Winter Kits for Those Experiencing Homelessness

My name is William Spry, and I am a Life Scout in BSA Troop 618 in Beaverton, Oregon. Part of achieving the highest rank in scouting, Eagle, is completing a service project. My project is making kits with supplies to help those experiencing homelessness during the winter in partnership with Portland's Blanchet House. As we have all seen in the past few winters, and even as I'm writing this with a snowstorm in April, Portland weather is unpredictable and changes frequently. This is a particularly bad situation for those experiencing homelessness because they have to sleep outside and bear the ever-changing elements. So they need supplies to get through this, and that is what my project aims to help supply. I will make as many kits as possible with winter supplies that cost about $15 per kit, not accounting for corporate donations of items I may get. These kits will be in large plastic bags to protect the contents from wet conditions. They contain a reusable rain poncho, an emergency blanket, hand warmers, a pair of warm but fast-drying socks, gloves or mittens, a hat, wrapped snacks, motivational messages, and possibly a few other items.

My goal is to make 150 kits, which is reflected by my total fundraising amount (including extra supplies I will need to organize volunteers). I will be fundraising until early August of this year and then assembling the kits in late August/early September with the help of volunteers from my troop. Then the kits will be stored and handed off to the Blanchet House for distribution in early/late November.

All proceeds in the form of kits will go to the Blanchet House. Extra funds will be given to them.