WE HELP
Individuals and Families Experiencing Homelessness
Packs for Cold Backs is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on creating connections and providing immediate aid, resources, and housing to the homeless communities we serve.
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Ways to Get Involved
There are many ways to make a difference. Whether you give, volunteer, or become a sponsor, your support helps us reach individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
Sign Up to Volunteer
Give your time and talents to help us deliver essential resources and make a meaningful difference in our communities.
Become a Sponsor
Partner with us to expand our outreach programs and provide lasting support to individuals and families in need.
Make a Donation
Your generosity helps provide essential supplies, resources, and support to individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
Our Programs
Emergency & Permanent Housing
Our housing programs help individuals and families experiencing homelessness access safe, stable housing and the support needed to build long-term stability.
Navigation & Wraparound Services
We connect individuals and families with essential services, resources, and personalized support to help them navigate challenges and achieve long-term stability.
Monthly Community Outreach
Through monthly community outreach, we connect with individuals and families experiencing homelessness to distribute essential supplies, offer support, and connect them with valuable community resources.
Upcoming Events
Thanksgiving Backpack Drive & Distribution
Sunday, November 29, 2026
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Sacramento, CA
Exact location to be announced
Thanksgiving is a time for giving back and looking out for our neighbors. This year, we're bringing volunteers together in Sacramento to distribute backpacks filled with food, water, hygiene products, and other essential supplies to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Beyond providing necessities, we'll spend time connecting with community members, sharing local resources, and making sure everyone we meet feels seen, supported, and valued.
Annual Sacramento Christmas Backpack Drive & Distribution
Sunday, December 20, 2026
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sacramento, CA
Exact location to be announced
Join us for our annual Christmas backpack drive as we bring volunteers together to distribute backpacks filled with food, water, hygiene products, warm clothing, and other essential supplies to those experiencing homelessness. This holiday tradition is an opportunity to give back, connect with our neighbors, and help make the season a little brighter for those in need.
Seattle Winter Backpack Drive & Distribution
Sunday, January 31, 2027
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Seattle, WA
Exact location to be announced
Our Seattle winter outreach brings essential supplies and support directly to individuals experiencing homelessness during the colder months. Volunteers will distribute backpacks filled with food, water, warm clothing, and hygiene products while also helping community members connect with housing assistance, healthcare, employment opportunities, and other local resources. The goal is to provide immediate relief while helping people access services that can make a lasting difference.
What to Expect When Volunteering?
At our events, we distribute backpacks filled with clothing, toiletries, food, and other essentials to individuals experiencing homelessness throughout California, Arizona, and Washington.
Each backpack includes items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, socks, gloves, ponchos, blankets, hand warmers, and snacks. We also provide sanitary products, pet food, and other supplies when available.
But our outreach is about more than distributing backpacks. We encourage volunteers to spend time getting to know the people we're serving, listening to their stories, sharing a meal, and helping connect them with resources.
Our goal is simple: treat everyone with dignity, build meaningful connections, and make a difference wherever we can.
Our Sponsors
News & Updates
BY ARDY AKHZARI
Beyond Recruitment: What 15 Years of Building and Leading a Volunteer Network Taught Me About Leadership
OCTOBER 23, 2026
BY ARDY AKHZARI
More Shelter, More Hope: Sacramento's Push for Safer Places to Stay
SEPTEMBER 14, 2026
Together, We Can Make a Difference
Every act of kindness makes a difference. Whether you donate, volunteer, or become a community partner, your support helps us provide essential supplies, connect individuals and families with resources, and bring hope to those experiencing homelessness.