The first big storm of the season has come and gone, and for many unhoused San Franciscans, it probably wasn't the most pleasant experience. However, two nonprofits are offering free supplies in the coming weeks to help keep homeless people and their belongings warm and dry for the rest of the season.
Custom Backpack Giveaway
The CITYPAK Project, born out of Chicago, is visiting this week to hand out free backpacks to homeless San Franciscans. But these aren't your average backpacks—since 2012, the nonprofit has been designing and donating backpacks specifically for displaced individuals.
CITYPAK's bags boast a ballistic nylon outer shell that's "strong enough to combat the elements," the nonprofit says, as well as a synch-top closure and hide-away poncho to provide extra waterproofing support for the bag and the wearer. The bags hold a large amount in the main compartment, and feature straps that can be wrapped around the ankles and wrists while sleeping, as an anti-theft measure.
This week, CITYPAKwill be handing out backpacks at the following locations:
- Today: 12-1:30pm at 65 9th St., in partnership with Downtown Streets Team
- Tomorrow: 10-11:30am at the Mission District Navigation Center (1950 Mission St.)
Pop-Up “Street Store” Offers Free Clothing
Keeping goods warm and dry is hard if they're sopping wet to begin with. Over at Episcopal Community Services in SoMa, preparations are underway to host a free pop-up "Street Store" next Friday, Oct. 28th, where homeless people can pick up fresh, gently used apparel.
From 10am-2pm, ECS will turn the parking lot for its Sanctuary shelter (201 8th St.) into a free open-air market for the homeless. ECS is partnering with Google, Facebook, Pinterest and Salesforce to host this event, and asking community members to stop by next Monday and Tuesday with donations of lightly worn clothing to stock the store.
According to ECS, the idea of a "Street Store" began in South Africa, and has been spreading around the world.
For more information on the event, keep an eye on ECS' Facebook page. Community members can also sign up here to help collect donations next Monday and Tuesday.
The Street Store isn't the area's only free store, either. Those in need of hygiene products can also visit the ongoing Glide Goods free store at 330 Ellis.
