It is time for our annual drive for those experiencing homelessness. Your generosity makes a difference!

We are collecting items from Sept. 27 to Oct. 25. Acceptable items must be new. They are:

• baby wipes
• bath towels
• hand towels
• twin sheets
• washcloths

Where to drop off your donations:

Find a downloadable flyer at the top right of this page.

What is the Homeless Initiative program?

Our program provides services to Presbyterian Night Shelter, Union Gospel Mission, Arlington Life Shelter, and Journey Home Housing Program. Our families are referred from shelter staff and are then connected to a neighborhood clinic for medical care. 

We arrange the well checks, provide transportation via our 16-passenger shuttle that is dedicated only to our Homeless Initiative, and communicate with clinic staff as to the needs of the family.

How long has the Homeless Initiative program been active in the Cook Children’s community?

Our Homeless Initiative Program at Cook Children’s began in 2008, with 2 goals in mind: eliminating any barrier to medical care and decreasing the use of our Emergency Department as their primary care option. 

Since 2008, over 19,000 children, ranging in ages newborn to 18, have received services at thru our program, ranging from well checks, sick visits, specialty appointments, dental services, and behavioral health needs.   

How will the collection items be used?

Every fall, our program, working with our social worker from the Women’s Center, has an annual drive to assist our shelters in a common need that all have.

Our items of focus will be the same as the last four years: sheets, towels, hand towels, washcloths and baby wipes.