Joshua's Jackets: Coats for The Homeless

Hi friends,

This fall and winter, I’m raising funds to buy coats for the homeless in Albuquerque, NM, in honor of my son, Joshua. Joshua passed away in 2019 after battling alcoholism and homelessness. He was a proud Marine who served two combat tours in Iraq. Like so many veterans, he came home carrying the heavy burdens of PTSD, emotional trauma, and physical injuries. To keep his memory alive and honor his generous spirit, I started “Joshua’s Jackets.” Through this effort, I donate winter coats to those in need, including the Albuquerque NM Veterans Health Care program, the Good Shepherd Center, and Steelbridge.

The idea for Joshua’s Jackets began in a bittersweet moment. In 2019, while working on my Christmas list, I was heartbroken realizing Joshua’s name wasn’t there. That night, he came to me in a dream and said, “Mom, just because I’m gone doesn’t mean I don’t want Christmas presents! I want a heavy winter coat.” It was such a “Joshua” thing to say that I couldn’t help but laugh through the tears when I woke up.

As I thought about it, I realized his message was deeper. He didn’t want that coat for himself—he wanted me to give it to someone in need. Joshua had always been someone who shared what little he had, even during his hardest times.

I shared the dream with my family, and together we decided to honor his request. That first year, we pooled our money and donated ten new winter coats to the Good Shepherd Center, a men’s homeless shelter specializing in substance abuse recovery. The gratitude we saw was overwhelming, and I knew we’d done something Joshua would have been proud of.

Since then, Joshua’s Jackets has grown. Thanks to the incredible generosity of friends and family, we’ve raised over $1,600 and donated more than 50 new winter coats to those who need them most.

This year, I’m asking for your help to keep Joshua’s memory and mission alive. If you’re able, a small donation could help provide warmth and comfort to someone facing the harsh winter months. And if you can’t donate, sharing this project with others who might want to help or need assistance with a coat would mean so much to me.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for being part of Joshua’s legacy.

With gratitude,

Keelie Garcia