Partner With Us

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Hello. We are Jerry and Wyndi, an everyday married couple living in the Brainerd area and working full-time jobs. God has placed the plight of the homeless community living in the area on our hearts. The result has been a thriving and aptly named ministry called “Doing What We Can Homeless Outreach”. We have had much success in sharing God’s love and the message of hope, salvation, healing, deliverance, victory and restoration that only Jesus Christ can provide with many homeless individuals thus far. If you would like to partner with us, please consider preparing and/or donating items as described on the next few pages or making a monetary donation to help further our efforts. We are an official IRS-approved 501(c)3 non-profit organization and appreciate any and all donations to help us continue to minister to the homeless through personal face-to-face encounters. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent of law. If you have any questions or want more information, please feel free to contact us. Thank you!

DOING WHAT WE CAN HOMELESS OUTREACH

4922 BRAINERD ROAD, SUITE B

CHATTANOOGA, TN 37411

EMAIL: DWWCHO@YAHOO.COM

FACEBOOK PAGE AND GROUP: DOING WHAT WE CAN HOMELESS OUTREACH

PHONE: 423-290-9552

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Many people have expressed a desire to be involved but because of other existing obligations to work, family, church, civic groups, etc., they just do not have the time or opportunity to shop for and put together one of the bags described in this hand-out. If that applies to you, sponsorship is the way to go! You can donate the needed funds to create one or more bags of your choice and we will do all of the shopping and bag-packing for you! Please text 423-290-9552 if you would like to be a sponsor. Below we have listed the dollar amounts that are required.

MINIMUM CAMPSITE-RELATED SET-UPS (TOTAL $75):

TRADITIONAL FOOD BAGS

DO NOT INCLUDE ANY ITEMS THAT REQUIRE COOKING/WARMING/MICROWAVING PRIOR TO CONSUMPTION, OR REFRIGERATION AFTERWARDS. ALL ITEMS NEED TO BE OUTDOOR/CAMPING FRIENDLY.

DO NOT INCLUDE ANY CARBONATED BEVERAGES (INCLUDING SODA POP) OR PRESSURIZED FOOD ITEMS (SUCH AS CANNED SQUEEZE CHEESE) AS THESE TEND TO EXPLODE WHEN EXPOSED TO EXTREME HOT/COLD OUTDOOR TEMPS.

PACK EACH FOOD BAG IN A HANDLED TOTE-STYLE POLYPROPYLENE BAG. THIS ALLOWS FOR EASY VIEWING AND TRANSPORT, WHILE ALSO HELPING TO KEEP THE CONTENTS PROTECTED FROM THE ELEMENTS, AND ARE REUSABLE BY THE RECIPIENT. THESE CAN BE PURCHASED FOR $1 AT DOLLAR GENERAL AND OTHER DISCOUNT RETAILERS.

IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE FOOD BAG IS GIVEN, WE WILL INCLUDE A LOAF OR BREAD OR A 10-PACK OF TORTILLAS.

Crackers: Large/Standard Size Box of Saltine Crackers with 4 sleeve packs, and Small Box of Graham Crackers

Peanut Butter or Peanut Butter/Jelly Combo: 12 to 18 oz. (Creamy only – no Crunchy)

Fruit/Pudding Cups: Applesauce – Pudding – Gelatin – Diced Fruit cups (2 of each per bag)

Variety of Proteins (Processed/Canned Meat/Fish/Cheese) Such As: Sardines – Potted Meat – Spam/Treet/Luncheon Meat – Vienna Sausages – Tuna – Salmon – Ham – Chicken – BBQ Pork – Jerky/Slim Jims – Pepperoni Slices – Summer Sausages – Shelf-Stable Cheese (1 to 2 cans/pouches/bags/packages of each item chosen) – Make sure each can has a pull-top or a twist key opening, or is packaged in a pouch or bag for easy consumption. Although many of these items come in various flavors, it is best to stick with the original versions if possible as not everyone likes or can tolerate some of the alternate flavors. Walmart tends to have the best prices and selection of these items.

Canned Beans: Pork & Beans, Beanie Weenies (1-2 cans each). Make sure each can has a pull-top.

Variety of Beverages Such As: Water – Power/Gator Ade – Sunny D – Fruit/Vegetable Juice – Shelf Stable Milk – Tea (I or 2 cans/bottles/pouches of each item chosen) – No Soda Pop, Carbonated Beverages or Energy Drinks – Make sure that none require a separate opener or refrigeration, even after being opened. Beverages are heavy and not easy to carry so make sure each beverage is 16-18 oz or less, and packaged in a lightweight material. NO GLASS.

Roll of Toilet Paper: wrap in a plastic grocery bag to keep clean and dry. Resealable Pack of Hand/Wet Wipes along with a Small Bottle of Hand Sanitizer

Flatware Bag: Use a ziplock sandwich-size bag to hold plastic disposable forks, spoons, & knives (3 of each) along with 10 paper napkins.

Candy/Treat Bag: Use a ziplock sandwich-size bag to hold small goodies that would otherwise get lost or crushed in the food bag. Items to To Consider Including Are: Dum-Dum suckers, miniature candy bars, Andes mints, pack of chewing gum, Life-Savers, starlight peppermints and/or other individually wrapped hard candies, Vitamin C drops, envelopes of flavor enhancer powder for bottled water, small packs of fruit/vegetable gummies, etc.

Condiments Bag: Use a ziplock sandwich-size bag to hold individual packets of shelf-stable left-over fast-food restaurant condiments such as mayo, mustard, ketchup, hot sauce, BBQ sauce, horseradish sauce, pickle relish, jam/jelly, honey, butter, soy and other Asian sauces, salad dressing, hot pepper flakes, salt & pepper, parmesan cheese, etc. Any combination and/or quantity is a welcome addition to sandwiches and other foods, and is much appreciated to break-up the monotony of otherwise bland protein flavors.

Variety of Snacks Such As: Individual bags/cups/packages of chips, pop corn, Goldfish crackers, cereal/granola bars, trail mix, cracker jacks, pop tarts, Little Debbies, peanut butter or cheese and crackers, raisins and/or other dried fruits, shelf stable cheese sticks, cookies, fruit leather, olives, pickles (2 of each item chosen). Do not create/pack your own snack bags. Only include items that are already packaged by the manufacturer for individual consumption. Do not include any previously opened or partially-consumed items.

NON-TRADITIONAL FOOD BAGS

A small population of the homeless community have acquired the means to cook meals or warm food via some type of camping stove and outdoor cookware. As a result, the food items provided to these individuals are different than those found in the Traditional Food Bags, and ideally should mostly contain canned goods. However, the below guidelines still apply:

DO NOT INCLUDE ANY ITEMS THAT REQUIRE REFRIGERATION AFTERWARDS. ALL ITEMS NEED TO BE OUTDOOR/CAMPING FRIENDLY.

MAKE SURE THAT ALL CANS HAVE A PULL-TOP LID OR A TWIST-KEY CAN OPENER AS MANY INDIVIDUALS ARE PHYSICALLY UNABLE TO OPERATE A HAND-HELD CAN OPENER. DO NOT INCLUDE ANY ITEMS IN GLASS JARS. IF ANY ITEMS ARE PACKAGED IN A CARDBOARD BOX/CANISTER, THEY MUST ALSO BE PACKED INSIDE INDIVIDUAL ZIPLOCK BAGS TO HELP DETER BUGS AND SMALL SCAVENGER ANIMALS FOR 3-4 DAYS PRIOR TO PREPARATION AND CONSUMPTION. AS A BONUS, THE ZIPLOCK BAGS ARE HIGHLY REUSABLE BY THE RECIPIENT.

AS A GENERAL RULE, DO NOT INCLUDE ANY ITEMS OR PORTIONS LARGER THAN 20 OZ +/-. EACH ITEM SHOULD BE EASILY CONSUMABLE BY 1-2 ADULTS IN ONE MEAL SITTING AS IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO STORE OR HOLD-OVER PREPARED FOOD ITEMS FOR LATER CONSUMPTION. EACH FOOD BAG SHOULD ONLY CONTAIN ENOUGH ITEMS TO FEED 1-2 ADULTS FOR 3-4 DAYS.

DO NOT INCLUDE ANY CARBONATED BEVERAGES (INCLUDING SODA POP) OR PRESSURIZED FOOD ITEMS (SUCH AS CANNED SQUEEZE CHEESE) AS THESE TEND TO EXPLODE WHEN EXPOSED TO EXTREME HOT/COLD OUTDOOR TEMPS.

Variety of Proteins (Processed/Canned Meat/Fish) Such As: Sardines – Potted Meat – Spam/Treet/Luncheon Meat – Vienna Sausages – Tuna – Salmon – Ham – Chicken – BBQ Pork – (1 to 2 cans/pouches/bags/packages of each item chosen). Although many of these items come in various flavors, it is best to stick with the original versions if possible as not everyone likes or can tolerate some of the alternate flavors. Walmart tends to have the best prices and selection of these items.

Canned Beans: Pork & Beans, Beanie Weenies, Pinto Beans, Red Beans, Black Beans, Kidney Beans, Baked Beans, Chili Beans, etc. Shop Walmart and Aldi for the best prices on these items.

Canned Meals/Entrees: Tamales, Chili, Ravioli, Beef Stew, Chicken Ala King, Spaghetti-Os, etc.

Packs, Cans or Cartons of Soup and/or Broths: Hearty type soups that contain both a meat protein and vegetables are a great choice. Don’t forget Ramen! Broths are very versatile as they can be used to enhance the flavor of other foods.

Canned Vegetables and Fruits: Any variety of either is very welcome. Canned fruits are often considered as a dessert.

Milk: Cans (evaporated), Shelf-Stable Cartons, and/or Envelopes of Dry Milk Powder

Grains: Oatmeal, Grits, Rice, Rice-a-Roni, Cream of Wheat or Rice, Buckwheat, Farina, Farro, Barley, Quinoa, etc. Pasta and Pasta Sauce (no glass jars), Egg Noodles, Macaroni

Cheese: Small blocks of shelf-stable cheese (such as Velveeta Fresh Packs), or pouches of prepared cheese sauce

“Helper” Style Boxed Meal Kits: Only include these if they can be completed by adding canned tuna or chicken.

Sauces and Gravies: Cans, Cartons or Dry Powder Mixes – any flavor

Snack Cakes, Cookies, Little Debbies, Hand Pies, Etc: Individually-wrapped items only

Variety of Beverages: Water, Fruit Juices, Vegetable Juices, Sport Drinks (no energy drinks or soda pop)

GIFT CARDS

Gift card donations are welcome if the following guidelines are met. If you would like to donate gift cards, please place them in a sealed envelope prior to drop-off. The cards will be sorted and given to appropriate recipients on a discretionary and as-needed basis. Gift cards are NEVER given to individuals who have a known drug or alcohol addiction in order to avoid the risk of the cards being sold at a discount for cash instead of being used for its intended purpose.

$10 – $15 GIFT CARDS

$10 – $15 gift cards can be a huge blessing and offer a periodic meal treat or the means to purchase needed items on a demand-basis by the homeless (i.e., feminine supplies, batteries, first aid supplies, etc.). Gift cards from the following establishments are welcome as they meet two important criteria: (1) they are unable to be used for the purchase of alcohol and/or tobacco products; (2) the merchant has at least one brick-and-mortar retail presence in/near the Brainerd-Terrace-East Ridge corridor where our efforts are concentrated.

Ollie’s Bargain Store
Starbucks
Wendy’s
McDonald’s
Church’s Chicken
Hardee’s
Krispy Kreme Donuts
Sonic Drive-In
Subway
Taco Bell
Checkers
Sonic
Dollar Tree
Arby’s
Marco’s Pizza
Baskin-Robbins
Papa John’s
Little Caesar’s Pizza
Popeye’s Chicken
Chik-Fil-A
Krystal
Firehouse Subs
Jack’s
Dominos Pizza
Dunkin’ Donuts
Pizza Hut
I-HOP
Dairy Queen

$20 GIFT CARDS

$20 gift cards from the Goodwill Store (Purchased at the East Ridge Terrace location ONLY as they are non-transferable)

are also welcome as they are very practical and can meet strategic needs on a case-by-case basis.

OTHER MERCHANT GIFT CARDS – ANY DENOMINATION

Gift cards in any denomination from any of the following merchants are also welcome. Gift cards from this list WILL NOT be given to homeless individuals as they do not meet both of the two essential criteria mentioned above, but instead will be used to purchase items in bulk for distribution to the homeless such as food, clothing, toiletries, camping gear, etc. Partially used gift cards with small remaining available balances that you already have lying around are also welcome for this purpose.

Walmart
Dollar General
Dollar Tree
Family Dollar
Target
Sam’s Club
Ollie’s
Big Lot’s
Ace Hardware
Aldi’s
Food City
CVS
Food Lion
Publix
Walgreen’s
Amazon
Food City
Save-A-Lot

Any Other Similar Retailer or Local Grocery Store

Academy Sports (for low cost sleeping bags & tents)

CAMPSITE BAGS

These bags help to establish a new campsite or maintain an existing one. These bags are best prepared by loading items into a medium or large-size adjustable and zippered backpack that can be purchased at Dollar Tree. Unless otherwise noted, most of these items can be readily purchased at Dollar Tree, Dollar General or Family Dollar.

Vinyl Tarps – any size that is at least 4 x 6

Roll of Duct Tape

Roll of Twine

Coil of Polycoated Rope, at least 50 feet if possible

Small Flashlight with Batteries and/or Adjustable Wearable LED Headlamp

Folding Utility Knife

Small Handheld Magnifier of some type, preferably with light

Emergency Mylar Blanket – Emergency Mylar Sleeping Bag – Emergency Mylar-Lined Tent – Small Inflatable Camping Pillow: All of these items can be purchased inexpensively and in bulk at Walmart.com and/or on Amazon.

First Aid Kit

Sharpie Permanent Marker

Small Pair of Utility Scissors

Small Package of Clothes Pins – wood or plastic, but wood is preferred

Small Package of Safety Pins, Assorted Sizes

Sewing Kit

Disposable Thermal Hand Warmers – quantity 2 to 4

Resealable Pack of Clorox, Lysol or other Disinfectant Wipes

Small Travel-Size Package of Laundry Detergent Pods & Dryer Sheets – Can be purchased inexpensively at Dollar Tree

Package of Cable Zip Ties

Bag of Bungee Cords in different sizes

Disposable Rain Poncho

Multipurpose Cloths, quantity of 3 – waffle-weave dish cloths are perfect – Dollar General sells these for $1/package

Small box of ziplock heavy-duty freezer storage bags in quart or gallon size

Carabiner Clips– 1 or 2 in different sizes

Assorted-Size Batteries especially AA and AAA. Small packages can be purchased at Dollar Tree.

Any Other Similar Items Are Also Welcome

ALSO NEEDED, BUT PACK SEPARATELY: Toilet paper and paper towels. Place each roll in a plastic grocery bag to keep it clean and dry over time.

FEMININE HYGIENE BAGS

These items are best packed in a small or medium-size insulated lunchbox bag with a strap handle that can be purchased at Dollar Tree. Once the supplies are used, the bag itself is reusable for multiple uses.

Everyday Panty Liners with Wings, 1-2 packs

Tampons – Packages that include multiple sizes/flow rates are best, but any will work, 1-2 packs

Disposable Period Pads with Wings – Packages that include multiple sizes/flow rates are best, but any will work, 1-2 packs

Individually Wrapped Disposable Bottles of Douche, 1 or 2. Walmart has a 4-pack for a couple of dollars.

Tube of Vagisil or other similar cream for non-fungal feminine itch – generic is OK

Generic vaginal fungal yeast infection treatment – cream, suppository tablets or both

Feminine Hygiene Wipes – 1 or 2 resealable packs

Bottle of Midol or other similar period symptom relief tablet – generic equivalent is OK

Bottle of AZO or other similar urinary tract infection treatment – generic is OK

Any Other Similar Items Are Also Welcome

PET FOOD

It has come to our attention that approximately 10% of homeless individuals have dogs. For some, the dog was a long-term family pet that when hard times fell on their household, they could not bear the idea of abandonment or drop-off at a kill shelter. For others, the dog is used for protection against thieves, thugs and gangs who opportunistically pillage the belongings of vulnerable homeless people whenever they are sick, asleep, or away from their campsite for any reason. Nevertheless, the dog is always the homeless person’s “best friend”, but often hungry and malnourished. If you are an animal lover and inclined to do so, please consider making one or more pet bags containing various types of food and treats for dogs. Family Dollar and Dollar General both offer a variety of low-priced canned food, dry food, moist food, treats, rawhide chews, etc., that would be much appreciated by dogs and their owners alike. When preparing a pet food bag, be sure to include a couple of bottles of water, a couple of stainless steel bowls for food and water, and a couple of disposable spoons to use with canned wet food. Please ensure that any cans of dog food have pull-top lids or twist keys for opening. These bags are best packed in medium-sized mesh tote bags that you can buy for around $1 at most discount stores such as Dollar Tree and Dollar General.

CLOTHING

New is preferred, however, clean and gently worn used items are also acceptable. Right now we are focusing on the upcoming spring/summer weather season so we are asking for clothing that will be appropriate in those temperatures. Please do not provide items that have holes, stains, missing/broken closures (buttons, zippers, etc.), etc. Several online retailers offer bulk packages of clothing containing multiple colors and sizes that are specifically designed for homeless outreach donation. If you are interested in providing new bulk clothing items, please visit these websites: Amazon.com, Walmart.com, Alltimetrading.com, Bidssupply.com, Yachtandsmith.com, Wholesalesockdeals.com, Bluestarempire.com, Socksinbulk.com.

FOR MEN (ANY SIZE – ANY STYLE – ANY COLOR):

T-Shirts and Tank Tops, Polo-Style Shirts, Casual-Style Short-Sleeve Shirts

Blue Jeans (if needed, can be cut-off into shorts)

Shorts: Bike, Beach, Cargo, Bermuda, Basketball styles are best

Boxer or Brief Style Underwear (NEW ITEMS ONLY PLEASE,

Socks – you can get a 3 pair set at Dollar Tree for $1.25

Lightweight Sweat/Jogging Pants for Summer

Dickie or Carhartt Style Twill Work Pants (if needed, can be cut off into shorts)

Tennis Shoes or Lightweight Boots, Flip-Flops, Sandals – include a pack of new shoe laces if possible

Lightweight Windbreaker Jacket or Raincoat for Summer

Hats For Sun Protection – Ball Caps, Bucket-Style Hats, Lightweight Beanies, etc.

Any Other Seasonal-Appropriate Items Are Also Welcome

FOR WOMEN (ANY SIZE – ANY STYLE – ANY COLOR):

T-Shirts, Tank Tops ( no spaghetti straps), Casual-Style Short-Sleeve Shirts

Cotton Panties (NEW ITEMS ONLY PLEASE) – Standard cuts/styles – no thongs or boy shorts

Sports Bras (no spaghetti straps – no foam inserts – no underwires) – (NEW ITEMS ONLY PLEASE)

Socks – you can get a 3 pair set at Dollar Tree for $1.25

Shorts: Bike, Beach, Bermuda, Cargo, Basketball styles are best – no short shorts or “Daisy Dukes”

Light Weight Jeans or Denim Pants (if needed, can be cut-off into shorts or capris), or Capris for Summer

Lightweight Leggings for Summer

Lightweight Sweat/Jogging Pants for Summer (if needed, can be cut-off into shorts or capris)

Flip-Flops, Sandals, Tennis Shoes (include a pack of new shoe laces if possible), Slip-On Canvas Shoes

Lightweight Windbreaker Jacket or Raincoat for Summer

Hats For Sun Protection – Ball Caps, Bucket-Style Hats, Lightweight Beanies, etc.

Any Other Seasonal-Appropriate Items Are Also Welcome

SPIRITUAL: BIBLES, TRACTS, GOSPEL LITERATURE

Our outreach to the homeless is Christian-oriented and Bible-based. We include a New Testament Bible, gospel tracts explaining the salvation message, and other literature (such as a prayer guide) in EACH bag before it is distributed. We also have these items available for distribution at each Meet-Up Event. We buy these items in bulk from online retailers so we can obtain large quantities at a lower cost than if purchased at traditional retail outlets. If you are interested in helping us purchase any or all of these items, please send a text message to 423-290-9552. We welcome any/all assistance in this endeavor.

RECREATION & MENTAL EXERCISE

Homeless people need a way to engage their mental faculties in positive forms of exercise. The following items provide for ways to do this while also providing a limited form of recreation. All of these items are available at Dollar Tree.

Puzzle Books: Crossword Puzzles, Find-A-Word Search Books, Sudoku, etc.

Adult JigSaw Puzzles: Up to 350 pieces

Adult Coloring Books – depending on the format, also include a box of colored pencils or colored fine-tip markers/pens

Deck of Cards

Adult Paint-By-Number Kits

Journal Book containing blank lined pages – also include a couple of pens

Small to Medium-size Sketch Book – also include a box of crayons, colored pencils and/or colored markers/pens.

Game of Checkers or Other Similar Board Games

Peg Game (like the ones on the table at Cracker Barrel)

Rubik’s Cube

Bead & Jewelry Crafting Kits

Inspirational Paperback Books – especially biographies about people who successfully overcame various types of hardships in their lives

CELL PHONES

Homeless people need cell phones. On any given day several discount retailers (especially Dollar General & Walmart) offer low-cost phones and pre-paid service cards that are ideal for homeless individuals. Please consider purchasing a phone (usually $49 or less) and one or more pre-paid monthly service cards that will work with that phone. Phone and pre-paid service cards that feature unlimited calls, texts, wi-fi connectivity and 5G network capacity are best. Brands include Tracfone, Verizon Total, Simple Mobile, Consumer Cellular, Straight Talk, Cricket.

CAMPING GEAR

Most of the homeless individuals that we help live outdoors or in abandoned structures that do not have any type of utilities (electricity, plumbing, running water, toilet, heat, air conditioning, etc.). We help to supply the following basic items on a regular basis.

Items that can be used to build, ignite or shelter a fire; that includes matches, flamers, cigarette lighters, charcoal, kindling wood, sterno cans, grills, camp stoves, butane canisters, propane bottles, etc.

Minimum 3-person sized backpacking style tents with a zippered fly entrance– frequently available for $30 to $50 at Amazon.com and Walmart.com. Best deals (used like new, open box, clearance, etc.) tend to be found on Amazon in their “Amazon Warehouse” department.

Adult Sleeping Bags – available for $10 at Academy Sports – amazing!

Waterproof Sleeping Pad for Camping: For use underneath sleeping bags; helps protect sleeping bag from moisture and harsh temperature transfer from the ground.

Pillows: inflatable camping pillows are preferred– inexpensive @ about $3/each and available on Amazon in multipacks

Blankets/Quilts: Heavyweight in winter and lightweight in summer. Clean used items without holes or heavy stains are OK.

Sheets: Any size of used or new fitted or flat sheet and/or pillow case can be used in multiple ways by homeless individuals. No holes, heavy stains or excessive wear and tear please.

Towels and/or Washclothes: Any size of used or new towels and/or washcloths can be used in multiple ways by homeless individuals. No holes, heavy stains, severely frayed, or items that exhibit excessive wear and tear please.

Large Tarps: Can be used under tents as a waterproof barrier, or positioned above tents for rain protection or as a sun shade

Portable Outdoor Toilet: Amazon carries several brands and styles in the $20-$30 range. Look for the ones that feature a toilet seat that sits on a 5 gallon bucket or folding frame and is designed for use with everyday plastic grocery, trash (or similar) bags.

Outdoor Shower with Solar Heating Feature: Amazon carries several brands and styles beginning at $20. Items that also feature a rain water collector and/or privacy enclosure are highly prized.

Stainless Steel Outdoor Cookware & Utensils: Basic no-frills medium-size skillet, pot, plate, bowl, cup, fork, spoon, case knife, and sharp knife. These items can be sourced individually at discount retailers such as Walmart, or as a set online at Walmart.com, Amazon, Academy Sports, etc.

Any Other Similar Items Are Welcome