The cold weather has really set in, and I imagine many of you have heard about or seen in person how desperate the situation is for people without housing in many parts of Vermont, especially Burlington. The state government is now allowing people to seek shelter overnight in motels. But they will only open up units when the forecast predicts temperatures below 20°F or when there is precipitation expected for more than 3 hours overnight. Is it really much easier to sleep outside at 22° than at 19°? Even when the motels are opened up, it is inevitable that some people will miss out and have to stay outside on the colder nights. Needless to say, many people will be looking for warmth any way they can in order to survive this winter.

Ann and I are putting the word out for anyone who has extra blankets, sleeping bags, tents, heavy coats, ski pants, gloves, boots, mittens, or heavy socks that we are ready to pass these things on directly to people on the streets in Burlington. We will be collecting items in Moore Park on Saturday, November 25th, from 12-2pm. Please consider dropping off appropriate items that day. (Please note: The immediate critical need is for heavier, more insulated items. We have found that lighter weight items are not needed as much this time of year.)

While state and municipal officials struggle to figure out how to address the systemic problems that are causing the strife we see, an offer of warm cover or clothing could help someone make it through cold nights so they might be able to get the long term help they really need. Your help will not go unappreciated. I've seen excitement and heard many thanks from someone who finds just the right size warm layer to help them through the next day.

If anyone has something to share but can't make it to us on the 25th, please email to arrange an alternate drop-off. We will try to get items out there throughout the winter.

Thank you for your support.

Event Info

Nov 28, 2024, 8:30 to 10:30 AM

Dec 1, 2024, 6 to 8:30 PM

Dec 5, 2024, 12 to 7:30 PM