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Every year for the last 8 years when the weather gets colder, I run an initiative to get warm gear for the homeless. This year, I feel examples of kindness are needed more than ever, so I am hoping that with your help we can surpass previous years.
This initiative started with merino wool hiking socks and beanies when I was paying for everything myself and then expanded to sleeping bags and jackets when I started getting donations from others through crowdfunding. This year, I will be completing this effort in the Grass Valley/Nevada City area, where cold temperatures are a very real threat. In fact, several years ago one of our homeless died of exposure after his gear was seized.
I ask you to consider that even though some of the homeless can be brash or even participate in criminal activity, that these people represent only a portion of the homeless population. The homeless are as diverse as any group of people, and many do not ask for handouts. Please understand that many of the homeless are mentally ill and cannot function well in society. There is not enough funding to keep them institutionalized. The more we ignore them, the more they become isolated and victimized by their own psychological woes. Many others lost their jobs and got priced out of their living situations with no family to help. Others still, are traumatized and disabled veterans of the military. Further, recent research has shown that making the homeless comfortable first actually helps them to more easily overcome problems such as drug and alcohol addiction, which are often used as alternative means of comfort and escape from their predicament. These gifts are intended to provide a base level of comfort and to offer hope to a population that too often feels invisible to the rest of us.
These donations are given as gifts. I personally hand them out. I listen to these peoples’ stories. I expect nothing from them in return, but when they ask what they can do for me, which is a common request, I ask them to find a neglected piece of land and pick up trash. The huge majority of the time, these gifts are met with immense gratitude, and often a brief moment of disbelief. People have wept in gratitude upon receiving them.
If you can’t afford to give to this campaign, but like the idea of service, I ask that you share this campaign and find your own creative way to give back to the community. If you do, however, please ensure your approach is safe and responsible. I also would like to thank everyone ahead of time for their donations. Some people have a tendency to sing praises for this work I do. Though I appreciate the gratitude, I would be far happier if you could take that energy and apply yourself toward service. I consider the work contributors do every day of their lives that enables their donation to be just as vital as my work organizing this campaign and handing out these gifts. It is the donations that make this possible. Giving in this way is something I love to do. Praises are not needed, participation is.
Below, I have listed out some options for giving. If I receive donations that are at the price points listed below or a sum of a number of items below, I will purchase and give the gifts according to your donation. Thank you very much for your participation, in whatever capacity you are able to give.
Approximate Pricing:
Fleece Hat - $11-$15
4 Pair of Merino Wool Hiking Socks - $12
Weather Resistant Jacket - $30-$50
Cold Weather Sleeping Bag - $50
Please note that if I can find gear of sufficient quality at lower prices, I will, and any remaining funds will be used for additional gear. Receipts of purchases will be posted.
Thank you very much for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Jesse Hoffmann
This initiative started with merino wool hiking socks and beanies when I was paying for everything myself and then expanded to sleeping bags and jackets when I started getting donations from others through crowdfunding. This year, I will be completing this effort in the Grass Valley/Nevada City area, where cold temperatures are a very real threat. In fact, several years ago one of our homeless died of exposure after his gear was seized.
I ask you to consider that even though some of the homeless can be brash or even participate in criminal activity, that these people represent only a portion of the homeless population. The homeless are as diverse as any group of people, and many do not ask for handouts. Please understand that many of the homeless are mentally ill and cannot function well in society. There is not enough funding to keep them institutionalized. The more we ignore them, the more they become isolated and victimized by their own psychological woes. Many others lost their jobs and got priced out of their living situations with no family to help. Others still, are traumatized and disabled veterans of the military. Further, recent research has shown that making the homeless comfortable first actually helps them to more easily overcome problems such as drug and alcohol addiction, which are often used as alternative means of comfort and escape from their predicament. These gifts are intended to provide a base level of comfort and to offer hope to a population that too often feels invisible to the rest of us.
These donations are given as gifts. I personally hand them out. I listen to these peoples’ stories. I expect nothing from them in return, but when they ask what they can do for me, which is a common request, I ask them to find a neglected piece of land and pick up trash. The huge majority of the time, these gifts are met with immense gratitude, and often a brief moment of disbelief. People have wept in gratitude upon receiving them.
If you can’t afford to give to this campaign, but like the idea of service, I ask that you share this campaign and find your own creative way to give back to the community. If you do, however, please ensure your approach is safe and responsible. I also would like to thank everyone ahead of time for their donations. Some people have a tendency to sing praises for this work I do. Though I appreciate the gratitude, I would be far happier if you could take that energy and apply yourself toward service. I consider the work contributors do every day of their lives that enables their donation to be just as vital as my work organizing this campaign and handing out these gifts. It is the donations that make this possible. Giving in this way is something I love to do. Praises are not needed, participation is.
Below, I have listed out some options for giving. If I receive donations that are at the price points listed below or a sum of a number of items below, I will purchase and give the gifts according to your donation. Thank you very much for your participation, in whatever capacity you are able to give.
Approximate Pricing:
Fleece Hat - $11-$15
4 Pair of Merino Wool Hiking Socks - $12
Weather Resistant Jacket - $30-$50
Cold Weather Sleeping Bag - $50
Please note that if I can find gear of sufficient quality at lower prices, I will, and any remaining funds will be used for additional gear. Receipts of purchases will be posted.
Thank you very much for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Jesse Hoffmann