Humane Sleep Project Addresses Homelessness with Hygiene Kits

To address the pressing challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness, the Humane Sleep Project, a public service nonprofit organization based out of Pleasanton, has initiated a significant outreach program in Oakland. The organization's primary goal is to provide essential sleeping supplies to alleviate the hardships the unsheltered community faces. Acknowledging the unique stories and diverse difficulties surrounding homelessness, the project seeks to offer comfort and support by equipping individuals with the necessary resources for survival.

The state of California, in particular, has been grappling with a high rate of homelessness. As of January 2020, California reported the highest rate of homelessness in the United States, with 135,771 individuals affected in one night, constituting 34 percent of the nation's homeless population. Of this percentage, nearly 80 percent were unsheltered, facing dire challenges (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 2021).

Hygiene products, a common household item for many, are often a costly and scarce resource for the homeless population in numerous major cities. Maintaining proper hygiene is a crucial part of daily life, essential for illness prevention and critical for overall well-being. People experiencing homelessness, however, have limited access to resources that enable them to practice healthy hygiene. In such circumstances, they often rely on the support of cities and nonprofits to provide them with the necessary resources for cleanliness and health maintenance.

The Humane Sleep Project took a significant step towards addressing this issue by conducting its first outreach event in Oakland, a city where nearly half of Alameda County's homeless population resides. This month, the organization assembled 100 hygiene kits from donations received from the Pleasanton community. These kits included vital items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, conditioner, nail cutters, nail files, and tissues.

The distribution of these kits was carried out by the organization's board of directors. They ventured into Oakland's communities, where they distributed 70 kits to individuals in five different homeless encampments. The remaining 30 kits were donated to the East Oakland Community Project, an organization dedicated to providing emergency and transitional housing to the homeless community in East Oakland.

This initial outreach event allowed the Humane Sleep Project to gain invaluable insights into the needs and challenges faced by the homeless population. Moreover, it provided an opportunity to establish meaningful connections with individuals who are often overlooked. Feedback received from those served during the event highlighted the importance of sustained support. As one individual remarked, "Last year, we had many nonprofits come by to provide us with kits and supplies, but this year they never returned." This feedback will guide the organization in planning future drives to better meet the needs of the homeless population in Oakland.

The Humane Sleep Project is committed to continuing its mission to enhance the lives of those experiencing homelessness, one restful sleep at a time.

References

2020 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. January 2021.
https://www.huduser.gov/portal...