BWB Detroit- What We Do 

BWB Detroit demonstrates a genuine Me to We project which started in 2008. We have been known for the past 13 winters for creating supply filled backpacks that we give to the under and unhoused. We do an annual backpacking event where we set up supplies assembly style, which is very Detroit. During that annual event a few hundred volunteers fill 500 to 600 backpacks a year and we get them on the streets from November through April. Eight years ago we started a Community Potluck dinner to break bread after we pack with the goal of creating connections and friendships. 

After the annual backpacking event we hit the streets looking for people who do not go to shelters and offer them a supply-filled backpack. The backpacks are stuffed with socks, gloves, a hat, scarves, emergency blankets, rain poncho, more socks, juice, hand warmers, water, a soft cereal bar, four-to-five canned goods from various food groups, a can opener, a toiletry pack that includes tissue, wet-wipes, toothpaste, a toothbrush and lip balm..and more if items are donated and they all have a gift card to a local food establishment. 

Detroit Free Store
Five years ago (2015) we started a Free Store where we set up clothes, hygiene packs and hair cuts for the under and unhoused from May through October. In 2019 we upped the Free Store by inviting other organizations that help the underserved to work with us, it has been wonderful to affiliate and expand. We accept clothing for this but would rather you join us for an event to get in touch with the community and the population we help to serve.

Get Involved:
Our projects are simple, repeatable and have many points of access from writing notes for the backpacks, fundraising, collecting items as well as cutting hair, donating and getting supplies to those in need. Join us as we Create random acts of kindness & service to underserved communities in and around Detroit.  We can not do what we do without generous people like you!

Donations collected by patrons have afforded BWB Detroit the means to create many supply filled backpacks for our project. The generosity of our patrons humbles us and we are honored to be able to receive so we may disperse. We thank each of you for your past donations and for any future assistance you give to Burners without Borders Detroit. 

Please feel free to brainstorm with us on ways that we can continue to help others! Who in your city do you see that needs help? What organization could use a robust crew of like minded citizens to come in and help them on a project? These events could be one time or on going it matters not…what matters is that they are!!!

Please consider purchasing some essential survival items from our wishlist. It will be shipped directly to the project organizers [completely contactless], and packed and distributed to local individuals by volunteers.

Share our wishlist with others using this link: https://tinyurl.com/y5shg3qp

To keep up with our work, visit our blog.

For more information and to get involved, visit our social media.

Click here, here, and here,  to see photos from previous impact days, or see all BWB Detroit photos here.

Please email Danielle at Dkaltz@gmail.com to get involved.

> How to create a Project.