Leaving homelessness usually means walking into a completely empty apartment. Getting the lease is the hard part everyone celebrates. The shower curtain is what actually makes it feel like somebody welcomed you in.
Pack a First-Night Box
Ask the shelter's housing coordinator who's moving into an apartment this month, then pack the box that makes night one feel like home: sheets, a lamp, a shower curtain, a pot, and a card.
What you'll need
- Twin or queen sheet set and a pillow
- A shower curtain with rings (the thing everyone forgets)
- A lamp and a light bulb
- One pot, one pan, a can opener, and basic utensils
- Toilet paper, dish soap, a towel
- A housewarming card, signed like you'd sign any friend's
Pitfalls
- Ask the coordinator what's already covered so you don't duplicate.
- Buy new or truly like-new. A fresh start deserves fresh things.
- Write the card as a welcome, not a congratulations-on-overcoming speech.
God sets the lonely in families. — Psalm 68:6