What Not to Put in Homeless Care Packages: Common Mistakes and Better Alternatives
Nov, 8 2025
Every year, people across Australia pack up boxes of clothes, food, and toiletries to hand out to those sleeping rough. It’s well-intentioned. But too often, what’s meant to help ends up causing more stress-or worse, getting thrown away. If you’ve ever stood at a shelter with a bag of donations and wondered why so much goes unused, you’re not alone. The truth is, not everything we think is useful actually is.
Don’t pack items that require electricity
You might think a mini fan, electric blanket, or portable charger is a thoughtful gift. But for someone without a stable place to sleep, electricity isn’t guaranteed. Many shelters don’t have outlets available for personal use. Public charging stations are scarce. And if someone’s sleeping under a bridge or in a park, plugging something in isn’t an option. A heated blanket might seem like a lifesaver in winter-but if it doesn’t work, it’s just dead weight. Same with hair dryers, electric shavers, or battery-operated radios. These items take up space, add bulk, and create guilt when they don’t function.Instead, give hand warmers, thermal socks, or wool hats. These work without power. A simple, durable hand warmer can last 8-12 hours. That’s more useful than a charger that won’t find a socket.
Avoid opened or expired food
It’s tempting to donate leftover snacks, half-used jars of peanut butter, or canned goods past their “best before” date. But this isn’t just wasteful-it’s unsafe. Many shelters have strict food safety rules. Opened containers can’t be stored properly. Expired food increases the risk of illness, especially for people with weakened immune systems. One shelter worker in Brisbane told me they threw out over 200 cans last winter because they were dented, rusted, or past their expiry.Don’t donate anything that’s been opened. Stick to unopened, non-perishable items with clear labels and dates. Think: canned beans, tuna, fruit in juice, granola bars, peanut butter in sealed jars, instant oatmeal. Avoid items that need cooking-like pasta or rice-unless you’re also including a portable stove and fuel. Most people don’t have access to a kitchen.
Leave the high-end clothing at home
Donating designer coats, brand-new jeans, or expensive shoes sounds generous. But here’s the problem: they rarely fit. People experiencing homelessness come in all shapes and sizes. A size 12 women’s coat won’t help a man who wears size 38. A pair of size 10 sneakers won’t fit someone with swollen feet from standing all day. And let’s be honest-someone living on the street doesn’t care if your jacket is from Zara. They care if it keeps them dry and warm.Also, expensive items get stolen. One volunteer in Sydney said they once gave out 50 new jackets. By the end of the week, only 12 were still being worn. The rest were traded, sold, or taken. It’s not about blame-it’s about reality. Focus on practical, durable clothing: waterproof jackets, thermal underwear, sturdy boots (size 7-12), and socks. Socks are the #1 requested item in every shelter across Australia.
Skip the perfumes, lotions, and scented products
A nice-smelling hand cream or body spray might feel like a luxury. But for someone living in close quarters with others-whether in a shelter dorm or a shared tent-it’s a problem. Strong scents can trigger migraines, asthma attacks, or anxiety. Many people have sensitivities. Others just can’t afford to smell “fresh” if it means someone else will avoid them.Unscented toiletries are the only kind that should go in care packages. Look for fragrance-free soap, shampoo, deodorant, and toothpaste. Even baby wipes should be unscented. A simple bar of soap lasts longer than liquid soap and doesn’t leak in a bag. These items are more than hygiene-they’re dignity.
Don’t include alcohol, tobacco, or drugs
This one is obvious to most, but it still happens. Someone might think, “They’re stressed-maybe a cigarette or a drink will help.” But giving alcohol or tobacco isn’t help. It’s enabling. For people struggling with addiction, it can make things worse. For those trying to quit, it’s a trigger. And in many public spaces, smoking or drinking is banned. If caught, they risk being turned away from shelters or fined.Instead, consider including gum, mints, or tea bags. A warm cup of tea can be calming. Sugar-free gum helps with dry mouth and anxiety. These small comforts are safe, legal, and actually useful.
Avoid bulky, hard-to-carry items
A full-sized pillow? Too heavy. A large backpack? Most people carry everything they own in one bag. A folding chair? Good luck carrying that while walking to a shelter or waiting in line for food. Care packages need to be portable. Someone might walk 5 kilometers to get to a drop-off point. If your donation can’t fit in a small tote or be slung over a shoulder, it won’t be used.Keep it light. A small, foldable toiletry bag with essentials fits in a coat pocket. A compact towel that dries fast. A reusable water bottle with a carabiner clip. These things get carried. Big things get left behind.
Don’t assume everyone needs the same things
One of the biggest mistakes? Packing the same box for everyone. Men, women, teens, seniors, families-all have different needs. A tampon or pad is just as critical as a bottle of water. But most care packages don’t include them. Same with baby formula, diapers, or menstrual products. A 16-year-old girl sleeping rough doesn’t need a men’s thermal shirt. She needs pads and clean underwear.Separate your donations by category: men’s, women’s, youth, and family. Include hygiene items specific to gender and age. If you’re unsure, ask a local shelter what they need most. Most have wish lists online. Or call them. They’ll tell you.
What actually works: the essentials that make a difference
Here’s what shelters across Australia say they use every single day:- Unopened, non-perishable food (canned goods, energy bars, dried fruit)
- Water bottles (500ml-1L, reusable)
- Unscented soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes
- Wipes (unscented, alcohol-free)
- Socks (new, wool or cotton-always in pairs)
- Hand warmers (non-electric, single-use)
- Waterproof hats and gloves
- Mini first aid kits (bandages, antiseptic, pain relief)
- Menstrual products (pads, tampons)
- Small notebooks and pens (for filling out forms, writing messages)
These aren’t luxuries. They’re survival tools. And they’re things people can carry, use immediately, and don’t need permission to access.
Ask before you pack
The best thing you can do? Call your local shelter. Ask what they need right now. Some might need more socks. Others might be out of diapers. A few are running low on sunscreen because summer’s coming. Shelters know what’s working and what’s piling up unused. They’ll tell you. And they’ll appreciate you asking.Don’t assume. Don’t guess. Don’t donate out of guilt. Donate with purpose. The people you’re trying to help aren’t looking for charity-they’re looking for respect. And the most respectful thing you can give isn’t a bag of stuff. It’s a bag of things they can actually use.
Can I donate used clothes to homeless care packages?
Yes-but only if they’re clean, in good condition, and free of stains, tears, or strong odors. Shelters can’t wash or repair damaged items. Always wash and dry clothes before donating. Fold them neatly. Include socks and underwear in pairs. Avoid items with buttons that easily fall off or zippers that break. Used boots are welcome if they’re waterproof and have decent tread.
Why do shelters reject donated food?
Shelters follow strict health codes. They can’t serve open, expired, dented, or unlabeled food. Even if it looks fine, they risk liability if someone gets sick. Cans must be sealed, jars must have clear expiry dates, and all items must be in original packaging. Don’t donate leftovers or homemade food unless the shelter specifically asks for it-and even then, only if it meets food safety guidelines.
What’s the most needed item in homeless care packages?
Socks. Always socks. People walk long distances in all weather. Their feet get wet, blistered, and infected. Clean, dry socks are the number one request from shelters across Australia. New, unworn socks in all sizes-from kids to adults-are more valuable than almost anything else.
Should I include hygiene products for women?
Yes, absolutely. Menstrual products are rarely included in care packages, but they’re essential. Many women skip meals to afford pads or tampons. Shelters often run out. Include unscented pads, tampons, and panty liners. Even small packs of 5-10 are helpful. Don’t assume everyone identifies as male-homelessness affects women, trans, and non-binary people too.
Is it better to donate money instead of items?
Sometimes. Cash lets shelters buy exactly what’s needed, when it’s needed. They can buy in bulk, get better prices, and stock up on seasonal items like winter coats or sunscreen. But if you want to donate items, make sure they’re the right ones. Money and physical donations both help-just make sure your items are useful, not clutter.