Lifebridge Backpack Program Distributes Nearly 400 Backpacks in One Year to People Who Are Homeless

On Tuesday, June 23rd, volunteers gathered at Lifebridge North Shore in Salem to distribute backpacks and essentials to people facing the daily challenge of being homeless. The Lifebridge Backpack Program gave nearly 400 backpacks since last summer, an unprecedented number that reflects a growing awareness and trust of Lifebridge North Shore among unhoused people, as well as the increasing demand caused by the housing crisis for basic personal hygiene, health, and safety items.

“It’s amazing to see how much the program has grown,” says Laura Madison, founding family member of the Lifebridge Backpack Program. “It started with giving away 40 backpacks out of my living room. Now we’re reaching ten times that many people and there seems to be no limit to the need.”

Record Breaking Weather Calls for Record Breaking Response

In addition to their two distribution days in the summer and winter, Lifebridge has been giving backpacks to Day Center clients throughout the winter. The Day Center was kept open 24/7 from December through March to protect people without shelter from extreme weather.

“People come to the Day Center with their belongings in anything that will hold them, even trash bags,” explains Jeron Reddick, Director of Community-Based Case Management at Lifebridge. “People’s belongings and important documents are easily damaged without protection. In this way, a durable backpack specifically designed for their situation is not just a way to restore dignity; it’s essential for survival and recovery.”

While there are unhoused people who normally choose not to work with Lifebridge, this year’s weather emergencies in January and February changed a lot of people’s minds. “We convinced people who don’t normally use our services to come inside during the worst of the storms this year,” said Mike King, Street Outreach Programs Manager. “While we typically distribute them through our Community Outreach Program, by coming to the Day Center, they were able to access the backpacks and donated items as soon as they needed them.”

The North Shore Community Supports Vulnerable Neighbors

North Shore community members donated thousands of items chosen from Lifebridge’s wish list, which were organized and tallied by volunteers from WT Rich last week. While some items are year-round essentials like shampoo, deodorant, and underwear, others are season-specific: ponchos, sunscreen, and battery operated fans in the summer and hand warmers, gloves, and coats in the winter.

Volunteer teams from Groom Construction and Arbella Insurance set up the items on distribution day and helped guests choose what they wanted to add to their backpack. “Lifebridge does incredible work for the North Shore community, and we are always honored to partner with them,” said Bernadette Butterfield, Groom Construction Senior Vice President of Business Strategy and Development. “Giving back to the place we call home is what it’s all about.”

Items Drop Off Day

35 Conant St., Beverly, MA

Distribution Day

54 Margin St., Salem, MA

Your Donation Makes This Work Possible

While Lifebridge is no longer taking item donations for this year’s distribution day, you can still donate directly to the Lifebridge Backpack Program. Your donation helps subsidize the cost of backpacks and any items that are needed but not donated. Thank you for your generosity!