Backpacks for the Street

Backpacks For the Street is an organization that packs essential items such as first aid kits, water, socks, toothpaste, and snacks into colorful backpacks and distributes them to homeless people in New York City. Since 2018, the organization has helped 70,011 people, delivered 63,145 backpacks since the COVID pandemic, and provided 26,487 meals to the homeless. Despite having a website, the organization lacked a system in place for volunteers.

In 2022, the organization partnered with Change++ to build a software database that enables volunteers to access resources and helps them identify homeless individuals who need assistance. This new system improves communication about homeless activity and needs, providing a more effective way to help the homeless community.