Have you ever seen someone holding a cardboard sign asking for help?  Have you ever wondered what to do?  Do you feel guilty ignoring them?  Me too. 

Here is a make-it-yourself kit to give to someone in need.  Create them, keep them in your car, and be ready to give them out. 

This is what you will need to get started. 

1) Plastic zip-lock bags, preferably ones that have a clasp to close. 

2) A printed sheet of local services for homeless (food banks, shelters, AA groups, etc.)  Below is a sample of what we use in San Marcos, CA.  A quick search of the internet will show you services in your area.

3) Bottles of water.

4) Granola bars, energy bars, or snack bars. 

Optional items

a) Chewing gum
b) Waterless tooth brushes
c) Hand sanitizer
d) Travel-size tissues
c) A pen or pencil
e) Travel-size sun screen bottle
f) Gift certificates for food

How to use it.

Put one of each item into a ziplock bag.  Seal it and keep it in your car (preferably out of the sun).  When you see someone in need, hand them the bag and drive away.

May the Lord bless you as you show mercy to your neighbors. 

Sample information sheet:

Food Pantry
Located: 550 West Washington Avenue, Suite B
Escondido, CA 92025

One block west of Centre City Parkway, one block south of Mission.


A food pantry operates out of both the Escondido headquarters, as well as the coastal service center. Both locations provide dry goods items that are donated from food drives by local faith centers, individuals, service clubs, corporations and schools. Food is dispensed to individuals and families on an emergency basis, providing a three-day supply of food. In addition, the individuals and families in our ongoing case management and housing programs benefit from more frequent services from the food pantry.

 
Breakfast
550 West Washington Avenue, Suite B
Escondido, CA 92025


Each weekday morning from 6:30-7:30 a.m., volunteers from local faith communities, schools, and service clubs gather to serve a hot breakfast to the homeless and those who are supplementing their income. Breakfast isn't your typical faire, but rather more like a dinner; an example would be spaghetti with meatballs, a green salad, green beans, garlic bread, peaches, a pastry, coffee, milk, and juice. It is designed so that if this is the only meal received during the day, it would fill a person's stomach. In addition, each person is given a sack lunch "to go" for work or school.

 
Shower & Laundry Facilities
 

Each weekday morning beginning at 6:15 a.m., individuals have the ability to take a shower and clean up for work or school. At the same time, they are also permitted to wash and dry a load of laundry.

 
Mail, Phone, Message, Fax & Copy Services
 

Clients are able to utilize Interfaith headquarters as a permanent address for receiving mail and phone messages. In addition, they are able to use our fax and copy machines, as well as the phone for making business related calls within the area codes 760, 858, and 619.

 
Basic Needs Contact
Jerry Morgan
Director of Basic Needs
(760) 489-6380 x236