Christine's Blankets, Inc.

Christine's Blankets serves the homeless currently in 6 Florida counties. We began in 2019 with just a few blankets given in our local town near Daytona Beach.

So many are afraid to go to soup kitchens or shelters. Or they just know where these resources are located. We meet them right where they are.

Plus, the faces and ages of homelessness is changing.

Within the last year or so we have seen the population of homelessness increased drastically. It has grown in two specific areas that quite honestly saddens us deeply.

One is the retired elderly individuals. Can you imagine working your entire life only to find that you can no longer afford to live in your home? Many are finding themselves living in their vehicles. There's a big difference between doing this because you want to and doing it because that's all your social security will cover.

The other age group is those under 18. Both single parent families and groups. Aside from car camping we're also seeing families in tents at campgrounds.

*In an article published January 25th 2023 titled "Homelessness in America 2023 Statistics, Analysis & Trends", a 2022 overview states that there has been a 5% increase in women and girls who are now homeless since 2019. More than one quarter of the American homeless population now consists of families with children.

Some states have even seen their population double!

Florida, (where Christine's blankets is established), is now one of the top five states with the largest homeless population.

Unfortunately, the largest growing population of homeless people is now senior citizens! (A quick Google search will confirm)

On October 16th 2019 one of those elderly individuals, my 67 year old mother, who was sleeping on a bench, was murdered. The man who took her said he thought she had his blanket.

My mom was mentally ill and unmedicated. The man who took her life is mentally ill and unmedicated.

Both were homeless.

Although our family had tried countless times to get her the medical attention she desperately needed, our hands were tied due to patient rights and not being able to get her declared incompetent.

The other family expressed the same frustrations. (Not being able to deem them incompetent and the constant cycles).

Within months following Christine's death, we began a nonprofit that provides blankets and other essentials to the homeless.

What we do is because of what we've learned from my mother. Because of her illness she would usually avoid places where she could get help. She trusted very few people. And usually that trust was short lived. When she sought help, that too was short lived.

So, Christine's Blankets meets the need, right where they are, wherever they are. We drive around looking for the homeless. We also deliver to places we know groups of them will be, including soup kitchens and shelters. That includes shelters for families and veterans.

We are currently traveling within 6 large counties in Florida. On occasion, even out of the state!

We've been using our family vehicle for years now. It's really time for Christine's Blankets to have it's own delivery vehicle.

So, it's time to share our vision with you and make it happen together!

We envisioned a Mobile Love Unit that works like an ice cream truck! The items we have in the unit will be served through a service window just like ice cream or food truck. There will be a "menu" displayed with what we have in stock. Blankets, socks, sunscreen, toiletries, basic first aid items, feminine napkins, wipes, ponchos, Bibles, water and so much more. All items are of course free.

We've done some research and believe we can purchase a good used cargo van for anywhere between 4k to 6k. Additional funds would be needed to create the service window, (if not already included), secure shelving, painting or logos, (so they recognize us!) and any repairs up on purchase.

Want to join us in making a difference?

Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause.

More information about Christine's Blankets, Inc.: Our mission is to provide comfort to the homeless by providing blankets and other essential items such as knit hats, socks, flip flops, sunscreen, hygiene items, and water with the help of the generosity of supporters.

More information can be found at our website or Facebook page

Christinesblankets.org

*Credits: Homelessness in America: Statistics, Analysis and Trends. Published January 25th 2023. Written by Security.org Team