Basic Needs

Thank You For Helping People Experiencing Homelessness

Basic Needs help keep our neighbors in need who are experiencing homelessness safe, warm, and clean. At any given time in the Traverse City region, over 200 families and individuals do not have a home to live in. Thank you for supporting the Basic Needs Coalition of organizations working to help our neighbors in need.

Watch our Community Engagement Officer Ryan Hannon explain how homeless donations work at Goodwill Northern Michigan and the Basic Needs Coalition.

How You Can Help

Purchase Items

Purchase items from the inventory list and drop them off at the Goodwill Northern Michigan Donation Center located at 2279 South Airport Rd West in Traverse City.

Amazon Wish List

Visit our Amazon Wish List and purchase needed supplies and have them shipped directly to Goodwill Northern Michigan.

Organize an Items Drive

Schools, church groups, and other organizations have held drives for Welcome Home Basket needs, and you can, too! Thank you!

Inventory List

  • Backpacks

  • Tarps

  • Tents (new, waterproof, dark-colored)

  • Sleeping Bags (good quality, cold weather, waterproof, dark-colored)

  • Toothbrushes

  • Toothpaste

  • Disposable Razors

  • Deodorant

  • Feminine hygiene

  • Heavy Duty Trash Bags

  • Flashlights

  • Thermal Long Underwear (new, men and women, soft, fleece-lined)

  • Underwear (new, men and women)

  • Socks (new)

  • Waterproof Coats

  • Winter Gloves (new and gently used, waterproof, windproof, insulated)

  • T-Shirts (new, M, L, XL)

  • Bug Spray

  • Body Wipes

  • Chapstick

Our Partners

The Basic Needs Coalition is a collaboration of faith-based and other nonprofits that help unhoused people with basic human needs like clothing, food, mail, laundry, electricity, showers, and warmth.

  • Northwest Michigan Coalition to End Homelessness

  • Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency

  • Safe Harbor of Grand Traverse

  • St Vincent de Paul

  • Thomas Judd Care Center

  • Traverse City Salvation Army

  • 5 Loaves 2 Fishes

  • Addiction Treatment Services

  • Central United Methodist Church

  • Father Fred Foundation

  • Goodwill Northern Michigan

  • Harm Reduction MI

  • Jubilee House at Grace Episcopal Church

Members include: