When someone moves, they may receive housewarming gifts to celebrate their new beginning, which can help a new house or apartment start to feel like a real home.

Each person who moves into a Conestoga Hut receives something akin to a "Hut-warming" gift.

“A welcome tote is given to new clients when they move into a Hut,” explained Laura, Supplies Coordinator at CSS. “It’s a way to help them feel welcome and comfortable moving into one of our communities."

Part of Laura's job is assembling and tracking inventory for welcome totes, which are 27-gallon bins packed with essentials like socks and toothpaste—basic needs that housed folks often take for granted, that are the foundation of a healthy and stable life. In situations of deep despair, a simple pair of clean socks can represent a profound act of kindness and send a message of hope. For individuals struggling to survive, basic hygiene and comfort items empower them to manage their day-to-day lives.

“The welcome tote warmed my heart," said Jack, former CSS client. "It had everything you need: solar light, pillow, sheets, blanket, sleeping bag, water bottle... When you’ve been living out of your car or out in the streets, this really means a lot."

The totes are the result of neighbors coming together to help neighbors. Faith groups holding supply drives. Business partners putting collection bins in their stores. Local clubs sewing pillowcases. Hundreds of people in the community, some friends and some strangers, work together to make sure new CSS clients have blankets, pillows, and everything else that comes in welcome totes.

“Clients are always very thankful for these items," said Laura. "This moment can be very emotional for some of our clients who have been on the streets for a long time. Having warmth, shelter, and a locking door is often a life-changing step in their journey to stability."

Interested in making a huge difference at the start of a person's path to stability with CSS? Individuals and groups can sponsor a welcome tote for $100.