My name is Rachel Melson and I am a nurse practitioner working out of an Outreach clinic for the homeless at Swope Health Services. Our goal of the clinic as a whole is to provide individuals in Kansas City the best healthcare possible regardless of socioeconomic status, insurance, or housing situation. We have services such as dental, OB/GYN, Pediatrics, social services, behavioral health, and an eye clinic to help this great population of patients. In my specific clinic, we provide medical services for homeless patients “staying on the street”, in homeless shelters, in transitional living facilities, domestic violence shelters, and half-way houses to name a few. Part of our program incorporates a Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) that travels to the shelters and the streets in Kansas City to bring healthcare to this special population. Many of our “street homeless” patients live in “tent villages” in various parts of town. Since I have started in this clinic, I have tried various efforts to get donations for these patients to help keep them warm during the cold winter months. Many attempt to cover their tents with tarps and blankets to keep out the cold air. However, as can be expected, their tents, tarps, and blankets do not always make it through the seasons and they continuously need items such as sleeping bags, blankets, tarps, tents, and warm weather gear like coats, hats, and gloves to stay warm while sleeping outside. I have heard that many of my friends and family are interested in donating to help supply some of these much needed items to my patients. I am so thankful that you are considering to do so. These patients mean the world to me and it is very difficult to see them with close to frost bitten hands and feet, freezing outside without a place to go. Anything you could provide would be greatly appreciated! If you have any questions or concerns about the donation or the services we provide, do not hesitate to contact me.