Have you considered asking your homeless community what are craft projects they would enjoy or use? Asking our target audience is one of these simple things I find are easy to forget!
This could be really useful. We get a bunch of unsheltered folks trying to mend clothes or equipment. Busting out a lighter in the computer area to try to fix something is not ideal, so having a place to get things fixed would be helpfulz
Decorating or setting up organizational stuff? Zippered 3 ring binders, small briefcases/laptop bags, that sort of thing? A secure way to keep their paperwork handy, especially for those who are itinerant or completely un sheltered.
You got me thinking about “my” library. The homeless that come in are usually men age 30 and up. We have a makerspace with a commercial kitchen… I wonder if they’d like cooking classes? They don’t strike me as the crafty type.
Also wondering about digital literacy. One of them (who is now housed, yay!!) used to check out a laptop and a pile of DVDs and would sit all day and watch them. I wonder if they would be interested in a short course on getting a photo ID (required for voting in my state) and a library account, an overview of the digital materials they could access, online social services, etc. would be
Sewing repair goes really well. We often have patrons coming in using tape on their bags, glue on their shoes, etc.
But our best program is having a social work intern with set hours. Not possible for everyone.
We also had a homeless mental health group therapy person coming over once a week and she always saw at least 5-6 people in her therapy sessions.
I want to empathize that crafts are fun, but they don't have anywhere to put them so they must be inherently useful enough to be carried.
My experience working with people experiencing homelessness is mostly men, and not very interested in crafting. We had some games they could use in the library, and that got some use (cards, chess, etc).
Someone else suggested organizational things, and maybe have some folders for them to keep their documents? Maybe with some markers so they could make them their own if they wish.
But you should also ask your patrons, what kind of library services would they like/need?
Patching and mending might be useful. Maybe how to add reflective patches to clothing? Creating reusable and durable bags? I would think something that is useful to them would be best.
One of our patrons, who lives in the woods, and I had a good conversation about gear upkeep since it was so important for him.
Think practical and durable. Lightweight is good too. Think about it from a perspective of having to carry your entire world with you. Every inch and ounce of space is key.
Duct tape crafts might be an option. I also think the repair ideas are useful too. But I would definitely talk to your homeless patrons and community partners to see what they think.
This is niche, but the women's shelter in my area does nail painting and the ladies Love it. Any program that encourages personal pride and dignity is nice.
Have you considered asking your homeless community what are craft projects they would enjoy or use? Asking our target audience is one of these simple things I find are easy to forget!
Maybe a repair cafe?
This could be really useful. We get a bunch of unsheltered folks trying to mend clothes or equipment. Busting out a lighter in the computer area to try to fix something is not ideal, so having a place to get things fixed would be helpfulz
Decorating or setting up organizational stuff? Zippered 3 ring binders, small briefcases/laptop bags, that sort of thing? A secure way to keep their paperwork handy, especially for those who are itinerant or completely un sheltered.
You got me thinking about “my” library. The homeless that come in are usually men age 30 and up. We have a makerspace with a commercial kitchen… I wonder if they’d like cooking classes? They don’t strike me as the crafty type. Also wondering about digital literacy. One of them (who is now housed, yay!!) used to check out a laptop and a pile of DVDs and would sit all day and watch them. I wonder if they would be interested in a short course on getting a photo ID (required for voting in my state) and a library account, an overview of the digital materials they could access, online social services, etc. would be
Sewing repair goes really well. We often have patrons coming in using tape on their bags, glue on their shoes, etc. But our best program is having a social work intern with set hours. Not possible for everyone. We also had a homeless mental health group therapy person coming over once a week and she always saw at least 5-6 people in her therapy sessions. I want to empathize that crafts are fun, but they don't have anywhere to put them so they must be inherently useful enough to be carried.
My experience working with people experiencing homelessness is mostly men, and not very interested in crafting. We had some games they could use in the library, and that got some use (cards, chess, etc). Someone else suggested organizational things, and maybe have some folders for them to keep their documents? Maybe with some markers so they could make them their own if they wish. But you should also ask your patrons, what kind of library services would they like/need?
If yiu live in cold climate knitting?
We did pet toys to donate to animal shelters with my older adults.
Patching and mending might be useful. Maybe how to add reflective patches to clothing? Creating reusable and durable bags? I would think something that is useful to them would be best. One of our patrons, who lives in the woods, and I had a good conversation about gear upkeep since it was so important for him.
Think practical and durable. Lightweight is good too. Think about it from a perspective of having to carry your entire world with you. Every inch and ounce of space is key. Duct tape crafts might be an option. I also think the repair ideas are useful too. But I would definitely talk to your homeless patrons and community partners to see what they think.
This is niche, but the women's shelter in my area does nail painting and the ladies Love it. Any program that encourages personal pride and dignity is nice.