As you may know, last year I ran a campaign , mostly via LinkedIn, to raise money to buy jackets for those living on the streets in the NW.

It was a small way for me to honor the life and memory of my brother, Shelby James, who passed in 2024 after nearly 20 years on and off the streets addicted to drugs.

I was constantly worried and wondering

"is he safe"

"is he warm?"

"is he dry?

Anytime he could get his hands on a new coat, or some warm clothes, it meant the world to him (and me).

So this year, I wanna run it back and buy another 500 jackets, with a stretch goal of 1,000 jackets. And to make that goal easier to reach (or surpass), I'm partnering with 32 Degrees. They've agreed to match our purchases, 1 for 1, and help move the needle further and faster in our efforts to make an impact.

My ask is simple and 2-fold

1) would you share this campaign/post?

There's a lot of lousy noise out there and it makes the things worth paying attention to, harder and harder to get out. Each like, comment, share, etc., is insanely beneficial.

2) would you donate $30?

$30 essentially gets us 2 jackets with 32 Degrees 1 for 1 match.

I know the issues of homelessness and addiction can be fairly controversial with a million ideas of what to do, and often not enough virtue or effort to actually do anything..

So if you've ever found yourself wondering who was going to do something, let this be your invitation to start somewhere. To do something.

'if not us, who? if not now, when?'

I'll be updating the page every few days and will be posting receipts here as well for transparency and trust.

The Jacket: https://www.32degrees.com/collections/mens-outerwear/products/mens-microlux-heavy-poly-fill-puffer-jacket

If you're wanting to help in other ways, I'll link a few non profits below with proven track records that you can give to with full confidence. I've worked with all of these teams in the past and they're truly top notch.

UGM Portland: https://ugmportland.org/donate

UGM Seattle: https://give.ugm.org/donate/give-now (Shelb spent a lot of time here)

The Dream Center San Francisco: https://www.dreamcenter.org/giving-opportunities/

If you have any questions, want clarity, or would like to know a bit more about my "why" feel free to reach out.