The most useful things to donate to a homeless outreach are new socks and underwear, sturdy shoes, warm weatherproof layers and sleeping bags. The least useful are worn-out clothing, single high heels, formalwear and anything that needs washing or repair before it can be handed on.
People give generously. The gap is usually knowledge, not goodwill, so here is what actually helps.
Most needed
- New socks and underwear. Top of every outreach list and almost never donated, because for hygiene reasons they must be new. If you buy one thing, buy these.
- Shoes in good condition. Footwear wears out fast when you are walking all day. Practical, comfortable, weatherproof.
- Warm layers. Hoodies, jumpers, thermals and waterproof jackets. Sydney winters are underestimated by people who sleep indoors.
- Sleeping bags and blankets. The single most valuable item for someone sleeping outside.
- Beanies, gloves and scarves. Cheap, compact and immediately useful.
- Toiletries. Travel-size soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, sanitary items.
Please do not donate
- Damaged or heavily worn clothing. If you would not give it to a friend, it will not help here. Stained or torn items cost us time and money to dispose of.
- Formalwear and impractical fashion. Suits, cocktail dresses and heels have almost no use on the street.
- Used underwear or used socks. These cannot be distributed.
- Opened toiletries or expired items.
- Bulky furniture, at an outreach. Useful to families through other programs, but not something a person can carry.
The honest bit: charities spend real money disposing of unusable donations. Every bag of ruined clothing takes volunteer hours and landfill fees away from the actual work. Sorting before you give is genuinely part of the gift.
Sizes and seasons
Men’s clothing in larger sizes is consistently in shortest supply, since most donated clothing is women’s and smaller sizes. Warm items are needed heading into winter, but donating them in autumn is far more useful than in the middle of a cold snap, because it gives time to sort and distribute.
How to donate to House of Sadaqa
We accept new and near-new items, which are either distributed directly to people in need or sold through The Goodwill Shop to fund our programs. Items can be dropped at our Revesby warehouse at 6/60 Marigold Street. Please contact us first for larger quantities so we can plan capacity.
If sorting through a wardrobe is not practical, a financial donation lets us buy exactly what is running short, in the right sizes, at wholesale prices.
Frequently asked questions
What do homeless people need most?
New socks and underwear, sturdy shoes, warm weatherproof layers and sleeping bags. Socks and underwear are the most requested and least donated items because they must be new.
Can I donate used clothing?
Yes, provided it is clean and in good condition. Used underwear and socks cannot be distributed, and heavily worn or damaged items create disposal costs rather than help.
Where can I drop off donations in Sydney?
At our Revesby warehouse, 6/60 Marigold Street. For larger quantities, please contact us first so we can plan capacity.
Is money more useful than goods?
Often, yes. A financial donation lets us buy exactly what is running short in the right sizes at wholesale prices, particularly new socks and underwear.
What sizes are most needed?
Men’s clothing in larger sizes is consistently in shortest supply, since most donated clothing tends to be women’s and in smaller sizes.
Support the work behind this article
House of Sadaqa is a registered Australian charity helping local families in crisis with household essentials, whitegoods and emergency relief. There are three direct ways to be part of it:
- Donate, with donations over $2 tax-deductible
- Volunteer your time in the warehouse, on outreach runs, or at events
- Clear a NSW fine through a Work and Development Order
You can also support us without donating a cent, simply by choosing one of our social enterprises. Each one puts its profits back into supporting families:
- Goodwill Connect, NBN internet for Greater Sydney
- Panda Paper, premium bamboo toilet paper delivered to your door
- The Goodwill Laundry, self-serve laundry in Bankstown
- The Goodwill Shop, our op-shops in Revesby and Bankstown