About us
We are a student-run 501(c)(3). The bags hold food, toiletries, and clothing. We also point people to local service providers.
Our story
Zachary Leitz founded The Backpack Project at the University of Georgia in 2015. Students pack a backpack of food, clothes, and hygiene supplies and hand it to someone in person.
Students still run it. Chapters are on college campuses. In Athens, the chapter also brings hot meals and water to people living in encampments. Every November, company teams pack bags at Homeless Heroes Day in Atlanta.
In person
William Ross, Chief Operating Officer, 2019 Year in Review
Volunteers bring bags to people where they are.
Each bag is handed to a person, with a short conversation.
We share information on local homeless-service providers for shelter, meals, and care.
Our history
From our Year in Review reports, GuideStar, and UGA Morehead Honors College.
2015
Founded at the University of Georgia by Zachary Leitz. Tax-exempt since May 18, 2015.
2017
First Homeless Heroes Day, at QTS in Atlanta.
2019
2,834 backpacks delivered across 12 distributions in Athens, Augusta, and Atlanta. The Athens chapter forms.
2020
Paused for the pandemic, reopened in August with safety rules, and packed 1,350 more backpacks. The Columbia chapter started at the University of South Carolina, our first outside Georgia.
2021 and 2022
1,500 backpacks packed at each Homeless Heroes Day, Westside Cultural Arts Center. The Durham chapter makes its first distribution in spring 2022.
2023
$62,692 in supplies distributed. Homeless Heroes Day moves to Westside Warehouse.
2024
1,360 backpacks packed at Homeless Heroes Day. The Los Angeles chapter starts at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
2025
1,520 backpacks packed at Homeless Heroes Day, Westside Warehouse.
Today
18,000+ backpacks since 2015. The 9th Homeless Heroes Day is November 20, 2026. Chapters in Athens, Atlanta, Columbia, Durham, Charleston, and Los Angeles, with Auburn starting.
Leadership
Chief Executive Officer
Student at the University of Georgia, Morehead Honors College. Leads The Backpack Project, Inc. and opens Homeless Heroes Day each November.
Chief Operating Officer
Student at the University of Georgia, Morehead Honors College. Runs Homeless Heroes Day operations and year-round company packings.
What we hold to
We ask people what they need and respect what they say.
Socks, food, toothpaste, a warm hat. Things a person can use today, plus the name of a local service.
Students run our chapters, plan our events, and lead the organization.
Donate
Your gift buys the supplies. Students do the rest.