Blankets to the Streets
Donation protected
"YOU don't have to have a lot, to help a little. Do you?" In January of 2014, that was the question I asked myself. And, that was the question that started the first Blankets to the Streets: Help the Homeless .
In less than a month, we raised $1,107 and got more than 2,500 mylar emergency blankets onto the streets of DC, MD, VA and rural Florida. Our street team of volunteers passed blankets to the homeless, and with help from friends at Meals on Wheels and the Florida police dept, we also reached the elderly who had roofs, but inadequate heating.
In DC, multiple people died from exposure in less than one week. It doesn't have to happen. Mylar emergency blankets are waterproof, windproof and reflect up to 90% of body heat back to you. And, after passing them out, the feedback we got from the homeless was that they were really helping. Some people along my commuting route actually approached me, asking if I had any more that they could give friends. And, thanks to the donations, I did. We were even able to coordinate with several tent cities, via Tent City Angels in VA.
What did it take to get those blankets out? Less than $1 per blanket, less than 4 weeks and willing hands and feet. So, if you've ever wondered how you can help people here and if you need a lot to do a little, here's an easy answer: Yes, you can help people. No, you don't need a lot to do so. You might even help save a life.
So, now what? Well, I'm starting earlier this year and we have volunteers in 3 additional states, including my new location in the Seattle area. We will also have directions available in Spanish and as we order, I will post photos of the invoices, so that everyone can feel comfortable in the transparency of our efforts.
My hope is that by starting early, we can raise more funds, get more volunteers and get these blankets out, before we start losing more lives to exposure.
Will you please help us help the homeless? Donate what you can. Share this link wherever you can. Follow Blankets to the Streets here or on Facebook for updates, personal stories and tips on things you and your family can do to help your lesser known neighbors.
Thank you! More to come! :-)
~Veda
***Please note that the donation URL here has a character limit, so the address is http://www.gofundme.com/blanketstostreets , which omits the word "the". Just in case you're speaking it, instead of hitting 'share'. ;-) ***
In less than a month, we raised $1,107 and got more than 2,500 mylar emergency blankets onto the streets of DC, MD, VA and rural Florida. Our street team of volunteers passed blankets to the homeless, and with help from friends at Meals on Wheels and the Florida police dept, we also reached the elderly who had roofs, but inadequate heating.
In DC, multiple people died from exposure in less than one week. It doesn't have to happen. Mylar emergency blankets are waterproof, windproof and reflect up to 90% of body heat back to you. And, after passing them out, the feedback we got from the homeless was that they were really helping. Some people along my commuting route actually approached me, asking if I had any more that they could give friends. And, thanks to the donations, I did. We were even able to coordinate with several tent cities, via Tent City Angels in VA.
What did it take to get those blankets out? Less than $1 per blanket, less than 4 weeks and willing hands and feet. So, if you've ever wondered how you can help people here and if you need a lot to do a little, here's an easy answer: Yes, you can help people. No, you don't need a lot to do so. You might even help save a life.
So, now what? Well, I'm starting earlier this year and we have volunteers in 3 additional states, including my new location in the Seattle area. We will also have directions available in Spanish and as we order, I will post photos of the invoices, so that everyone can feel comfortable in the transparency of our efforts.
My hope is that by starting early, we can raise more funds, get more volunteers and get these blankets out, before we start losing more lives to exposure.
Will you please help us help the homeless? Donate what you can. Share this link wherever you can. Follow Blankets to the Streets here or on Facebook for updates, personal stories and tips on things you and your family can do to help your lesser known neighbors.
Thank you! More to come! :-)
~Veda
***Please note that the donation URL here has a character limit, so the address is http://www.gofundme.com/blanketstostreets , which omits the word "the". Just in case you're speaking it, instead of hitting 'share'. ;-) ***
Organizer
Veda Taylor
Organizer
Kent, WA
