Burner Gear Giveback: Connecting Abundance to Need

Burner Gear Giveback is a project that is aiming to provide shelter for individuals who are un-housed. Our goal is simple: to collect and redistribute lightly used camping gear from burners after Burning Man.

I got the idea for this initiative from an individual who is un-housed in Reno. Every year after Burning Man, practically new camping gear is thrown in the trash. This individual shared with me that he collects this discarded gear and uses it for himself and his campmates. However, this comes at a cost, as often this is done on private property and falls under trespassing and theft laws.

By contributing to this initiative, you helping to extend the life of this camping gear, and minimize waste generated from Burning Man. You are also helping to minimize interaction between those living outside and law enforcement.

Your contribution will help cover transportation, gas, and rental storage space for six months. Collection points will be located in Black Rock City as well as Reno. My goal is to rent a box truck (u-haul, penske, etc) to transport the gear. Gas expenditure is considered in the donation goal. A storage unit will be needed for approximately 6 months in order to store and keep the gear through the winter months, when the need is greatest.

About the author: I am an experienced outreach worker in Reno, NV who serves the homeless population. This gear would be delivered to folks through my work conducting outreach. I've also been attending Burning Man since 2007.

Any excess funds will also be used to help the individual in particular that inspired this initiative. Additionally, excess funds will be donated to a local non-profit supporting the homeless in Reno, NV.

For full transparency, as this project evolves and grows, this page and our Facebook page will be updated to show the efforts taking place, as well as receipt of additional funds being re-donated.

For any questions or inquiries about the project, or to learn how to volunteer, join our Facebook group .