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How to Make Blessing Bags in Rhode Island: Water, Warmth and a Help Card

A simple guide to packing blessing bags for neighbors without a home in Rhode Island, with CDC heat and cold tips, what shelters say they need, and a 211 card.

Need help tonight?

911Danger or emergency right now 988Call or text. Crisis or thinking about suicide. 24 hours 211Shelter, food, bills, anything else 1 800 799 7233Someone hurting you at home. Text START to 88788

Start here

Hi friend. A small bag with a few basics can mean a lot to someone on the street. Keep it simple, keep it useful, and add a card with a number to call.

Dial 211 Call or text 988

Quick answers

What should I add for cold weather?

Rhode Island winters are cold. CDC suggests a hat, gloves or mittens, a scarf, a water resistant coat, water resistant boots and several layers of loose fitting clothing. Dry socks matter too. Shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, slurred speech and drowsiness are warning signs of hypothermia.

Official page: cdc.gov/winter-weather/prevention/index.html

What should I add for hot weather?

Water matters most. CDC says to drink more water than usual and not wait until you're thirsty. Add a note that malls and public libraries are good places to cool off. Muscle cramps, headaches, nausea or vomiting are signs to get medical care right away.

Official page: cdc.gov/heat-health/risk-factors/heat-and-low-income.html

What info card should I include?

Write a small card that says: 211, call 211, text 898 211, or call 401 519 0360. Add 988 for crisis support. For shelter, add the Coordinated Entry number, 401 277 4316. Check the numbers before you print.

Official page: unitedwayri.org/get-help

Is it better to donate to a shelter instead?

It can be. Crossroads Rhode Island accepts new items only, by appointment. Its urgent needs include underwear, toiletries, sweatshirts and sweatpants, toilet paper, laundry supplies and grocery gift cards. Unexpired non perishable food is on its always needed list. To make an appointment, call 401 277 4331. It cannot take used clothing.

Official page: crossroadsri.org/how-you-can-help-1/getting-involved/donate-in-kind

Where can I donate diapers and kids' basics?

Project Undercover is a diaper bank that gives diapers, baby wipes, and kids' socks and underwear. Visit its website to donate or volunteer.

Official page: projectundercover.org

Your next steps

Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this phone only.

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Use a gallon bag or small backpack.
Add water, sealed snacks, socks and wipes.
In winter add a hat, gloves and a scarf.
Put in a card with 211, 988 and 401 277 4316.
Store bags indoors, away from heat.

All done. You are ready, friend.

Bunkly tip: new socks and underwear are among the most useful things you can give, and shelters like Crossroads ask for new items only. Skip anything used.