Unhoused Response Group (URG)

Help URG support our unhoused neighbors in the South Bay!

The Unhoused Response Group of Santa Clara County (URG) was formed in March 2020 with the mission of distributing COVID Kits to unhoused people in Santa Clara County. Funding for URG comes from direct giving from members of the community - that's YOU! - and small grants as well as in-kind donations of supplies. We minimize costs through diligent comparison shopping and bulk purchasing, thus maximizing the impact of every dollar.

Most of the members of our unique, all-volunteer distribution and leadership team are unhoused and formerly unhoused community members, whose lived experiences are essential to our mission. The rest of our volunteers are dedicated and experienced advocates.

URG COVID Kits contain 8 oz hand sanitizer gel, masks, bar soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, emergency blankets, cleansing wipes, and, as needed, bilingual COVID information specific to unhoused people in Santa Clara County. The kits are packed in our signature reusable, lightweight, brightly colored backpacks, which have a reflective stripe for safety. Additionally, we include two high protein canned meals; at least two snacks; bottled water; other toiletries such as deodorant and shampoo; condoms and/or menstrual supplies; socks; and seasonal items such as lip balm, sunscreen, scarves, knit caps, and gloves. As of Sept 2021, we have distributed nearly 6000 filled backpacks as well as other essential supplies such as NARCAN, lanterns, tarps, tents, sleeping bags, underwear, clothing, and warm outerwear.

The supplies we distribute meet immediate needs for hygiene, food, and warmth, and they have longer-term impact via the printed information about COVID and other resources that we include in the backpacks and via the ongoing personal connection with our distribution team, who build relationships with the unhoused people we serve.

Thank you for your support - any amount helps!

For example,

$10 = 1 backpack filled with a COVID Kit, food, and other supplies

$20 = 50 pairs of socks

$40 = one tent and tarp

$100 = 5 sleeping bags

URG is an ongoing effort. The fundraiser has no end date, and funds are spent as they are received.

URG in the news:

https://sanjosespotlight.com/advocates-provide-information-hand-sanitizer-to-homeless/

https://sanjosespotlight.com/housing-assistance-hard-to-obtain-in-santa-clara-county/

Find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/URG-Unhoused-Response-Group-104806874829097