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.

09/28/2026

On National , we're celebrating the volunteers, donors, outreach teams and partner organizations who show up every day to support their neighbors and strengthen communities.

A stronger community is one where people look out for one another, share resources and make sure dignity isn't dependent on someone's housing situation.
That's the kind of community we're working toward every day.

📸: The Salvation Army Harlem Temple Corps

09/25/2026

The impact of a CITYPAK happens through partnership. We work with organizations that know their communities and understand where resources are needed most. Through these partnerships, PAKs can be distributed directly to persons navigating housing instability alongside other local services and support.

We're grateful for every organization that helps us turn a backpack into something bigger: a practical resource delivered with dignity.

📸: The Salvation Army Greater New York Division

09/21/2026

As summer gives way to fall, changing temperatures, shorter days and unpredictable weather can create new challenges for persons navigating housing instability.

CITYPAK is committed to supporting people through those everyday challenges by working alongside community organizations to provide practical resources, strengthen local support systems and help ensure people are met with dignity and care.

Everyone deserves security, support and the opportunity to navigate changing conditions with dignity.

09/17/2026

Every detail of a CITYPAK has a purpose. From waterproof pockets and reflective webbing to anti-theft loops, compression straps and an integrated rain poncho, each PAK is designed around the real-world needs of persons navigating housing instability.

It's more than a place to carry belongings. It's a tool designed to provide security, protection and dignity throughout the day.

🎥: The Salvation Army Greater New York Division

09/13/2026

It’s National , a time to recognize the importance of connection, compassion and access to care.

Persons experiencing housing instability face increased exposure to trauma, isolation, chronic stress and barriers to mental health support. Outreach teams and community organizations help bridge those gaps by building trust, connecting people with resources and showing up consistently.

CITYPAK is grateful to support this broader network of care in a small but meaningful way.

09/10/2026

Everyone deserves to feel seen, supported and connected to their community. On , we're reminded of the importance of looking out for one another and helping connect people with care and support when they need it.

For CITYPAK, dignity has always been at the center of our mission. That means seeing the person first, meeting people with respect and working alongside organizations that provide support every day.

09/05/2026

On this , we're celebrating what generosity can put into motion.

Every CITYPAK distributed starts with someone choosing to help. That support allows us to work alongside community organizations to get specially designed backpacks into the hands of persons navigating housing instability.

A PAK is practical, durable and built with dignity in mind, and every donation helps us reach more people and communities. Head over to citypak.org to donate today.

📸: The Salvation Army Greater New York Division

09/01/2026

September is . Preparedness isn’t just about infrastructure. It’s about people having what they need to survive uncertainty.

Myth: “Providing aid just enables homelessness.”
Reality: Meeting basic needs helps people survive and stay connected to services and support.

For someone living without stable housing, preparedness looks different. It means protecting identification. Safeguarding medication. Keeping belongings dry. Preventing theft.

Each CITYPAK includes anti-theft features and weather protection. They're designed for life on the move and built to withstand the unexpected. Because real preparedness includes everyone.

08/28/2026

As extreme weather and natural disasters become more frequent, emergency planning needs to include everyone.

Swipe through for ways communities can make disaster preparedness more inclusive before, during, and after an emergency.

08/24/2026

Myth: “Once someone is homeless, they stay homeless.”
Reality: Many people experience homelessness temporarily and regain housing with the right support.

Late summer is a season of transition - new jobs, school enrollment, housing placements, service connections. Stability doesn’t always happen overnight, but forward movement happens every day.

A is built for durability and transition and to support people as they move toward stability, protecting what matters most along the way.

Homelessness is often a chapter, not a life sentence.

And every step forward deserves dignity.

Address

Chicago, IL

Website

http://www.citypak.org/

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