Get Involved
Backpacks for the Homeless RVA runs completely on in-kind and monetary donations.
Financial Transparency
Our overhead costs primarily include the two storage units we rent and gas expenses.
The storage units cost us $715 per month, and gas for picking up donations and distribution days costs us an estimated $1300 or more per month. This totals an estimated $24,180 per year.
Although we receive financial donations from the community, we do not have a stable source of income that consistently covers our overhead costs.
Filled Backpacks Cost $75
Without in-kind donations, the cost to assemble one of the filled backpacks we distribute to the homeless is $75 in retail value.
We estimate that we will distribute approximately 1,200 backpacks in 2024, which carries a total cost of $90,000.
The Strength of Community
An estimated yearly cost of $114,180 does not take into consideration all the other items we distribute to the community, such as food and clothing.
We are entirely volunteer-run, from distribution to webpage development. It’s difficult to place a monetary value on in-kind donations.
We have been incredibly fortunate to have the support of our community. When we say we cannot do any of this without your support, we truly mean it.
- Volunteer Currently we have 2 distribution teams. Friday evening for North Chesterfield/ Richmond and Saturday morning Chester area
How Can You Help?
- Visit BackpacksRVA Website Frequently: Regular visits can help improve the website’s traffic and search engine ranking.
- Tell Friends and Family: Word-of-mouth promotion is powerful. Encourage people to spread the word about BackpacksRVA.
- Post About BackpacksRVA on Social Media: Sharing content related to the BackpacksRVA, such as posts, events, and updates, helps increase visibility.
Check Our Drop-Off Locations For Our In-Kind Donation List
Monetary Donations
Zelle
backpacksrva@google.com
Yes, it is
@google NOT gmail
Donate through PayPal with options to use
Credit / Debit Cards
One time or reoccurring donations
GiveWP
Checks
Current Needs
Grant Writer
Consistent and stable income is BackpacksRVA most important need.
Gas Cards for Volunteers
Volunteers are the backbone of Backpack for the Homeless RVA. To support these dedicated individuals, the organization seeks to fund a fleet of volunteers with gas cards. This initiative will help volunteers cover transportation costs, making it easier for them to participate in outreach efforts and deliver services to those in need.
Reliable Transportation
One of the critical needs for Backpack for the Homeless RVA is having reliable transportation dedicated to our mission. The organization’s van, generously donated, has never been operational. This has forced the team to rely on their personal vehicles to deliver supplies and services. The goal is to secure the finances necessary to cover not only the repair costs but also the registration and insurance. Alternatively, the nonprofit hopes to find a generous donor who can provide a new or gently used van to ensure uninterrupted service to the community.
Partnering with Businesses
We have been incredibly blessed by community members with the means to provide what we already distribute. To further stabilize our mission and help us grow, we hope to establish long term partnerships with multiple businesses.
Long Term Goals
Identification Establishment / Job Services
Backpack for the Homeless RVA is committed to empowering individuals to rebuild their lives. To support this mission, we aim to establish a dedicated fund to assist people in retrieving essential documents necessary to obtain state identification. Having proper identification is crucial for securing employment and accessing various services, thus this fund will cover the costs associated with obtaining birth certificates, social security cards, and other vital records, along with the cost of the identification card. By removing this barrier, we hope to provide a pathway for the unsheltered population to achieve greater stability and independence through gainful employment.
Short-Term Hotel Fund
In addition to providing immediate supplies, Backpack for the Homeless RVA seeks to create a short-term hotel fund. This fund will offer temporary shelter to individuals and families in urgent need, providing them with a safe place to stay while longer-term solutions are arranged. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between homelessness and stable housing.
Regular Meal Service
One of the primary services Backpack for the Homeless RVA provides is regular meal distribution. The organization strives to serve meals consistently to the unsheltered population, ensuring that no one goes hungry. To achieve this, additional funding and resources are needed to sustain and expand meal programs.
Mental Health Services
Recognizing the importance of mental health, Backpack for the Homeless RVA aims to partner with individuals and organizations to provide consistent mental health services for the people it serves. Access to mental health support can significantly improve the well-being and stability of the unsheltered population.
Traveling Shower Trailer
To enhance the services provided, Backpack for the Homeless RVA aspires to acquire a traveling shower trailer. This would offer the unsheltered population access to basic hygiene facilities, which are essential for maintaining health and dignity.
