Brown Bag Basics aims to deliver basic necessities to people who are homeless and on the streets of DC. Items support daily hygiene, protection from outdoor elements, healthy eating, and information about local shelters and meal services.

Over 6,000 people are homeless in DC and fighting for survival everyday. I moved here in December and was struck by how many people I passed each day who are homeless. Searching for a way to help, I began volunteering at a local social service organization knowing I can’t donate money to everyone, but I can donate my time. I love my weekly volunteer gig but volunteering once a week does not help the people I pass on the way to work who need water, food, or any other type of assistance right in that moment.

I have convinced myself for a while that because this is a systemic problem, it has to be solved through policy and government investment. While this is true, that does not mean we cannot take action right now. People need us right now. We can help right now. This is why I am beginning Brown Bag Basics, an initiative where brown paper bags filled with basic necessities are distributed. Like the contents in these bags, human kindness is basic human need and should be our most basic response to people asking for help.

I am asking for your kindness now to help Brown Bag Basics take off. Any money you donate will be directly used to purchase items. Each bag costs between $6-$8. You can find the contents and direct cost of each item below so you know EXACTLY what your money is going towards. I purchase in bulk to limit the cost of each individual item. 

Women’s bag breakdown:
(1) Paper bag- $0.04
(4) Maxi pads- $0.80
(1) Sandwich cracker pack- $0.56
(1) Granola bar- $0.22
(5) 1 Purell hand wipe- $1.05
(1) Chapstick- $1.00
(1) Women’s ankle socks- $1.10
(5) Band-aids- $0.25
(2) Pieces of fruit- TBD
(1) Travel-size toothbrush with toothpaste- $1.99
(1) Water bottle- $0.12
(2) Sunscreen lotion packet- $0.48
(1) List of nearby shelters and services- $0.00
TOTAL COST: $7.61 (w/o fruit costs)


Men’s bag breakdown:
(1) Paper bag- $0.04
(1) Sandwich cracker pack- $0.56
(1) Granola bar- $0.22
(5) 1 Purell hand wipe- $1.05
(1) Chapstick- $1.00
(1) Men’s crew socks- $0.90
(5) Band-aids- $0.25
(2) Pieces of fruit- TBD
(1) Travel-size toothbrush with toothpaste- $1.99
(1) Water bottle- $0.12
(2) Sunscreen lotion packet- $0.48
(1) List of services- $0.00
TOTAL COST: $6.61 (w/o fruit costs)

Thank you so much for your generosity.