Backpacks for the Homeless RVA

Backpacks For The Homeless RVA is an organization that supports our unsheltered neighbors by giving them essential living resources with the ultimate goal of seeing them established in permanent housing.

The organization has been in operations for over 11 years, started by Earnie Taylor. We are looking for 1 year’s worth of base funding. Our bare bone costs are $1400 a month. This is our bottom layer costs. Our storage containers cost us a monthly rent $715.00. Gas for distributions is right at $600 or more a month.

Unfortunately, we are finding our unsheltered neighbors are growing in numbers. Our average distribution of 400 backpacks a year is going to be more than 1200 this current year. Each backpack costs $75 to build without donations. We have been blessed enough to have supplies donated to us over the years. Just basing costs off of the backpacks if we had to buy all the items, we would be at $90,000 for 1200 backpacks a year.

Please consider supporting our cause as we support those who are voiceless.

Please keep in mind the average American is closer to being homeless than they are in permanent housing. 1 life event can change that status quicker than we want to realize.

1 in 5 unsheltered persons is a Veteran.

We accept donations of:

Backpacks - 17 inch

Warm gloves, hats, and scarves

Socks

Cases of Drinking water

Soft/ Chewy Granola bars

Crackers, peanut butter, shelf stable cheese snacks

Shelf stable tuna and chicken salad packs

Slim Jims, small, snack size

Cough drops

Travel sized hygiene essentials - lotions, hand sanitizer, shampoo, dry shampoo, body wash, soap, tissue, body powder, and deodorant

Razors

Hand and Foot warmers (Hot Hands)

Combs and brushes

Toothpaste and Toothbrushes

Chapstick and Lip Balms

Single use wipes, Wet Ones 20-24 count

Dental floss and Flossers

1 gallon Ziplock bags

Feminine Products (Tampons and Pads)

Band Aids

Wash Clothes

$5-10 Gift Cards for Fast Food

Our collection boxes are located at:

* Level Up. 216 Johnson Creek Dr in Enon. Hours are 10a to 7p Mondays or 9a to 7p Tuesday through Sat.

* Murphy's Law. 6411 Chesterfield Meadows Dr. Open 12noon to 12 midnight. *

* The Perkinson Center for the Arts and Education in Chester Village Green. 11810 Centre St *. Hours are Tuesday through Friday, 11a to 5p AND during events.

* Basic City Beer Co. 212 W. 6th St. In the bottom of the Aragon Coffee building. Hours are 3p to 9p Tuesday through Sunday. Drop box is in the hallway.

* Vapor Connection 2061 Walmart Way, Midlothian. M-Sat 10a-8p, Sun 12p-6p

Our Amazon Wish List is here