Donating Goods to Help the Homeless Somerset
Reviewed Aug 14, 2026
Thank you for helping HTHS place useful clothing, food, water, hygiene items, and basic supplies into the hands of neighbors who need them. Clean, safe, ready-to-use donations are the most helpful.
Before bringing a large donation: Call HTHS to confirm current needs, available storage, and whether staff can safely receive the items. This is especially important for furniture, appliances, oversized items, or large quantities.
Frequently Needed
- Clean clothing, socks, underwear, sturdy shoes, coats, gloves, and winter hats.
- Sealed bottled water and non-glass beverages.
- Unexpired, shelf-stable, ready-to-eat food.
- Blankets, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, tarps, and durable backpacks.
- Travel-size hygiene products and feminine hygiene supplies.
- Flashlights, hand warmers, phone chargers, and other safe basic supplies.
- Clean books, small toys, or comfort items for children when requested.
Prepare Donations for Use
- Wash clothing and bedding and make sure items are dry.
- Separate and label clothing or shoes by size when possible.
- Check food and hygiene products for expiration, damage, and broken seals.
- Place small hygiene-kit items in a clear, closable bag when practical.
- Remove personal papers, medication, sharp objects, and other unsafe contents from bags or pockets.
Please Ask Before Donating
- Furniture, appliances, mattresses, or large household items.
- Medical equipment or health-related supplies.
- Used electronics or items that must be tested.
- Large quantities that may exceed current storage.
- Anything that is wet, heavily soiled, broken, recalled, expired, opened, or difficult to sanitize.
Donation acknowledgment: Ask staff when you deliver the donation if you need a written acknowledgment. HTHS staff can document what was received but should not be expected to determine the monetary value of donated goods.
Current Needs Change
Donation needs can change quickly as supplies are distributed and storage fills. Calling first helps prevent wasted travel and ensures your contribution can be received responsibly.
HTHS Self-Service
Use this resource as part of a personal Help Plan
Save it with an Interaction, keep notes for yourself, report what happened, and request follow-up only when needed.