The Unitarian Universalist’s (UU’s) chalice (symbol of faith) reminds us of the warmth of community and to help the unhouse people, who are refugees in our own country. This special population needs care, concern, and practical help to find the everyday comforts of home without a permanent place to live.

Monthly, the congregation UU of Livermore is invited to meet to create personal care kits to distribute to an agency that serves unhoused adults or families. Participants are encouraged to bring new, unused toothbrushes, soap packets, and other items to include in the bags, and are added to any items we obtain from local hotels’ housekeeping departments. In addition, members take turns creating individually-wrapped treats and a notice about UU in each bag.

Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote seven Principles, which we hold as strong values and moral guides. Two that apply to our purpose of having the Friendship Bags group are:

• 1st Principle: The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
• 2nd Principle: Justice, equity and compassion in human relations.