We first outlined the ideal homeless survival kit in 2018 but have since added more information and DIY instructions. We’ll continue to update as more gear becomes available, and as homeless needs continue to evolve in our society.

Life can be tough and things do not always work out as we plan for them to. When you find yourself without a home, life can become even tougher. This is a situation where a survival kit could most drastically alter your life. A little help when you most need it could help you climb out of homelessness altogether.

Whether you are here looking to brace yourself for homelessness, or if you are looking to assist others by putting together a care kit: we have you covered. We will talk about basic survival needs, lay out a homeless survival kit list, and list some extra items you may need during winter below.

Homeless Survival Needs

To physically survive, we only require a few basic necessities. We break these down when we talk about the 5 Pillars of Survival. Just as a refresher, these include:

• Water
• Food
• Shelter
• Fire
• Self-Defense

All of these come into play when you are without a permanent home. Self-defense is often overlooked, but homeless people are unfortunately highly targeted victims of crimes- especially assault.

While those are great to know and get familiar with, there are also emotional, mental, and spiritual needs associated with survival.

Giving or receiving homeless survival kits can do wonders for anyone’s emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. Obviously, the utility of the kits are great for those receiving survival kits, but a little compassion can help everyone involved.

Homeless Survival Kit List

The homeless survival kit is not only based on the 5 Pillars of Survival but it is also derived from our standard disaster survival kit. You do want to be mindful of the preparedness tools that you include, since high-value items may end up being bartered rather than being used for their intended purpose.

Splitting up the homeless survival kits by function can help keep everyone organized. Gallon Ziploc bags are very useful in accomplishing this. Here is the list organized by functionality:

Shelter Bag

Shelter is massively important for survival, and homeless shelters do not always have vacancies. Helping the homeless be self-sufficient with survival is a strong start to any homeless survival kit. Clothes protect you from the elements, so for survival purposes, we consider them ‘shelter’.

• Gallon Ziploc Bag, Labeled
• Waterproof Tarp – this is our best-reviewed budget tarp.
• Mylar Emergency Blanket – another best-reviewed budget emergency blanket.
• 10 Feet Paracord – again, inexpensive is best. This is our best-reviewed budget paracord.
• Watch Cap – our best survival hats are pricey, so you should opt for something local and cheap.
• Gloves – looking for coverage and warmth- so skip the fingerless.
• Socks – wool socks are always ideal, but anything is better than nothing.

Tool Bag

This bag has some optional contents. While extremely useful, you may elect to not include the can opener, lighter, and knife. If you are gifting the kit, it may not make sense to distribute anything that could be conveniently used as a weapon.

• Gallon Ziploc Bag, Labeled
• Flashlight (with Batteries) – another budget pick from our flashlight review.
• P-38 Can Opener – see why this is our best-reviewed survival can opener.
• Bic Lighter – from cooking to staying warm, fire is always good for survival.
• Utility Knife

Food/Water Bag

Inexpensive is the way to go. Food in a kit can be replenished and is easier to come by in most areas except during disasters, emergencies, and survival situations.

• Gallon Ziploc Bag, Labeled
• Jar of Peanut Butter
• Ramen Noodles (2 Packs)
• Canned Goods
• Plastic Silverware / Spork
• Water (2 Bottles, 1L each)

First Aid Bag

Often overlooked, being homeless can be tough on your body. A small first aid kit can be a clutch addition.

• Gallon Ziploc Bag, Labeled
• Package Band-Aids
• Gauze Bandages (2)
• Antibacterial Wipes (5)
• Lip Balm
• Moleskin

Hygiene Bag

Another overlooked area, hygiene is important for health but it is also important in changing your station in life. Many jobs require workers to be clean, and just because you are homeless doesn’t mean you have to be jobless.

• Gallon Ziploc Bag, Labeled
• Soap
• Shampoo
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrush
• Toilet Paper (Folded)
• Deodorant
• Wash Cloth
• Disposable Razor

If you are making homeless survival kits to hand out, bagging all of the functional bags at once makes the process go quickly. Once you have them all bagged, labeled, and sorted out you can gather them in a sturdy black trash bag, or in a backpack if you are being generous.

The list is not fully inclusive, and one thing we would urge you to consider adding is a Bible. Even for those that are not spiritual, reading a bible can just pass the time. It doesn’t hurt to include it in the kit, and who knows- maybe it will inspire someone and change their life.

The Best Backpack for Homeless Survival Kits

Storing the equipment for the kit can be pretty varied. If you are gifting the homeless survival kits, delivering the kits in large trash bags is not unusual. A trash bag is very cheap, but it is not going to withstand the abuse of living without a home.

Backpacking backpacks have always been a great resource for homeless people. They are large enough to carry all of the survival equipment (and more). They are lightweight, water-resistant, and can be relatively cheap if you get one with a lesser-known name brand or second-hand.

Our budget pick for the best bug out bags is an excellent option for a homeless survival kit bag: Venture Pal 40L Hiking Backpack.

Something as simple as a comfortable backpack that can hold all of your possessions can make a world of difference.

Homeless Winter Survival Kit

Winter can be especially harsh for homeless people trying to survive. Dreary weather conditions can be both tough physically and mentally.

Many people suggest holding matches and lighters out of homeless survival kits for safety reasons. I disagree with this strategy, and adverse weather is a big reason why. Cold weather can be a dangerous killer and a small campfire can be the difference between life and death.

Including a warm cap, outer layers, and a survival blanket is even more important for homeless winter survival kits. You should also consider upgrading those to better-insulated versions and providing twice as many. Most people understand that layering for various weather is the way to go, especially if you are on a shoestring budget. Multiple layers are definitely preferred over a single large parka since you can adapt your clothes to the weather as needed.

The Final Word

Homelessness can be one of the hardest experiences a person can go through. It makes you much more susceptible to emergencies and disasters. Climbing out of homelessness can be a challenge, but hopefully, our homeless survival kit list can get you back on your feet.

Here are some other articles our readers have found helpful:

• 7 Begging Tips to Panhandle Effectively
• 7 Ways to Volunteer as a Prepper
• Bug Out Bag (BOB) Guide, Gear List, and Checklist

If you are creating the kits to give out, we admire your compassion and willingness to spread the importance of preparedness- no matter the situation in life.

Keep exploring, stay prepared, and be safe.

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The post How to Make a DIY Homeless Survival Kit appeared first on TruePrepper.

By: Rusty Collins
Title: How to Make a DIY Homeless Survival Kit
Sourced From: www.trueprepper.com/homeless-survival-kits/
Published Date: Fri, 11 Aug 2023 10:53:44 +0000

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