UNDER THE BRIDGE

CHAMPAIGN/ URBANA

Supporting and assisting people who live on the streets through compassion, care, and without judgment.

Real Life on the Streets is tough

Survival becomes the most important mission for those who found themselves who have traveled the many roads that lead to life on the streets. What happened? How did I get here? Hard truths are now in play; regardless how a person ends up living on the streets, the reality is now survival, day to day things we take for granted such as food, water, shelter, restrooms, safety, clothing, health, cleanliness, and many more challenges.

Constantly frowned upon, persecuted, judged, unloved, rejected, desiring relief, but closed doors, full shelters, dependent on handouts, living in danger is the hard truth. Depression is prevalent among street life, people understand that the future is lived only for the day, tomorrow provides it's own challenges.

In the Champaign/ Urbana are many compassionate people, services, and programs that offer sincere help. At times, a part time job comes along to give some relief, but when it ends, reality returns, the street is home. Relentless, unforgiving, dangerous, and full of sorrow; hope soon fades, and survival rules the day once again. People on the streets are our neighbors, love can be expressed with an act of kindness, and a word of encouragement.

Food bags contain a variety of necessities to assist in daily living.


ITEMS OF NEED

*

In Loving memory of James

James had a permanent bed in the shelter (Strides). His life in the wheelchair and slurred speech did not deter his happy disposition. He was a joy to be around. He was hit by a distracted driver as he was crossing the road to get to the shelter. He passed that night in March of 2025 and will be remembered by his many friends. This photo was taken in February 2025, taking in the toasty air of a vehicle to warm up. He was invited to get in the car but it was too difficult, so he sat there for 10 minutes enjoying the heat. RIP our brother.

There are others who have lost their life on the streets and many near misses. It's heart braking when we lose one of our friends.

DROP OFF LOCATIONS

Locations will be added here as they become available. If your business would like to be a drop off location, please send an email to david@utbcu.org.

Items will be picked up as often as needed and distributed in a timely manner to those on the streets.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity. It helps round out a thriving community that takes care of each other.

Items List
We only accept items on this list as "New" and in it's original package and/ or with a tag.
Winter is the most difficult time for survival, the following item list will help those who live on the street make it. The first number is the goal of items needed; the second number is how many that has been donated thus far.

SLEEPING BAGS: 120/ 2
* Waterproof, cold weather to survive zero to 10 degrees above zero. Cost on Amazon for these average about $55 and up.

Tarps: 120/ 0
4x8 tarps to separate the sleeping bag from the surface. Tarps can cost $5 depending if they are purchased in bulk or individually.

Back Packs 17 inch. 120/ 48
The larger backpack can help store their personal items in one place. Backpacks need to be durable as they are used 24/7. Can be purchased under $30 each.

Winter Hats, Neck Warmers, Scarfs 150/ 0
These can be purchased in bulk on Amazon but usually the quality is minimal, but anything is better than nothing.

Snow Boots (Men and Women's) 150/ 0
Various sizes needed for both. Prefer lined for warmth. Gift cards from Shoe stores are accepted so specific sizes can be purchased for individual requests.

Hoodies (Men and Women's) 150/ 0
Various sizes for both. Large and X Large are the most common as it is common that layers are worn underneath a hoodie.

Dude Wipes: We break the bulk packs of wipes and distribute them in smaller amounts that will fit in backpacks. This item is a big hit, helping the body clean.

Champaign County Bus pass: 50 / 1
The pass is good for one year from the date activated. They can be purchased at the Bus Station downtown Champaign for $60 each. Upon payment, the buss pass gift card is given. The cards are distributed to those who have none and they in turn the card to the Bus terminal for a One year pass in their own name.

Food items for food bags:
Beef sticks (soft jerky), fresh fruit, Granola bars, fruit bars, etc. Nothing that has to be cooked or a can opener is required. Keep in mind items that can freeze make it difficult for consumption.

WINTER WARNING!
It has been forecasted that no additional funding to assist
in opening additional shelters this winter. Strides is
the only available shelter, and currently there is no
availability as all beds are assigned.

What this means is most homeless will be on the streets
fending for themselves. There are several organizations that help with meals and needs but it is not enough to cover everyone in need. We focus on people who are having the most difficulties, including mental stresses, addictions, traffic victims, loss of hope, etc. Not everyone fits into a category or help program. These are the people we do our best to assist. They are loved.

We are a self funded ministry,
not for profit nor a non profit. We simply help with what we can.
Although we do not accept cash donations, we do accept items
from the list below. If you care to help us obtain our goal of
providing necessities to all who are in need, check the list below
and bring to one of the local drop off locations provided below.

Any questions, please send correspondence to david@utbcu.org.
We do this out of love for all people.