Cold weather is just around the corner, and we’re teaming up with Mountainside Gear Rental this year to make winter a tad warmer with the Second Annual Share the Warmth gear drive.
"There's a saying that homelessness is 'invisible' in the suburbs, but we're seeing that change in Jeffco," Debra Walsh, JCPL's social work coordinator, said. "Providers who work with people experiencing homelessness are finding more and more are families needing assistance. These families are often working, but just can't afford the rising housing costs."
Homelessness affects thousands of Jefferson County residents (McKinney-Vento Homeless Education, Colorado Department of Education). Our county has the third highest population of individuals experiencing homelessness in the state. Additionally, according to 2018 Point-In-Time survey results, more than 50 percent of these members of our community identify as being part of families with children under 18.
As you gear up for the change in seasons yourself, consider lending a helping hand to fellow Jeffco families and neighbors. There is a particular urgent need this year for child-sized gear and apparel. Drop off your new or gently used camping equipment or cold weather gear at any Jefferson County Public Library location or participating Jefferson County businesses Oct. 13 – 26. Or donate in person at Mountainside Gear Rental (15985 S Golden Rd A, Golden, CO 80401) on Saturday, Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. during their special giving event. Grab a burrito courtesy of Bonfire Burritos and chat with local service providers to see how your donations will be used. (Only donations made during the event are tax deductible. Receive a receipt when you drop off your gear.)
Your donated gear -- winter coats, sleeping bags, tents, shoes and other essentials -- has an immediate and positive impact on individuals, families and even children experiencing homelessness. And this year, with a predicted record-breaking-cold this winter and the closing of Jefferson County’s Action Center shelter, the need for such donations is even more critical.
“We are extremely nervous about this winter for our community members,” Simone Groene-Nieto, diversity and inclusion coordinator for JCPL said. “Donations this year may prove critical and even life-saving for this population.”
Make a difference in your community when you share the warmth this October. More information, including a list of drop-off locations, is available at mountainsidegearrental.com/share-the-warmth.
Share the Warmth was established in 2017 to benefit Heading Home, a collaboration of individuals, public-service and faith-based organizations from the community determined to end homelessness in Jefferson County. This year's partners also include Bonfire Burritos, Adroit Tattoo, Golden Chamber of Commerce and Walton & Young, Attorneys at Law.
