Hygiene kits are used by our Street Outreach and Shelter teams to meet the basic needs of the unhoused folks we serve. We suggest including 5-8 travel sized items in a quart size Ziplock bag or toiletry bag. Most groups donate 20-100 kits, but any amount is welcome! 

• Most needed items: bar soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, disposable razor and shaving cream 

• Secondary items: Body wash, lotion, non-alcohol based mouthwash, body wipes, wash cloth, comb or brush, floss 

Snack packs are given to people who arrive at our Welcome Center to access supportive services. Being able to offer these packs makes an incredible difference in the daily lives of our unhoused neighbors. 

We suggest including 4-6 items in a quart/gallon size Ziplock bag or paper lunch bag. Most groups donate 20-50 kits, but any amount is welcome! All items should be non-perishable and ideally contain a disposable bottle of water. See the list below for suggested items to include: 

• Disposable water bottles 

• Beef jerky or meat sticks 

• Protein shakes or meal replacement drinks 

• Soft nutrition bars 

• Trail mix 

• Fruit snacks 

• Small cookie or cracker packs 

• Soft candy or dried Fruit 

• Water flavor packets like Crystal Light or Gatorade  

• Plastic utensil kits [with fork, knife, spoon, napkin] 

This opportunity is perfect for large groups that want to make a huge impact with the folks staying in our shelters. It’s simple–buy the ingredients, make the lunches, and choose a drop‑off time that works for you. Select either of our shelters in Downtown or South Minneapolis. Your generosity brings nourishment and hope to our neighbors who need it most!

You must schedule an appointment before dropping off lunches: 

Schedule shelter lunch drop-off 

Instructions: 

Groups must make at least 50 sandwiches in order to provide for everyone staying at the shelter. Purchase the following to prepare: 

• Sandwiches: Meat & Cheese only (no pork) 

• Sides: Chips, fruit, and condiment packets 

• Supplies: Quarter and gallon sized Ziploc bags, food-prep gloves, permanent marker

Estimated cost: 

• Sandwiches only: $60 

• With sides and condiments: $120 

Need help getting started? Check out our pre‑loaded shopping cart for inspiration! 

Assembly Instructions 

1. Wash hands and put on food‑prep gloves, clean and disinfect work surfaces 
2. Use 2+ slices of meat and 1 slice of cheese per sandwich 
3. Bag each sandwich in a quarter sized Ziploc bag and label with type and prep date 
4. If including sides, put them in a gallon sized bag with sandwich  

Bonus Touch!

Add a short, neutral encouragement note. Example: “Enjoy your lunch! From St. Mary’s Youth Group” 

Schedule shelter lunch drop-off 

Click here for a printout of these instructions.

Questions? Contact us at volunteer@agatemn.org.  

Unhoused neighbors who first arrive at our shelters often only have one set of clothes. Shelter Kits offer a new set of comfortable clothes so that they are warm for their stay.  

We suggest including each of the items listed below in a paper, plastic or reusable grocery bag, or a small backpack. Each kit should contain similar sizes. Adult sizes only, unisex clothes preferred. If clothes are gendered, please label the kits. Most groups donate 10-20 kits, but any amount is welcome!  

• T-shirt 

• Sweatshirt or hoodie 

• Sweatpants or athletic pants 

• Sweat shorts or athletic shorts 

• Socks 

Our Street Outreach team goes out into our community and provides essential items to people living unsheltered in Hennepin County. They also meet with unsheltered folks during drop in hours to provide resources. Street Outreach kits are crucial in making a difference in the daily lives of our unhoused neighbors.  

We suggest including 4-6 items in a gallon size Ziplock bag or grocery bag. Most groups donate 10-30 kits, but any amount is welcome! All items should new and unopened. See the list below for suggested items to include: 

• Disposable water bottle 

• Jerky, chips, crackers, or other non-perishable snack 

• T-shirt (men’s L-2XL highest need) 

• Socks 

• Rain poncho 

• Hand warmers or cooling towels 

• Emergency blanket 

• First aid kit 

• Tarp 

• Mini umbrella 

• Digital watch with date and time 

Welcome Baskets support people transitioning from homelessness into their own apartments and homes. Collect and donate the supplies your neighbors need to be successful in stable living! This is a great activity for scout troops, family gatherings, faith groups, book clubs, and corporate team building! 

Guidelines: 

• Please do not include any food or drinks in the baskets 

• Not all items listed below are necessary, most groups put together 10-20 baskets with 3-5 large items and 5-7 small items in laundry baskets or plastic totes 

• Feel free to include a note signed with your group name. Explicitly religious information is not permitted – we want every person using our services to feel included and respected with these baskets. Great sample: “Wishing you well in your new home! From St. Michael’s Senior Youth Group” 

• See our Welcome Basket Amazon wish list below to see examples or send supplies directly to our office! 

Examples of larger items to include (we suggest 3-5 per basket) 

• Cookware (pots and pans set, baking sheets, etc.) 

• Dish sets (plates, bowls, glasses, mugs, etc.) 

• Throw blankets 

• Twin or queen sized sheet sets, pillows, comforters 

• Bath towels, hand towels, wash cloths 

• Broom and mop 

Examples of smaller items to include (we suggest 5-7 per basket) 

• Utensils (forks, knives, spoons) 

• Cooking utensils (spatulas, wooden spoons, measuring cups and spoons, etc.) 

• Household cleaning supplies (multipurpose spray, bathroom spray, rags, sponges, dish soap, hand soap) 

• Toilet paper, paper towels 

• Clothing hangers 

• Shower liners and curtains 

• Kitchen or bathroom organizing items (utensil holders, paper towel holders, canisters for food or bathroom supplies, etc.) 

• Laundry detergent, dryer balls or sheets