additionally, thermal underwear and undershirts can provide much-needed warmth and comfort.
Baby Supplies
People who are experiencing homelessness may be caring for children as well as themselves and baby supplies are an extremely expensive necessity. Some key baby supplies to donate include:
- Diapers in a variety of sizes
- Pull-ups in a variety of sizes
- Baby wipes
- Baby formula
- Clothing for infants and toddlers
Bedding
Homeless shelters are often in need of pillows, blankets, and sheets. Pillows provide comfort for people staying at the shelter. Blankets and sheets provide warmth during the winter months.
Consider donating money, time, food, or items this Giving Tuesday and start the holiday season with kindness in your heart.
Donate to Unity Parenting and Counseling on Giving Tuesday
Unity Parenting and Counseling has a wish list for this holiday season. To donate money to Unity Parenting and Counseling, head to our website to donate securely online. You can also send a check in the mail. You can even select where you want your donation to go. Simply add a note in the donation form and tell us where you would like your generosity to go.
To donate items, reach out to Flora Koppel at fkoppel@unityparenting.org. We can schedule a time to donate. The meet-up location is 600 W. Cermak.
Here is our Giving Tuesday wish list.
- Funds for the expansion of hours and activities for the Ujima Village shelter for homeless 18 to 24-year-old youth on Chicago’s South Side. The shelter is currently open from 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM seven days a week. $45,000 would allow the shelter to remain open for an additional four hours, three days a week. It would also provide mental health and employment readiness services.
- Equipment for children in foster care and housing programs, including car seats for foster care and parent/child visits, playpens, walkers, and highchairs for young families in housing programs. A setup costs about $400 and a donation of $8,000 would provide for 20 families.
- $60,000 in funds to add a therapist to serve foster care, housing, and shelter clients.
- Funds for field trips for youth and youth-headed families in Unity housing programs, including the Ujima Village shelter. These field trips would be to various educational and cultural sites in the Chicago area. Field trips help to develop and enhance educational and social skills for young people. Each trip serves up to 20 youth and costs $1,500. Unity would like to schedule four field trips in 2022.
- Christmas presents for children in foster care and children living with parents in our housing programs. Children range in age from newborn to age 18. For children 12 and up, we purchase gift cards or age-appropriate gifts. Unity staff will purchase gifts with donated funds. We accept in-kind gifts as well.
- Funds to enhance the shelter environment to promote a homelike and inviting experience. One such project includes having a well-known graffiti artist work with the youth to design and paint a mural on the wall of the dining and relaxation/TV room. This will not only enhance the facility but will also give the youth a sense of ownership and teach them skills. Other changes will also be implemented to improve the facility. The youth will be paid for their participation with stipends for no less than minimum wage. The total cost of this project will be $11,000.
- Household setup items for all housing programs, including sheets, towels, pillows, cookware, dishes, etc. Unity leases more than 120 apartments, so setups are crucial and extensive.
Advocate for Social Good
Giving Tuesday is the perfect time to help your Chicago community. Whether you are donating money, time, food, or items, know that your donations positively impact the lives of people who are experiencing homelessness.
The programs at Unity Parenting and Counseling are made possible by your generous donations and our sponsors. Your support is greatly appreciated and reflected in the operation and growth of Unity Parenting and Counseling Inc.’s programs.
Any and all small acts of kindness have the power to make the world a better place. Your contribution of money, in-kind services, and goods are recognized, highly valued, and always welcomed.
Donate to Unity Parenting and Counseling this Giving Tuesday and help us provide at-risk young people and struggling families with the stability and support structure they need to live more meaningful lives.