Care Kits Project

Impact Report

as of loading...

✨About

Care Kits are small bundles of essential supplies I personally assemble and distribute to individuals experiencing homelessness in Portland, Oregon

Each kit costs approximately $20 to assemble (about $10 of essential goods and $10 in a food gift card)

These bags create small moments of dignity, connection, and care—offered freely, humbly, and without expectation

Care Kit items prepared for assembly

Completed Care Kit ready for gifting

✨Shopping List

If you'd like to create your own, here's a list of the items I use:

Show Full List ↓

If you’d like to become a donor you can email me directly, scan the Venmo code, or tap @milesramsey if you're on mobile

When donating via Venmo please include a note like "Donation for Care Kits" and the name you’d like to be listed under

I also accept gift cards, supplies, or non-cash donations message me and I’ll send you a shipping address

For press, grant, or partnership inquiries, email milesjramsey@gmail.com with subject line "Partnering With Care"

✨Guiding Principles

• Assemble the kit personally and deliberately
  
• Always be respectful in the process.
  • Offer the kit calmly and respectfully - no judgments, no pity, only care
  • Make eye contact and gently say: "This is for you" or "Here, this is yours"
  • If the person is asleep, softly place it nearby so they discover it when they wake
  • Do not photograph or record recipients — protect their dignity and privacy
• Full transparency to donors
  Every contribution is accounted for with care and honesty

Access to receipts and invoices available on request

✨FAQ

Are you a 501(c)(3) organization?

Not yet. This is currently a small, grassroots project, but I’m actively exploring the process of becoming a registered 501(c)(3). With additional funding, I hope to expand our mission to include: building professional websites for local restaurants at no cost, offering free consulting for small businesses, and providing career and resume guidance for those in need.

How is donation money spent?

100% of donations go directly toward supplies and care kit goods. All time, labor, and operating expenses are donated. Nothing is taken as salary.

Based on tracked receipts and current inventory. Full receipt folder available.

Can I replicate this project?

Absolutely, nothing would make me happier! I didn’t invent care kits, and I’m sharing my shopping list and costs to make it easy for others to start. A trip to Costco and a couple of Amazon orders is all it takes. Feel free to email me if you’d like advice or tips.

Can this be done better?

Yes! I’d love to see variations and improvements. Maybe you use local restaurant gift cards. Maybe you pack smaller kits to reach more people. Maybe you negotiate better supply prices. Creativity and local adaptation are part of the magic.

Where do you distribute kits?

Primarily on the west side of Portland, Oregon. I usually carry a kit or two in my backpack when I’m out running errands. If I see someone who could use one, I stop and offer it.

How can I support you?

Financial donations are incredibly helpful, they give me flexibility to purchase whatever supplies are most needed. I also gladly accept donated supplies, gift cards, or other resources that can expand this work. Please email me for mailing information, or if you're local, we can arrange to meet in person.

Why do you include gift cards?

A $10 gift card gives someone the rare gift of choice: what food they want, when they want it, and a place to sit down and eat with dignity. It offers a moment of autonomy and reconnection to everyday society. Small freedoms like this matter deeply.

Can I donate anonymously?

Yes. I plan to thank donors on this site, but I will use whatever name you prefer—or simply "Anonymous" if that’s your choice.

Your faq didn't answer my question

Message me and ask! Email or LinkedIn is the best way to reach me.