Care Items for the Unhoused

Supporting our unhoused community starts with small acts of kindness. By donating essential items, you can make a meaningful impact in your neighbour’s life, providing them with the comfort, dignity and care they deserve.

Below, you will find a list of items that are most needed — each contribution brings us closer to creating a community where everyone feels seen, valued and supported.

To help us sort through donations and get them to those in need more quickly, please keep food separated from all other items.

Archway operates a supportive housing residence for those who were formerly homeless, provides services to those who are precariously or unsafely housed and operates shelters. 

Necessities 

• Band-aids or first aid kit (travel size) 
• Hand/toe warmers 
• Water bottle 
• Hand wipes 
• Pack of Kleenex 
• Rain cover/poncho 
• Plastic bags 
• Lighter 
• Small blanket 

Non-perishable foods 

• Canned food with opener attached 
• Mints 
• Cough drops 
• Gum 
• Fruit snacks 
• Fruit/applesauce cups (with spoon) 
• Soft granola/cereal bars 
• Crackers w/ peanut butter or cheese 
• Beef jerky 
• Trail mix 
• Vitamin C packets 
• Instant oatmeal  

Toiletries 

• Toothbrush 
• Toothpaste 
• Deodorant  
• Chapstick 
• Comb or small brush 
• Q-tips 
• Wet wipes 
• Sunscreen 
• Menstrual hygiene products 
• Bug spray 

Personal Items 

• New gloves 
• New Toques 
• New warm socks 
• New warm undergarments 

Extras 

• Fast food gift card
• Grocery store gift card
• Gas gift card 
• Notes of encouragement

Items We Are Unable to Accept

Here is a list of items that we are not able to accept for health, safety and logistical reasons:

• Used or opened hygiene products
• Damaged or worn-out items
• Perishable or homemade food
• Large or bulky items
• Weapons or hazardous materials
• Used undergarments, socks, toques, gloves