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Sheriff's Office launches donation program to assist homeless

The Ramsey County Sheriff's Office is launching a new initiative that will provide the nearly 1,500 people who are homeless and released from their detention center each year with a "Care on the Go" pack containing basic necessities and a pamphlet of resources.

Undersheriff Booker Hodges developed the "Care on the Go" initiative after hearing about a similar program during a Sunday church sermon.

"This is something we can do here," Undersheriff Hodges said. "It's something we can give people who have nothing, even if just for a day. Even if you've been arrested, even if you are in jail, you are deserving of care. As an agency and as people, we expect ourselves to always be compassionate."

The Sheriff's Office is calling on community members to help make Care on the Go packs a reality by providing donations for the packs. The packs will include:

  • White t-shirts (size large)
  • White or black tube socks
  • Personal size body wash, deodorant, and shampoo
  • Personal size toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Personal size wet wipes
  • Packs of 8 oz. (small) bottled water
  • Granola or protein bars
  • Ziploc baggies (gallon size)

Care on the Go items can be donated at summer Hot Dog with a Deputy events, during Night to Unite, and at several Ramsey County building facilities. Monetary donations to purchase items for the packs are welcome, as well, in the form of checks made to the Ramsey County Sheriff's Foundation.

Building facility locations and details:

  • Law Enforcement Center
    Donations will be accepted at the gun permits counter on the ground level from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. weekdays.
  • Ramsey County Courthouse
    Donations will be accepted by courthouse deputies from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. weekdays.
  • Patrol Station
    Donations will be accepted in the public lobby from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. weekdays.
  • Maplewood Courthouse
    Donations will be accepted in the public lobby from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. weekdays.
Posted on Tuesday, July 24, 2018 - 4:29 p.m.