Homeless Bag Project addressing a growing need
Homelessness is on the rise.
According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness’ annual Point-In-Time Count, the homelessness rose 18% between the 2023 and 2024 surveys. Point-In-Time data for 2025 has not yet been released.
In fact, the alliance’s report shows homelessness is at its highest point since it began collecting data in 2007.
More alarming, some of the demographics seeing the largest increases are groups that traditionally represented only a small portion of the homeless population: families with children and disabled people.
It’s a trend that’s likely to continue. According to the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, “...more than half of Americans live paycheck to paycheck and one crisis away from homelessness.”
That makes efforts of organizations like the Homeless Bag Project more important than ever.
The project aims to provide bags of essential items to those experiencing homelessness or getting aid from social service agencies in the Butler area.
It’s a laudable effort that relies on the generosity of the public for donations; and the public in Butler seems to be more than happy to help.
A drive on Saturday, Sept. 20, netted enough items to fill about 135 bags in four hours, founder Stepfanie Armstrong said, “Homeless Bag Project receives good response.”
The project and others like it’s efforts should be celebrated, but the need is outpacing what these organizations can do. They deserve community support to account for the growing number of people facing homelessness. Every little bit can make a huge difference to a neighbor in need.
— JP
Information on the Homeless Bag Project, and on how to donate, can be found at butlerhbp.weebly.com.
Needed donations include new or gently used hoodies, new socks, winter hats, gloves, toothbrushes, toothpaste, mini first-aid kits, lotion, ChapStick, garbage bags, Ziploc bags, backpacks, drawstring bags, cases of water and solar flashlights. The collection also will take in small-sized food items such as Jell-O, fruit cups, individual granola bars, cheese and crackers, Fruit Roll-Ups or beef jerky — and anything which adds nutritional value.
