Packs for Cold Backs

PAST PROGRAMS

Covid-19 Relief Program

Given the significant impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on homeless communities, PacksforColdBacks started this program to address the significant barriers in public health for the homeless community and mitigate spread of disease. We collaborated closely with other non-profits, such as Sacramento Steps Forward, and state entities, such as the Sacramento COVID-19 Homelessness Response Team and the Department of Health Services. Funded through these entities, we established safe zone encampments during a three-month long program. We distributed personal protective equipment (PPE), sanitation products, portable shower units, and hygiene kits, to the various homeless encampments we serviced. We also established a cooking station and helped increase access to running clean water. Over the course of the three-month program, we also provided a weekly full-service meal plan and medical access and assistance when needed. In addition to creating and maintaining safe encampments, we continued to distribute backpacks every week in a socially distanced manner, while ramping up our outreach efforts to ensure the needs of those experiencing homelessness were met.