Mission:
The mission of Homeless Gear is a simple one. Collect unwanted outdoor gear (packs, sleeping bags, etc) and re-distribute these items to the homeless. Homeless Gear intends to find a home for all unwanted outdoor gear and make the outdoors a little more like home for those without permanent shelter.
Red, Sable (dog), Tammy and Rick receive two packs and a sleeping bag from Homeless Gear.
Why:
A segment of the homeless community can not gain entrance into overnight shelters because they have issues with drug or alcohol use. Even if they do find overnight shelter they have to spend the majority of their day outside in the elements. Imagine what a sleeping bag would do for someone forced to sleep or spend the day in their car or under a bridge.
A large percentage of the homeless move from one location to another and need a means of transporting and storing their personal belongings. A pack (any size) is perfect to help them organize, store, and transport their personal property. Cardboard boxes, shopping carts, and other similar containers simply don’t meet the needs of someone constantly on the move.
There are organizations already in place to provide the homeless with vital services such as shelter, medical care, food and substance abuse assistance. Boot and clothing drives are pretty common. We are not aware of any other organization that’s central focus is on obtaining outdoor gear for the homeless.