How Can I Get a Free Backpack from The Citypak Project in Las Vegas if I'm Homeless?

A Quick Summary for You

· Direct Path in Las Vegas: The Las Vegas Rescue Mission is a confirmed distribution partner. Your best immediate action is to connect directly with them or similar shelters and outreach groups.

· More Than Just a Bag: A CITYPAK is a purpose-built survival tool designed with input from people who have experienced homelessness. It includes anti-theft features, waterproof pockets for documents, a built-in rain poncho, and reflective strips for safety.

· How to Find One: These backpacks are not sold or distributed online to individuals. They are given out for free through partner nonprofits during community outreach events, often alongside meals or support services.

· National & Global Reach: While this guide focuses on Las Vegas, CITYPAK works with over 439 partners in 237 cities worldwide. If you leave Las Vegas, ask local homelessness service providers if they are part of the network.

---

Imagine for a moment that everything you own—your identification, a cherished photo, your dry socks, a toothbrush—has to move with you, every hour of every day. Now imagine your only container is a thin, splitting plastic bag.

This was the reality for Josh Reynolds in Las Vegas. For years, the plastic bags he relied on would inevitably break, scattering his few precious belongings onto the street. The constant anxiety of losing everything, of exposure, of having no secure place for your life’s essentials—this is a profound layer of hardship that many never see.

Then, one Saturday evening at the Las Vegas Rescue Mission, after finishing a warm dinner, Josh was handed a CITYPAK backpack. He took it out of its wrapping, put it on, and a simple, powerful change occurred. “It’s a very big backpack,” he said. “I’ve been looking for one.”

That sentence holds a world of meaning. It’s not just about storage; it’s about dignity, security, and a tangible form of hope. If you are asking the question, “How can I get a free backpack from the CITYPAK Project in Las Vegas?” this guide is for you. We’ll provide the direct, practical information you need and show you why this backpack is different from any other.

The CITYPAK Difference: Designed for Survival and Dignity

A CITYPAK is not a donated school backpack or a promotional giveaway. It is a high-quality, custom-designed piece of survival gear created through a partnership with Samsonite and High Sierra, companies known for durable travel and outdoor equipment.

The design came from a simple, powerful question asked by founder Ron Kaplan: Had anyone ever designed a backpack specifically for the needs of someone experiencing homelessness? He took the idea to experts, got feedback from people living on the streets, and the result is a backpack engineered for resilience.

Here is what makes a CITYPAK a critical tool:

· Anti-Theft Webbing Loops: Designed to deter grab-and-run theft, offering peace of mind for your belongings.

· Waterproof Internal Pocket: A secure place to keep ID, birth certificates, medical papers, or other important documents dry and safe.

· Integrated Rain Poncho: It’s built into the bag and is large enough to cover both you and the backpack.

· Reflective Safety Strip: Makes you more visible to traffic at night.

· Bottom Compression Straps: Allows you to securely carry a sleeping bag, blanket, or extra clothing.

· Durable Ballistic Nylon Construction: Made to withstand harsh conditions and last.

As one distribution partner said, these backpacks provide a "means of security for their belongings" that recipients "treasure and use daily".

Your Direct Path to a CITYPAK in Las Vegas

The most important thing to know is that CITYPAK does not sell backpacks directly to individuals. They work exclusively through established nonprofit partners who distribute the packs for free during outreach events.

Your primary point of contact in Las Vegas is the Las Vegas Rescue Mission. They have been a direct distribution partner for CITYPAK in the past.

Steps You Can Take:

1. Connect with Local Shelters and Missions: The Las Vegas Rescue Mission is a confirmed partner. Other major shelters and outreach organizations in Southern Nevada are likely to be part of the network or may host future events.

2. Ask Directly: When you are at a shelter, soup kitchen, or outreach program, ask a staff member: “Do you distribute CITYPAK backpacks, or do you know when the next distribution might be?”

3. Attend Community Outreach Dinners: CITYPAK distributions often happen in conjunction with community meals or events hosted by their partner organizations. Being present at these support services is the way to receive one.

Nevada & Regional Resources

While the Las Vegas Rescue Mission is a key hub, CITYPAK has a growing network. Broaden your ask to include other service providers. The mindset of these partners is to help without fanfare. As Ron Kaplan said, “We don’t want to make a big fireworks thing about it. It’s just about people who are in need and we want to help them.”

Why This Matters: More Than a Backpack

Receiving a CITYPAK sends a powerful message: You are seen. Your struggle is understood. Your dignity matters. This isn't just charity; it's a tool for empowerment.

· Safety and Security: Protecting your documents and belongings from theft and weather is a fundamental step toward stability.

· Physical and Mental Relief: Reducing the constant burden of carrying and worrying about your things frees up energy to focus on next steps—seeking work, housing, or healthcare.

· A Symbol of Compassion: As one partner noted, recipients "know that they are being shown respect and kindness by an organization that cares".

If You Leave Las Vegas: Finding CITYPAK Nationwide

CITYPAK’s mission is global. They have provided over 121,780 backpacks through 439 partners in 237 cities across the U.S. and in other countries.

· The model is the same everywhere: Packs are distributed via local homelessness service nonprofits.

· If you relocate or are traveling, ask shelter staff in any new city if they are familiar with or partner with CITYPAK.

· Major cities like Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Nashville have active distributions.

A Community That Cares: The Story Behind the Backpack

Understanding the origin of CITYPAK reinforces that this is a genuine effort. It was started by Ron Kaplan, a music industry executive from Chicago, who was moved by the visible struggle of people in his hometown carrying their lives in plastic bags.

He used his own funds to start the project and partnered with a major manufacturer to create a quality product. Today, 100% of every dollar donated to CITYPAK goes directly toward providing a backpack for someone in need. This is a project built on real empathy and a practical desire to make one aspect of a difficult life easier.

Your Next Step

The path is clear. Reach out to the Las Vegas Rescue Mission. Engage with other local shelters and outreach programs. Make your need known to the people who provide daily services. The CITYPAK is there, waiting for you, designed with your journey in mind.

It’s more than a bag. It’s a secure place for your belongings, protection from the rain, and a statement that your journey carries weight and worth. You’ve been looking for one. Now you know where to start.