Shed surplus stuff to get homeless in gear for winter

By Dan MacArthur
North Forty News

Got gear that's only getting in the way? Consider donating it to those who could really use it, especially with winter on its way.

Homeless Gear is a Fort Collins-based, nonprofit agency dedicated to gathering unwanted outdoor gear and distributing it to homeless individuals and families across Colorado.

"We're primarily focused on things the homeless are not provided by other agencies," said Ken John. He founded Homeless Gear last year after selling his successful athletic mat business and going into retirement for "maybe one month."

While organizations already are in place to provide the homeless with vital services such as shelter, medical care, food, clothing and substance-abuse assistance, John identified a gap to be filled by observing homeless people toting all their possessions in shopping bags or grocery carts. He realized that backpacks, in particular, would make a world of difference in allowing them to store, organize and transport their property.

In addition to packs of all sizes, John said there was an obvious need for sleeping bags, sleeping pads, small tents, boots, coats and other such gear for those exposed to the elements.

"In the winter months we're talking about survival in some cases," John said.

Overnight shelter space is limited, he noted, and some are turned away because of drug or alcohol abuse. And even if they have overnight shelter, John said, homeless people typically spend much of the day outside in the snow and cold and are sorely in need of some comfort.

Other common household items universally needed by the homeless regardless of where they're living also are sought. That includes blankets, batteries, bike locks, duct tape, sewing kits and an array of other items listed on Homeless Gear's web site, www.HomelessGear.com.

John said the organization is working with the full range of homeless and the near-homeless of all ages. "The need is all across," he said. "Unfortunately in this economy need is growing ever greater."

There's a false public perception that most homeless people are single men, John said, although more than 60 percent of the homeless population are families with children who need special attention to remain healthy and stay in school.

In Colorado, according to John, the average homeless person is age 9. He said more than 700 children in the Poudre School District are considered homeless.

Homeless Gear depends on word of mouth for attracting donations to a network of drop-off sites across the state. In addition to individual contributions of gear, John said this grassroots effort also offers a great opportunity for businesses, service clubs, or church and scout groups to organize a gear drive.

Tax-deductible cash donations also are welcome. As an all-volunteer entity, the full amount of the donation will go toward purchasing gear at bargain prices. Mail checks to the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado, 4745 Wheaton Drive, Suite 100, Fort Collins CO 80525. Note Homeless Gear in the memo section. Credit card donations also can be made through e-commerce partner Blacktie-Colorado, accessible through the web site.

Fort Collins drop-off sites follow:

• The Murphy Center for Hope, 242 Conifer St., 494-9940, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• High Plains Scuba Center at 115 W. Harvard, 493-8562, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
• REI Fort Collins, 4025 S. College, 223-0123. Volunteers from Homeless Gear will be available in front of the store from noon to 4 p.m. on the first Saturday of every month to receive donations and answer questions. Gear donations at any other time should be directed to the other two locations.

In Loveland, gear can be dropped off here:

• Loveland Coffee, 620 E. 29th St., 278-1221, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. A drop box is located within the shop.
• Sportsman's Warehouse, 1675 Rocky Mountain Way.

Those with large amounts of gear also can drop it off directly at one of the Homeless Gear warehouses. Call 970-581-4921 to make arrangements.

When dropping off gear, let the staff at these locations know that the donations are for Homeless Gear. Because of safety concerns, knives and flammable items such as stoves and lanterns cannot be accepted. Pickups may be scheduled on a limited basis by contacting John.

For a complete list of needed items or drop-off sites, refer to website at www.HomelessGear.com. For questions call John at 970-581-4921 or e-mail him at Ken@HomelessGear.com.

Gear distribution centers include:

• The Murphy Center for Hope, 242 Conifer St.
• The Hostel of Hospitality at The Mission, 460 Linden Center Drive
• Mary's Closet at St. Josephs, 101 N. Howes St.
• The Matthews House, 726 Matthews St.
• The Open Door Mission, 316 Jefferson St.
• The Larimer Center for Mental Health, 525 W. Oak St.
• Vineyard Resource Center's Ravens Cafe, 1133 Riverside Ave. Suite F
• Northeast TASC, 2310 E. Prospect Road, Suite C
• The Salvation Army, 3901 S. Mason St.
• Diakonos of Fort Collins and Loveland