Our Story

Knowing we have all felt that uncomfortable feeling in our stomach every time we looked away from those experiencing homelessness, I wanted to find a way to make a difference. I thought it might be helpful to give money, but I was not sure how the money would be spent, knowing 38% of people experiencing homelessness having issues with alcohol, and 26% use other drugs.

But what could I, just one person, do? 

Wanting to help meet people's immediate needs, and wanting to help support individual agency for people in crisis, I thought of providing canned food, allowing people to eat where and when they wanted.

Thus, the Can Campaign was born! We CAN support people experiencing hard times, one person CAN make a difference, and we CAN help empower others to join in the effort to end hunger among the homeless. I made a scratch project to try a Kickstarter, not for money, but for ideas. Throughout this time, the Can Campaign has been able to integrate the thoughts of other people that have impacted what we offer, allowing us to best reach and serve people. Join us in our efforts to reach more people with the Can Campaign!

Knowing that many of you feel like you just don't have the time or the means to volunteer, I started wondering....what if we change the game of volunteering? What if whenever you stopped by the store, you bought some cans with pull-tab tops that you simply carry in the car with you, allowing you to donate them without emptying your wallet or needing to invest hours? Here at the Can Campaign, we believe that anyone CAN help others. The best part is, you feel good inside!

Want to give more? Get involved with Suspended Coffee, or Caffè sospeso, where you buy coffee at participating coffee houses that will be "suspended" for anyone who asks for it, paying forward a kindness to an unknown stranger. We are currently reaching out to local coffee shops to support us in these efforts and will update this site as new information develops. When you check out, you could also "suspend" sandwiches or other foods, allowing people who need food to come and receive sustenance or sweets without cost.