In 2023, an estimated 653,100 Americans experienced homelessness. That’s roughly 1 in 500 people and the highest figure since reporting began in 2007. Roughly 40% of this population dealt with unsheltered homelessness, meaning they were sleeping in places like cars, parks, abandoned buildings, and sidewalks. Even more concerning, there was a 12% increase in the number of homeless Americans between 2022 and 2023. With storms like Hurricane Helene destroying homes and livelihoods this year, there are even more people facing housing insecurity. This GivingTuesday, we’re working to provide essentials to those in need, and you can help.

With your clicks, trivia participation, shopping for a cause, and direct donations, you’ve long helped us and our partner Greater Good Charities distribute Good Packs to Americans experiencing hard times, including homelessness. When devastating wildfires struck Maui in 2023, you helped us distribute these packs – filled with essentials like toiletries, clean clothes, and blankets – to some of the thousands of residents whose homes were destroyed.

More packs were distributed to pet owners living in homeless camps on the island. Pet packs include a collapsible bowl, a slip lead leash, treats, and a toy to ensure owners can provide essentials in tough times.

At the end of last year, we also worked with Greater Good Charities to distribute 200 Good Packs and about 10 Children’s Packs to Caridad Community Kitchen in Arizona, which provides essential support to unhoused residents in their area, including those negatively impacted by sweeps.

This year, Greater Good Charities teamed up with the Banfield Foundation at an event in San Antonio to build 1,000 Good Packs, 700 Dog Packs, and 300 Cat Packs that were donated to the San Antonio Food Bank.

There have also been hundreds of Good Packs distributed in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, through partnerships with organizations including YMCA Western North Carolina and Feeding Tampa Bay.

This essential support has been possible thanks to you. As winter approaches, we have a GivingTuesday goal to provide even more packs to our unhoused neighbors across the country. If you’d like to help, click below!