Homeless LGBTQ Youth Support Kit [+]

Custom Plus Kynd Kit

Gratitude Practice

Let's start by taking a moment to practice gratitude.

What is one thing you are grateful for that you might otherwise take for granted?
Self-care and personal hygiene are directly related to less illness and better overall health. What is one thing you do on a regular basis to take care of yourself and how does that help your mood?

The Recipient

There are an estimated 553,742 people in the United States experiencing homelessness on a given night, according to the most recent national point-in-time estimate. This represents a rate of approximately 17 people experiencing homelessness per every 10,000 people in the general population. Studies have found that LGBTQ+ youth comprise up to 40% of the homeless youth population in New York City. LGBTQ+ street youth experience greater levels of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking violence, trauma, HIV infection, mental health issues, and substance abuse than their non-LGBTQ+ and cisgender counterparts in the homeless youth population.

The Reason

For people experiencing homelessness, basic essentials can make a huge difference. This kit is designed to build a canvas tote filled with basic essentials to go to The Ali Forney Center and the LGBTQ+ homeless population they serve.

Unpack the Box

Take everything out of the box.
Lay everything out so you can find what you need to build the kit.

Create Your Kynd Code

Please follow the instructions on this card to create your own Kynd Code. This Kynd Code will be included in the final kit.

*Make note of your Kynd Code. You will use this code at the end of the project.

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Find the Kynd Card

This is for you to spread extra kyndness to someone in your own life. Consider writing a note to a friend, loved one, or colleague that you are grateful for. Address the note and send it in the mail or give it to someone in person.

DO NOT include this in the finished kit.

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Write a Note to the Recipient

1. Find the following items:

Blank card and matching envelope
Enclosed materials such as crayons, markers, stickers

2. Write your letter and decorate the card.

Use the enclosed materials to decorate the card.
- Express your encouragement and include a hopeful message.
- Decorate the front and the inside of the card.

- - Helpful Tips:
    - Do not include a date or year on the letter.
    - Avoid politics completely and religion in excess.
      * Can’t think of what to write, draw a picture!

3. Decorate the envelope.

Use the enclosed materials to decorate the envelope that will hold your card.
- Make it colorful and fun. Decorate the front and back of the envelope.

4. Put the completed card in the envelope you decorated.

Include the Kynd Code sheet with the card.

Decorate the Canvas Tote and Cosmetic Bag

1. Find the following items:

Canvas Tote
Cosmetic Bag
Markers

2. Decorate the canvas tote:

Use the enclosed markers to decorate the tote.
Make the canvas tote and cosmetic bag fun and colorful.

* TIP: Can’t think of what to write, draw a picture!

DIY Stress Ball

1. Find the following items:

Three balloons
Two Play Dohs
Scissors (not provided)

2. Combine both Play-Dohs.

Take the Play-Dohs out of the containers.
Roll both Play Dohs into one large ball.

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3. Cut the stem off of one of the balloons.

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4. Take the ball of Play-Doh that you just created and insert it into the balloon that you just cut the stem off of.

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5. Add a second balloon layer.

Cut the stem off of a second balloon.
Stretch the balloon over the ball in the opposite direction of the first balloon.

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6. Final balloon layer.

Do not cut the stem off of the third balloon.
Stretch the third balloon over the ball.

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7. Tie a knot in the stem of the balloon.

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8. Cut off the excess stem of the balloon.

You now have a completed stress ball! Good work!

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Surprise Kyndness

Go through the pages of the journal and write uplifting messages, draw small colorful images, or create fun writing prompts for the recipient.

Decorate the Box

Use the enclosed materials to decorate the box the kit came it. Make this fun and colorful. Get creative! This is how the recipient will receive their final kit.

Pack the Kit

Pack all of the materials into the decorated box and canvas bag/tote and put it back into the original box.
Make sure the Kynd Code is included.
Add any optional items you would like.

Optional Items to Add