H.E.L.P.I.N.G. The Homeless Backpacks – one2one USA

Every day, those experiencing homelessness face a myriad of problems, whether it’s living outside in extreme temperatures, having to carry their possessions, or not having basic necessities. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, even more people are facing homelessness than ever before. The number of homeless people living on the streets in major cities is around 192,875 in the U.S. and over 150 million worldwide. Often overlooked, this group in our communities needs our help desperately, especially now.

For the past 10 years, 16-year-old Alexa Rhodes has volunteered with her family at communal dinners for homeless people. Saddened by the number of homeless living on the streets in major cities, Alexa decided to create an organization called H.E.L.P.I.N.G. The Homeless Backpacks to raise funds and gather needed items to be placed in sturdy, multi-use backpacks. Once these backpacks are filled, she selects a homeless shelter to receive the donation. In October 2020, Alexa donated 75 backpacks to the Broad Street Ministry. In November, she will donate another 75 to the Covenant House in Philadelphia. She was recently featured in the local news.

Alexa’s organization was created with much thought. The acronym H.E.L.P.I.N.G. represents healing, empowering, loving, providing, influencing, nourishing, and giving back to the homeless community. The backpack and items are valued at approximately $50 each and can include a water bottle, a baseball cap, utensils, a toothbrush, toothpaste, a waterproof blanket, a poncho, a pair of socks, wipes, a hand sanitizer, a mask, and a message of hope, among other items. Currently, Alexa and one2one are in partnership with Bombas, Alphabroder, and local healthcare providers who donate items or sell them to us at cost, but we need even more donations to help more homeless people.

H.E.L.P.I.N.G. The Homeless Backpacks is partnering with one2one USA Foundation, a 501c-3 organization, to collect donations and to administer and oversee the disbursement of the funds necessary to complete the backpacks. Through the partnership with one2one, the Program can quickly and efficiently ensure that the backpacks go where they are needed, and are disseminated by trusted partner organizations serving the homeless populations nationally.