I have had a few thoughts lately, that while not relating to apersonal EDC or such, does make one think.

While I cannot hope to solve the problem of homelessness, (and it is a real problem here in Portland, OR), I got to thinking, if one wanted to assist such folks, what kind of a kit could one put together to help these people? Of course, solving homelessness would be the ideal answer, but barring that, could a person put together a basic kit, say in a small inexpensive pack, that would help alleviate the everyday concerns a homeless person might have?

They would not of course have to think about things like snaring dinner or catching fish. Even fire building would probably be out of the question since there aren't many places to build a fire (or you would want them to) in the city. But the basic precept of "surviving" would still pertain.

Here are my intital thoughts, and I would welcome others.

Wool watch cap
Poncho
Tarp
Blanket
Gloves
inexpensive flashlight
Bandana
Personal kit with:
shampoo
bar soap (ina plastic holder)
toothbrush & toothpaste
hairbrush
nailclippers
disposable razor
deodorant
toilet tissue
kleenex
antiseptic wipes
cooking kit with:
Bic lighter
canned heat or 36 hour nu-wick candle
stove for same
cooking pot
cup
spoon
(2) 1 liter bottles of water
small sewing kit
small first aid kit
additions:
dry soup mix
coffee singles / tea bags
sugar packs
dry creamer packs
vitamins

Everything would be of the small personal sizes and by necessity be of the inexpensive variety. Of course this would mean that they might not be number one quality, but the sheer volume of items/kits would limit what one could spend. Additionally, this package would not be heavy on food, but rather on making the "creature comforts" more obtainable so that hopefully, they could focus more on the core problem they might have.

I deliberatly left out items such as water purifiers (there are many public places to obtain potable water in the city). No snare wire, duct tape, fishhooks, whistles, signal mirrors, etc. since the idea is not "survival" as most of us think of it... but rather, easing troubled times.

Anyway, I am curious to see what others think.