The CITYPAK Project Partners with Local Shelters to Distribute Custom-Designed Backpacks for Los Angeles Homeless
By: A.A. Cristi
The CITYPAK Project, a charitable initiative that provides specially designed backpacks to empower the homeless, will distribute CITYPAK backpacks to those in need at five upcoming events in Los Angeles. Beginning Tuesday, February 14th - Valentine's Day - distributions will take place at shelters and community centers throughout the city that serve the homeless, including at-risk homeless youth and the LGBT community.
Founded by Chicago philanthropist and co-founder of music booking agency Monterey International Ron Kaplan, CITYPAK was created to give those in need a way to carry on. Designed in partnership with outdoor gear manufacturer High Sierra, the custom backpacks provide a secure place for displaced citizens to hold their belongings, and feature a spacious main compartment for a large amount of items, a hide-away poncho designed to keep both the bag and its wearer dry, a ballistic nylon outer shell strong enough to combat the elements, a synch-top closure for extra waterproofing and anti-theft looping. "Giving away backpacks isn't the solution to the complex issue of homelessness facing our country," Kaplan Says, "but it's something we can do to make a small difference for people in this difficult situation." The CITYPAK Project distributed more 11,000 PAKs in 2016, with outreach in cities including Chicago, San Francisco, New York, St. Louis, New Orleans, Indianapolis, Vancouver, and many others. Working with local partners in each city, the CITYPAK Project has distributed over 36,000 PAKs in 86 cities since the organization's inception in 2012 and has been recognized by media including Inc. Magazine, CNN "New Day," MSNBC, San Francisco Chronicle, Toronto Star, and the Chicago Tribune.
Los Angeles Distribution Event Details:
Tuesday, February 14th
1:00pm - My Friend's Place 5850 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles 90028
1:30pm - Safe Place for Youth 2469 Lincoln Blvd, Venice 90291
4:30pm - Covenant House California 1325 N. Western Avenue, Hollywood 90027 Thursday, February 16th
11:00am - LGBT Youth Center on Highland 1220 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles 90038 Monday, February 20th
TBA - The Center at Blessed Sacrament 6636 Selma Avenue, Hollywood 90028 The public can donate at www.citypak.org to provide a CITYPAK to a neighbor in need.
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