This spring, Hummingbird Outreach was honored to receive a $500 Neighborhood Small Grant. With this support, we were able to do something deeply meaningful for the queer and gender-diverse youth in our community and we created and restocked “Go Bags” filled with affirming hygiene supplies.
These Go Bags are more than just toiletries or essentials. For many of the youth who come to our hangouts, everyday items like deodorant, shampoo, or menstrual products are not always easy to access. And when they are, they are often not gender-affirming or chosen with queer and trans youth in mind. Something as simple as the right deodorant, the right shampoo, or even having your own fresh supplies can be a small act of dignity and care.
Because of this grant, we were able to build on the Go Bags we had made in the past and stock our hygiene supplies. This meant we could continue to show up for youth in tangible ways. Handing someone a bag that says, “you matter, you are cared for, and you deserve access to what you need.” These small gestures often spark big conversations at our drop-ins about self-care, identity, and community.
The process itself was also a community effort. Our team came together to plan what would go into each bag, thinking about what young people had requested in the past and what items might help them feel most seen and supported. Volunteers helped assemble the bags, and youth themselves gave input on what was most important. It was heartening to see how much thought and love went into every single item.
Of course, like any grassroots project, there were challenges. With limited funding, we had to carefully budget and prioritize the most-needed supplies. But in many ways, that challenge reminded us of the creativity and resilience that queer communities have always carried: making the most of what we have, and finding joy in sharing it with one another.
What we learned from this project is how powerful the “small things” can be. Something as practical as toothpaste or body wash becomes something bigger when it is offered with love, respect, and affirmation. It reminded us of why we do this work: to create safer spaces, to meet basic needs, and to remind youth that their identities and wellbeing matter.
We are deeply grateful to the Neighbourhood Small Grants program for making this project possible. Your support allowed us not only to provide supplies but also to spark joy, dignity, and connection for queer and gender-diverse youth in our community. It fills us up to be the people who get to pass these bags into young hands and see the relief and gratitude in their eyes. Thank you for believing in us, and for helping us continue to show up for our youth in meaningful ways.
