Home 4 the Night is a Taipei American School club that was founded in 2021. We are a non-profit club that aims to better our local community through organizing and hand-delivering care packages to the unhoused population in Taipei. Over the past 2 years, we have delivered over 200 care packages to the unhoused at Taipei Main Station. 

In order to fundraise for these packages, we have hosted a variety of fundraising activities. These include food sales and raffles, where we have raised over NT$15,000. All of our profits are then directed toward assembling care packages. Our past care packages include a range of items depending on current situations, ranging from COVID-19-related products to foods and beverages. 

 

As a club, our experience has greatly impacted our perspective of our local community in Taipei. Hand-delivering our care packages to the unhoused and interacting with them has provided us with the opportunity to better understand and realize the impact we could make on our community. 

 

“It is so fulfilling to see how our small actions and kindness can make an impact on other people’s lives,” Lawrence S. (‘24), our treasurer, said. 

 

In our most recent care package delivery session, we were able to collaborate with the SALT Kitchen at SALT Collectiv. Together, we delivered 75 care packages alongside SALT’s 150 bento boxes to the unhoused at Taipei Main Station. Seeing the extent to which our packages were appreciated by the individuals who received them was truly gratifying. 

 

“It felt good to be able to provide for those in need,” said Zoe S. (‘26), an incoming activities head who participated in the delivery. 

 

Working with the SALT Collectiv was an incredibly engaging experience for all of our members. Our club members split up into two groups to deliver our care packages, one of which was accompanied by the SALT Education Coordinator, Stacey Mattison. 

 

Stacey guided the group throughout Taipei Main Station and spoke with us about SALT Collectiv’s mission and operating process. Speaking with Stacey further developed my understanding of the needs of the unhoused. For instance, we discussed SALT Collectiv’s previous experience with providing free haircut services to the unhoused. Along with this, Stacey pointed out the lack of proper footwear for the unhoused, expanding my perspective on how our club can better support them. 

 

Looking forward, I hope to apply what I have learned from our collaboration with SALT Collectiv and adjust our club activities. For the upcoming school year, our club is already planning fundraisers to organize more frequent care package deliveries throughout the year. We also plan to include a wider variety of care package items such as more sanitation goods, footwear, and temporary housing tents. 

 

To say the least, the evident passion and sincerity behind SALT Collectiv volunteers inspire Home 4 the Night, and we strive to emulate their commitment to aiding marginalized groups within our community. We look forward to future collaborations with SALT Collectiv, and I am excited to see our club grow from this experience.

  1. How can I help the homeless in Taiwan?

SALT Collectiv hosts monthly volunteer opportunities to serve the homeless in Taipei, Taiwan through our SALT Soup Kitchens. By partnering with local restaurants, our volunteers help prepare, pack and deliver at least 150 warm bento boxes to the homeless community at Taipei Main Station. Volunteering with SALT Collectiv not only makes a lasting imprint for the vulnerable and marginalized, but also makes a lasting imprint in your heart. Be sure to stay updated on volunteer opportunities by following us on Instagram and Facebook, or checking our website.

 

  1. Can foreigners volunteer in Taiwan?

Yes! SALT Collectiv is a diverse international community of volunteers uniting for the purpose of making a lasting imprint for the vulnerable and marginalized. There are no prerequisites required to sign up for events and we welcome expats and locals alike to join our community. We ask only that you come with a heart to serve. When individuals come together, dedicating their time and talent to serve the marginalized, lives are touched and communities are transformed. In volunteering, you engage in causes bigger than yourself, cultivate meaningful relationships and positively impact your community.

 

  1. Is it possible to volunteer with children in Taiwan?

Yes! SALT Collectiv welcomes and encourages children of all ages to participate in our volunteer events. However, parents or sponsors will be solely responsible for the actions, behavior, and whereabouts of the children in their care.