The CITYPAK Project

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The CITYPAK Project

PAKs with Purpose. Donate today! www.citypak.org The CITYPAK Project was founded by lifelong Chicago resident, Ron Kaplan.

Ron wanted to create something that would make life on the streets of Chicago a little easier. He shared his idea with Hank Bernbaum, president of Chicago-based High Sierra Sport Company, and later met with Mike Angelini, a member of High Sierra’s design team. The goal: to design and provide a useful, high quality backpack for the homeless.

05/27/2026

Losing housing changes everything.
It brings stress, uncertainty, and a constant sense of instability - all of which can deeply impact mental health.

At the end of this , we’re reminded that healing often begins with the basics: protection, security, and knowing someone cares.

Sometimes, the first step forward is simply feeling seen.

📸: The Salvation Army Greater New York Division

05/23/2026

Connection, care, and practical support were on full display at this year’s Skid Row Community Connect Day.

Hosted by Inner City Law Center, the event brought together dozens of organizations to serve unhoused neighbors in Los Angeles with critical resources and services. CITYPAK was proud to contribute 150 CITYPAKs - offering protection, dignity, and a reliable way to carry essential belongings.

Grateful to everyone who showed up to make the day possible.

📸: Inner City Law Center

05/18/2026

Housing stability doesn’t start at crisis. It starts with affordability.

This Affordable Housing Awareness Week, we recognize the importance of policy, investment, and community action in making safe, affordable housing more accessible. Because when housing is within reach, fewer people are forced to navigate life without it.

Lasting solutions begin upstream, and they change everything. 💙

05/13/2026

CITYPAK was proud to once again support Skid Row Community Connect Day hosted by the Inner City Law Center on April 16. 💙

Together with dozens of community partners, the event brought vital services - including health screenings, housing resources, and more to over 200 neighbors in Los Angeles’ Skid Row.

We were honored to donate 150 CITYPAKs, helping ensure individuals left not only with support, but with a durable, dignified way to carry what matters most.

📸: Inner City Law Center

05/08/2026

Today we recognize the global impact of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, organizations that provide critical support during emergencies and times of displacement.

From disaster response to shelter support, their work helps ensure individuals have access to care and resources when it’s needed most.

We’re proud to have partnered with the Red Cross in the past to support individuals navigating housing transitions after emergencies, and we’re grateful for the role they continue to play in communities around the world.

📸: American Red Cross

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

05/05/2026

Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of resilience, culture, and community.

At CITYPAK, we’re reminded that strong communities are built through connection, care, and showing up for one another, especially for neighbors navigating housing instability.

Today is a moment to celebrate culture while also recognizing the importance of inclusive, supportive communities year-round.

05/04/2026

Today we recognize the firefighters who show up in moments of crisis - often when stability is lost in an instant.

Fires can displace individuals and families without warning, leaving little time to gather essential belongings. In those moments, response, care, and access to resources become critical.

We’re grateful for the firefighters and first responders who help protect lives and support communities through some of their most difficult days.

05/03/2026

April is Affordable Housing Month - a reminder that stable housing is one of the most effective ways to prevent and reduce homelessness.

Real progress comes from expanding access to affordable homes, strengthening protections, and investing in long-term solutions that keep people housed.

At CITYPAK, we see how quickly circumstances can change - and how powerful it is when communities come together to create pathways to stability. 🏠

05/01/2026

May is .

Myth: “Mental illness causes homelessness.”
Reality: Housing instability often worsens mental health rather than the other way around.

Losing housing is traumatic. Uncertainty, lack of safety, and constant stress take a real toll. Dignity and stability can be powerful first steps toward healing.
Recipients regularly share that receiving a CITYPAK backpack makes them feel respected, seen, and supported.

Sometimes mental health support begins with something simple: protection, security, and knowing someone cares.

📸: The Salvation Army Greater New York Division

04/26/2026

Myth: “Homelessness is mostly about addiction.”
Reality: The leading driver of homelessness is the lack of affordable housing, not substance use.

Homelessness isn’t about personal failure. It’s about access to housing people can actually afford.

Across 200+ cities, CITYPAKs are distributed to individuals navigating housing instability which is proof that this is a systemic issue affecting communities nationwide.

When we understand the real drivers, we move closer to real solutions. Because dignity starts with housing, and compassion starts with facts.

04/23/2026

CITYPAK is proud to welcome two new distribution partners who reflect how communities are stepping up in new ways.

In California, we’re partnering with the Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians, supporting community members navigating housing instability through culturally grounded care.

And in Colorado, we’re working with the Denver Public Library - where libraries have become unexpected frontline spaces, connecting people to resources, support, and safe refuge.

From tribal services to public libraries, trusted community spaces are evolving - and we’re honored to support their work with CITYPAKs. 💙

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Chicago, IL

Website

http://www.citypak.org/

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