There is a large homeless community in Athens and I’ve always wondered how I could truly help them be taken care of. The backpack project does a fantastic job of fulfilling their most basic needs and does it so often and to so many. They advertise that each $20 equates to one backpack so you know where your money’s going if you donate or you can participate in a distribution pretty easily!
The Backpack Project is an incredibly impactful, hands-on organization that has benefited those experiencing homelessness throughout the State of Georgia. The organization's services fill a specific niche within the homeless service provider ecosystem, and their work has truly changed the lives of thousands of Georgians.
The Backpack Project has been a major force in easing the burden of homelessness through their backpacks filled with food, clothes, and toiletries since 2015 and they continues to grow their scope. Despite being run entirely by UGA students, they maintain a professionalism and work ethic that no other student organization does. In addition, going to distribute backpacks was an invaluable and humbling experience, because I was able to directly interact with the homeless, helping me dispel many of my preconceived notions about the homeless and who they are. Without The Backpack Project, I don't think I would have been able to gain this broadened perspective and understanding of my own community.