Packs for Cold Backs Inc

Needs

Community Outreach Programs:

We provide backpacks filled with clothing, toiletries, and food, to homeless communities in California, Arizona, and Washington. Each backpack includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, razor, beanie, two pairs of socks, gloves, poncho, fleece blanket, PPE, hand warmers, scarf, and an array of snacks and food. We also include sanitary products for homeless women and pet food for those with companions.

Our organization has distributed over 2,400 backpacks to members of the homeless communities we serve. We hold monthly events in our areas of operation where, more so than just giving backpacks with essentials, our volunteers focus on interacting with those most marginalized in our communities and learning about their life stories. We also encourage individuals in the homeless community to personally reach out to us if they need assistance in the future.

More recently, we started a Voter Initiative Project where our volunteers assist unhoused individuals in encampments and homeless shelters in the process of registering to vote. Whether it's providing a mailing address through our PO Box or helping them meet other voting requirements, our Voter Initiative Projects aims to enable those most marginalized in our communities have a voice in our government.

Rehabilitation Program:

PacksforColdBacks's Rehabilitation Program focuses on assisting individuals in the homeless community with the process of securing housing, medical & legal assistance, and job placement opportunities. We help individuals access various local services that are available to the homeless community in Sacramento. We inform individuals about the necessary requirements, such as for shelters and government assistance programs, and help them obtain the requisite documentation.

For instance, we work with government entities, such as the Sacramento County Department of Human Assistance and the Sacramento County Public Health Department. Additionally, we assist the Sacramento Continuum of Care at Sacramento Steps Forward with community-based programs to ensure that homeless assistance resources are utilized effectively in order to help permanently end people's homelessness. We also work with legal groups, such as the Tommy Clinkenbeard Legal Clinic. Furthermore, as for local shelters, we work with entities such as the Union Gospel Mission Sacramento and Francis House Center Family Shelter. Lastly, we work closely with Sacramento Loaves and Fishes on their numerous services, ranging from food programs to mental health counseling.

Covid-19 Relief Program:

Given the significant impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on homeless communities, PacksforColdBacks recently started this program to address the significant barriers in public health for the homeless community and mitigate spread of disease. We collaborate closely with other non-profits, such as Sacramento Steps Forward, and state entities, such as the Sacramento COVID-19 Homelessness Response Team and the Department of Health Services. Funded through these entities, we established safe zone encampments during an 8-week program. We distribute personal protective equipment (PPE), sanitation products, portable shower units, and hygiene kits, to the various homeless encampments. We also establish a cooking station and help increase access to running clean water. Over the course of the 8-week program, we also provide a weekly full-service meal plan and medical access.