09/19/2026
🚑 What’s in a BeTheChangeYYC Outreach Wagon?
People often ask us what our outreach teams carry when we head out into the community.
The answer is: items that help someone get through today, while we work with them toward a better tomorrow.
Every item in our wagons has a purpose. They are not just filled with supplies — they are filled with tools to prevent injury, reduce harm, build trust, and connect people experiencing homelessness with housing, healthcare, detox, treatment, and other life-saving supports.
🧦 Socks & Weather-Appropriate Gear
When someone is walking all day and does not have regular access to laundry, clean socks are essential. Fresh socks help prevent blisters, foot injuries, infections, and other painful conditions. We also carry clothing and seasonal gear to help people stay safer in Calgary’s changing weather.
🩹 First Aid & Health Supplies
Small cuts, scrapes, burns, and blisters can become serious infections when someone is living outside. Our teams carry mini first aid kits with bandages, antibiotic ointment, alcohol swabs, and other basics to help prevent minor injuries from becoming emergencies.
We also carry period packs, naloxone, condoms, and other health and disease-prevention supplies because everyone deserves access to dignity, safety, and basic care.
🥪 Food, Water & Nutrition
For people living outside, finding food and water is not always simple — especially in the evenings and on weekends when many services are limited.
Our wagons include water, snacks, meal replacements, electrolytes, and softer food options for people who may be malnourished, have dental issues, or are struggling with severe substance dependence.
Food is not a replacement for detox, treatment, or housing. But helping someone get nutrition and hydration into their body can reduce immediate harm, support stability, and help people keep going while they wait for the services they need.
🚑 Emergency Medical Equipment
Some of our teams include trained EMRs, paramedics, nurses, and other medical professionals. Our wagons carry emergency supplies, including bag-valve masks, also known as BVMs — one-time-use devices that help provide breaths when someone has stopped breathing.
One of these devices was once used by our team to help save the life of a 15-year-old girl after an overdose. Moments like that are why we carry this equipment every shift.
🤝 More Than Supplies
Our Team Leads also help volunteers connect people with housing resources, program referrals, healthcare supports, detox and treatment options, and advocacy.
BeTheChangeYYC was designed to operate during evenings and weekends because homelessness does not stop at 5:00 p.m.
Our team includes many people with lived experience of homelessness, working alongside professionals and compassionate volunteers. Together, we bring real connection, practical support, and hope directly to people on the streets.
❤️ Thank You
Everything in these wagons is made possible because of community support.
Whether you have donated socks, food, hygiene items, first aid supplies, clothing, or funds — thank you. Your support helps us stock these wagons with emergency essentials for people who need them most.
👋 If you see our outreach team out today, please say hi!
To learn more about where to drop off needed items, make a donation, or support our work, visit:
🌐 www.BeTheChangeYYC.org/donations
Thank you for helping us Be The Change. ❤️
