When homeless shelters reach their capacity, many folks are turned away and have no place to go. Shelters can actually get fined thousands of dollars for exceeding their capacity limit. The people that are turned away create these campsites in the woods, and build their own supportive community.

I was invited to visit this camp by Jay Herriott, the founder of The 25th Project. Jay has been preparing and donating meals to the homeless since 2002. He began by donating a meal to the homeless on Thanksgiving and Christmas, and now frequently donates meals and supplies year round. Rather than only helping out on December 25th, they organize a giving event on the 25th of every month. On Christmas Day of this year, they were able to donate 144 meals!

It was a cold and snowy morning on our way to the camp, with temperatures in the upper 30s. When we got to the camp, I was more shocked than anything else. I couldn’t believe that human beings were living outside every day in these freezing temperatures.

Jay and his friends prepared 2 big containers of chili, and we had ourselves a nice lunch with the residents in the camp. I brought them 12 fleece scarves and 17 winter hats, which were very well received.

It was really great getting to meet Jay and the residents in the camp. One man that I met has been living in the woods for the past 4 years. Most of the residents are older, with a few younger residents in their 20′s. Many are looking for work, while a few of the folks have jobs, and take a bus to work and back to the woods.

Escaping the cycle of homelessness is extremely difficult. For the folks in the camp that have jobs, the pay is not enough to afford them a roof over their heads. With very limited electricity, no running water, no place to store and refrigerate food, they are constantly on the hunt for new sources of food. Imagine yourself living in these conditions while trying to get back on your feet.

How You Can Help

We need more people like Jay in the world, who are helping these people get back on track. We need you! Join Jay and the folks at The 25th Project to make a difference: Email them at info@the25thproject.org to get started!

I recently visited Bright Beginnings, a nationally-accredited child and family development center in Washington DC that offers a bright start for homeless infants, toddlers and preschoolers and their families. Bright Beginnings serves children whose families are living in crisis shelters or transitional housing.

I brought the children 48 winter hats, 48 winter gloves, and 24 fleece scarves.

Crystal gave me a tour of the whole place, and introduced me to the children. I had so much fun playing legos with them. They were so cute! I plan on visiting again soon and bringing more winter clothing.

Volunteer at Bright Beginnings! If you’re interested in volunteering or donating, email Crystal to get started! Here are a few links with more information:

Volunteer Opportunities
Donation List
About Bright Beginnings

Width: 10″
Length: 66″ + 3″ fringe on both ends.

Made in USA

We brought them 30 of our winter hats and 10 pairs of our winter gloves.

“Thrive DC began in 1979 as the Dinner Program for Homeless Women, as a response to the first major wave of homelessness on the streets of downtown Washington, DC.  Over time, the program began serving morning meals to homeless men and women, created a job training program, and introduced case management and educational programming.”

We first met with Carl, the volunteer coordinator, who gave us a tour. If you’d like to volunteer at ThriveDC, send Carl an email, they have many volunteer opportunities.

We then met with Chef Terrance to help him prepare a Thanksgiving meal for their guests.

Pat was an expert pie-cutter. We also served plates of food for their guests.

Watch this video to learn more about the important work that ThriveDC is doing:

This hat is a tribute to the legendary basketball coach, Red Auerbach.

Made in USA

Made with recycled fibers and yarns

• $4 Flat Rate shipping on all orders
• 9 inches in height
• One size fits all

Length: 60 inches
Width: 10 inches

Available in Black, Navy, and Red.

Made in USA

Made in USA

Features our new Twice As Warm label on the edge of the cuff.

Made in USA

This hat is named after Mark Horvath (@HardlyNormal on twitter), the founder of InvisiblePeople.tv, an organization dedicated to changing the way we think about people experiencing homelessness.

Made in USA

Made from recycled fibers and yarns

• $4 Flat Rate Shipping on any size order
• 9 inches in height
• One size fits all

Embroidered and sewn locally in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

• 100% combed ring-spun cotton
• top-stitched ribbed collar
• double-needle hemmed sleeves and bottom
• softly shaped for a classic feminine fit