The Coalition for the Homeless conducted our annual Street Count the week of February 21, relying on outreach professionals. Thanks to the many donors who provided hats, gloves, backpacks, handwarmers, and other necessities!
Every winter, people reach out to the Coalition for the Homeless to offer donations and support for people experiencing homelessness during our coldest months. And while we frequently refer Louisvillians back to partner agencies, this year, we wanted to provide a more helpful guide.
The truth is that these organizations—nonprofits, grassroots outreach groups, and others who serve people living on the streets and in shelters—often have very specific needs for the people they serve. They know which specific supplies they need, and how much space they have to store things, and when they will need volunteers. So we put together this list, with the goal of guiding Louisvillians eager to help the people in our community in the ways that are most critical this winter.
In addition to these volunteer opportunities and items needed, you can also help us to advocate for people living in poverty and experiencing homelessness. To get on our email list with these opportunities, click here.
The Coalition’s Single Point of Entry office also needs these items (new only please) which can be dropped off at 1300 S. Fourth St #250 during regular business hours:
Gloves
Hats
Scarves
Hand and food warmers
Fire extinguishers
To make a gift to the Coalition, click here.
If you are a partner of the Coalition for the Homeless and would like to be added to this list, please email your information to Melissa Raley at mraley@louhomeless.org.
[one_third]
Items Needed: Winter coats, clothes, and shoes for our foster youth (all genders, ages 18-21)
Contact info for donating items: Alan Gomez agomez@boyshaven.org or esanchez@boyshaven.org, 502-819-3391
Contact info for volunteering: Alan Gomez – agomez@boyshaven.org
[divider]
Coalition Supporting Young Adults
Items Needed: soap, socks, coats, feminine hygiene products, disinfectant wipes, deodorant
Contact info for donating items: Darryl Young, Jr. at dyoung@csyalouisville.org or 502-290-6121 ext 471
Volunteer opportunities: Helping organize donation inventory
Contact info for volunteering: Darryl Young, Jr. at dyoung@csyalouisville.org or 502-290-6121 ext 471
[divider]
Feed Louisville was founded at the beginning of the pandemic by Chef Rhona Kamar of Prana and Ramsi’s Cafe on the World and Donny Greene, a seasoned outreach volunteer who has been working in solidarity with people experiencing homelessness in our community for years.
For current volunteer needs, see https://www.feedlouisville.org/volunteer.html.
Click here for information on the 2021 Winter Survive Drive, including drop-off information. To donate items, see their Amazon wish list.
[divider]
Items Needed: pantry items (non-perishable food and snacks), laundry detergent, paper towels, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, feminine hygiene products, diapers (all sizes but mainly 3, 4, 5, 3t-4t), school supplies
Contact info for donating items: Madison Wolf: MWolf@FamilyScholarHouse.org
Volunteer opportunities: virtual career opportunities (career conversations, resume review); sorting and organizing Linda’s closet (professional clothing closet); hosting a donation drive; writing encouragement cards to our scholars
Contact info for volunteering: Madison Wolf: MWolf@FamilyScholarHouse.org
[divider]
Items Needed: Kitchen Supplies – pots, pans, and cooking utensils
Contact info for donating items: Joe Hamilton: jhamilton@homeoftheinnocents.org, (502) 596-1323
Volunteer opportunities: We can always use more volunteers for our Life Skills classes
Contact info for volunteering: Joe Hamilton, jhamilton@homeoftheinnocents.org, (502) 596-1323
[divider]
Items Needed: New hats and gloves for adults. New socks and underwear for adults. All sizes. Rain ponchos. Travel size umbrellas.
Contact info for donating items: Lara Hurt, lhurt@houseofruth.net
[divider]
NuLease Medical Solutions/NuLease Outreach
Items Needed: blankets, sleeping bags, tarps, tents, flashlights, batteries, hand/feet warmers, thermal socks, sterno, propane, gloves, solar-powered battery packs, snack packs, hygiene products, baby wipes, foot powder, backpacks
Contact info for donating items: Tiny Herron, tiny.herron@nulease.com, 502-338-1025
Volunteer opportunities: Holiday meal prep
Contact info for volunteering: Tiny Herron, tiny.herron@nulease.com, 502-338-1025
[divider]
Phoenix Health Center of Family Health Centers
Items Needed: Toiletries, sleeping bags, backpacks, socks, ponchos, gloves, winter hats/beanies, sweatshirts / sweatpants (new), underwear (new), blankets
Contact info for donating items: Andy Patterson, apatterson@fhclouisville.org, 502-569-1670
Volunteer opportunities: NA
Contact info for volunteering: N/A
[divider]
[/one_third]
[one_third]Re:Center Ministries
Items Needed: Winter hats, gloves, socks (men’s and women’s), underwear (men’s and women’s), blankets, coats, hygiene products
Contact info for donating items: Becca Miller, becca@recenterministries.org, 502.584.6543 ext. 101
Volunteer opportunities: donation drives, meal prep/donation
Contact info for volunteering: Becca Miller, becca@recenterministries.org, 502.584.6543 ext. 101
[divider]
Items Needed: toiletries, all cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer, masks
Contact info for donating items: Mona Page, rhondahouse710@att.net
Volunteer opportunities: Check website for time-specific volunteer opportunities: www.rhondasanotherchance.org
Contact info for volunteering: Mona Page, rhondahouse710@att.net
[divider]
Items Needed: coats for men and women (particularly XL, 2x, 3x, 4x), hoodies or sweatshirts, new underwear (men’s and women’s)
Contact info for donating items: debra.bellis@uss.salvationarmy.org, 671-4926
Volunteer opportunities: serving in the kitchen, helping with Angel Tree, Red Kettle bell ringing
Contact info for volunteering: jeremy.warf@uss.salvationarmy.org, 671-4920
[divider]
Items Needed: men’s/women’s socks, men’s/women’s rubber boots, tarps, tents
Contact info for donating items: Andrea Keith, akeith@sevencounties.org, 502-802-4257
Contact info for volunteering: Andrea Keith, akeith@sevencounties.org, 502-802-4257
[divider]
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Items Needed: Twin/Single size air mattress, blankets, pillows, twin sized sheets, toiletries, hoodies, tennis shoes (size 10 and larger), towels, socks, men’s underwear (new), gloves for all ages, hats for all ages but especially men’s winter hats, cleaning supplies
Contact info for donating items: Rich Flaherty – rflaherty@svdplou.org
Volunteer opportunities: Serving Lunch (Noon) or Dinner (5pm) at the Open Hand Kitchen, Tutoring (M-T 4:00 – 6:00), Food Pantry (Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 – 12:00), help parents navigate the Santa Shop and find gifts for their children on Dec 11th and 12th (sign up here)
Contact info for volunteering: Donna Young – dyoung@svdplou.org
[divider]
St. John Center for Homeless Men
Items Needed: new white crew men’s socks, new hats and gloves, new men’s underwear
Contact info for donating items: Jim Fulkerson, jfulkerson@stjohncenter.org, 502-398-3505
Volunteer opportunities: Two-hour weekly or bi-weekly volunteers shifts in the shelter
Contact info for volunteering: Shannon Frey, sfrey@stjohncenter.org, 502-901-5851
[divider]
[/one_third][one_third_last]Sweet Evening Breeze
Items Needed: Clothing, toiletries, socks, jackets,
Contact info for donating items: Glenn Martin / glenn.martin@sweeteveningbreeze.org / 502-690-4003
Contact info for volunteering: Glenn Martin / glenn.martin@sweeteveningbreeze.org / 502-690-4003
[divider]
Uniting Partners for Women and Children (UP)
Items Needed: backpacks, small fleece blankets (easy to transport), hoodies, leggings
Contact info for donating items: Ana Paliza-Brown, ana@uplouisville.org, 502.384.0001
Volunteer opportunities: in shelter assisting with mail, phones, and supporting staff with supplies and individual needs
Contact info for volunteering: Ana Paliza-Brown, ana@uplouisville.org, 502.384.0001
[divider]
Volunteers of America Mid-States
Items Needed: coats (all sizes) twin bedding, towels, pillows, diapers, wipes, laundry pods,
Contact info for donating items: Tamara Reif – tamarar@voamid.org
Volunteer opportunities: wrapping at Christmas time
Contact info for volunteering: Tamara Reif – tamarar@voamid.org
[divider]
Items Needed: Adult-sized Hats, Socks, Gloves, NEW underwear (men’s and women’s), gift cards to Target, Kroger or Walgreens ($5 or $10 increments preferred)
Contact info for donating items: Kim Johnson / Kim.Johnson@WellspringKY.org / 502.753.1453
Volunteer opportunities: Assembling gifts for distribution or outdoor landscaping
Contact info for volunteering: Kim Johnson / Kim.Johnson@WellspringKY.org / 502.753.1453
[divider]
Items Needed: new or gently used winter clothing for young men and women (age 18 to 24)
Contact info for donating items: 502.635.5233
Volunteer opportunities: Serve as a mentor and positive role model for young people with incarcerated parents.
Contact info for volunteering: Brittany Leon – ynowvolunteers@ymcalouisville.org – 502.635.4393
[divider]
Items Needed: Personal care kits, gloves, hats, blankets (new), new shelves for supply storage
Contact info for donating items: Amber Love, alove@yblky.org, (502) 290-6121
Volunteer opportunities: Organizing donations, developing furniture storage
Contact info for volunteering: Evie Schuster, volunteer@yblky.org, (502) 290-6121
[divider]
Items Needed: infant formula, cleaning supplies, masks, breast pumps, printer paper
Contact info for donating items: Shemika Whiteside, shemika.whiteside@zorascradle.org, 502-830-9460
Volunteer opportunities: We would love volunteers that can assist with organizing our milk bank (i.e. tracking inventory, labeling items)
Contact info for volunteering: Shemika Whiteside, shemika.whiteside@zorascradle.org, 502-830-9460
[/one_third_last]
Every winter, people reach out to the Coalition for the Homeless to offer donations and support for people experiencing homelessness during our coldest months. And while we frequently refer Louisvillians back to partner agencies, this year, we wanted to provide a more helpful guide.
The truth is that these organizations—nonprofits, grassroots outreach groups, and others who serve people living on the streets and in shelters—often have very specific needs for the people they serve. They know which specific supplies they need, and how much space they have to store things, and when they will need volunteers. So we put together this list, with the goal of guiding Louisvillians eager to help the people in our community in the ways that are most critical this winter.
In addition to these volunteer opportunities and items needed, you can also help us to advocate for people living in poverty and experiencing homelessness. To get on our email list with these opportunities, click here.
The Coalition’s Single Point of Entry office also needs these items (new only please) which can be dropped off at 1300 S. Fourth St #250 during regular business hours:
Gloves
Hats
Scarves
Hand and food warmers
Fire extinguishers
To make a gift to the Coalition, click here.
If you are a partner of the Coalition for the Homeless and would like to be added to this list, please email your information to Melissa Raley at mraley@louhomeless.org.
[one_third]
Items Needed: Winter coats, clothes, and shoes for our foster youth (all genders, ages 18-21)
Contact info for donating items: Alan Gomez agomez@boyshaven.org or esanchez@boyshaven.org, 502-819-3391
Contact info for volunteering: Alan Gomez – agomez@boyshaven.org
[divider]
Coalition Supporting Young Adults
Items Needed: soap, socks, coats, feminine hygiene products, disinfectant wipes, deodorant
Contact info for donating items: Darryl Young, Jr. at dyoung@csyalouisville.org or 502-290-6121 ext 471
Volunteer opportunities: Helping organize donation inventory
Contact info for volunteering: Darryl Young, Jr. at dyoung@csyalouisville.org or 502-290-6121 ext 471
[divider]
Feed Louisville was founded at the beginning of the pandemic by Chef Rhona Kamar of Prana and Ramsi’s Cafe on the World and Donny Greene, a seasoned outreach volunteer who has been working in solidarity with people experiencing homelessness in our community for years.
For current volunteer needs, see https://www.feedlouisville.org/volunteer.html.
Click here for information on the 2021 Winter Survive Drive, including drop-off information. To donate items, see their Amazon wish list.
[divider]
Items Needed: pantry items (non-perishable food and snacks), laundry detergent, paper towels, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, feminine hygiene products, diapers (all sizes but mainly 3, 4, 5, 3t-4t), school supplies
Contact info for donating items: Madison Wolf: MWolf@FamilyScholarHouse.org
Volunteer opportunities: virtual career opportunities (career conversations, resume review); sorting and organizing Linda’s closet (professional clothing closet); hosting a donation drive; writing encouragement cards to our scholars
Contact info for volunteering: Madison Wolf: MWolf@FamilyScholarHouse.org
[divider]
Items Needed: Kitchen Supplies – pots, pans, and cooking utensils
Contact info for donating items: Joe Hamilton: jhamilton@homeoftheinnocents.org, (502) 596-1323
Volunteer opportunities: We can always use more volunteers for our Life Skills classes
Contact info for volunteering: Joe Hamilton, jhamilton@homeoftheinnocents.org, (502) 596-1323
[divider]
Items Needed: New hats and gloves for adults. New socks and underwear for adults. All sizes. Rain ponchos. Travel size umbrellas.
Contact info for donating items: Lara Hurt, lhurt@houseofruth.net
[divider]
NuLease Medical Solutions/NuLease Outreach
Items Needed: blankets, sleeping bags, tarps, tents, flashlights, batteries, hand/feet warmers, thermal socks, sterno, propane, gloves, solar-powered battery packs, snack packs, hygiene products, baby wipes, foot powder, backpacks
Contact info for donating items: Tiny Herron, tiny.herron@nulease.com, 502-338-1025
Volunteer opportunities: Holiday meal prep
Contact info for volunteering: Tiny Herron, tiny.herron@nulease.com, 502-338-1025
[divider]
Phoenix Health Center of Family Health Centers
Items Needed: Toiletries, sleeping bags, backpacks, socks, ponchos, gloves, winter hats/beanies, sweatshirts / sweatpants (new), underwear (new), blankets
Contact info for donating items: Andy Patterson, apatterson@fhclouisville.org, 502-569-1670
Volunteer opportunities: NA
Contact info for volunteering: N/A
[divider]
[/one_third]
[one_third]Re:Center Ministries
Items Needed: Winter hats, gloves, socks (men’s and women’s), underwear (men’s and women’s), blankets, coats, hygiene products
Contact info for donating items: Becca Miller, becca@recenterministries.org, 502.584.6543 ext. 101
Volunteer opportunities: donation drives, meal prep/donation
Contact info for volunteering: Becca Miller, becca@recenterministries.org, 502.584.6543 ext. 101
[divider]
Items Needed: toiletries, all cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer, masks
Contact info for donating items: Mona Page, rhondahouse710@att.net
Volunteer opportunities: Check website for time-specific volunteer opportunities: www.rhondasanotherchance.org
Contact info for volunteering: Mona Page, rhondahouse710@att.net
[divider]
Items Needed: coats for men and women (particularly XL, 2x, 3x, 4x), hoodies or sweatshirts, new underwear (men’s and women’s)
Contact info for donating items: debra.bellis@uss.salvationarmy.org, 671-4926
Volunteer opportunities: serving in the kitchen, helping with Angel Tree, Red Kettle bell ringing
Contact info for volunteering: jeremy.warf@uss.salvationarmy.org, 671-4920
[divider]
Items Needed: men’s/women’s socks, men’s/women’s rubber boots, tarps, tents
Contact info for donating items: Andrea Keith, akeith@sevencounties.org, 502-802-4257
Contact info for volunteering: Andrea Keith, akeith@sevencounties.org, 502-802-4257
[divider]
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Items Needed: Twin/Single size air mattress, blankets, pillows, twin sized sheets, toiletries, hoodies, tennis shoes (size 10 and larger), towels, socks, men’s underwear (new), gloves for all ages, hats for all ages but especially men’s winter hats, cleaning supplies
Contact info for donating items: Rich Flaherty – rflaherty@svdplou.org
Volunteer opportunities: Serving Lunch (Noon) or Dinner (5pm) at the Open Hand Kitchen, Tutoring (M-T 4:00 – 6:00), Food Pantry (Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 – 12:00), help parents navigate the Santa Shop and find gifts for their children on Dec 11th and 12th (sign up here)
Contact info for volunteering: Donna Young – dyoung@svdplou.org
[divider]
S.O.U.L. Clinic of Kentuckiana
Items Needed: TARC Passes, toiletries, laundry detergent, back packs, hand sanitizer, prepackaged snacks, socks.
Contact info for donating items: dustin.cox@soulclinicofkentuckiana.org
Volunteer opportunities: multiple opportunities available at: https://www.soulclinicofkentuckiana.org/volunteer
Contact info for volunteering: dustin.cox@soulclinicofkentuckiana.org
[divider]
St. John Center for Homeless Men
Items Needed: new white crew men’s socks, new hats and gloves, new men’s underwear
Contact info for donating items: Jim Fulkerson, jfulkerson@stjohncenter.org, 502-398-3505
Volunteer opportunities: Two-hour weekly or bi-weekly volunteers shifts in the shelter
Contact info for volunteering: Shannon Frey, sfrey@stjohncenter.org, 502-901-5851
[divider]
[/one_third][one_third_last]Sweet Evening Breeze
Items Needed: Clothing, toiletries, socks, jackets,
Contact info for donating items: Glenn Martin / glenn.martin@sweeteveningbreeze.org / 502-690-4003
Contact info for volunteering: Glenn Martin / glenn.martin@sweeteveningbreeze.org / 502-690-4003
[divider]
Uniting Partners for Women and Children (UP)
Items Needed: backpacks, small fleece blankets (easy to transport), hoodies, leggings
Contact info for donating items: Ana Paliza-Brown, ana@uplouisville.org, 502.384.0001
Volunteer opportunities: in shelter assisting with mail, phones, and supporting staff with supplies and individual needs
Contact info for volunteering: Ana Paliza-Brown, ana@uplouisville.org, 502.384.0001
[divider]
Volunteers of America Mid-States
Items Needed: coats (all sizes) twin bedding, towels, pillows, diapers, wipes, laundry pods,
Contact info for donating items: Tamara Reif – tamarar@voamid.org
Volunteer opportunities: wrapping at Christmas time
Contact info for volunteering: Tamara Reif – tamarar@voamid.org
[divider]
Items Needed: Adult-sized Hats, Socks, Gloves, NEW underwear (men’s and women’s), gift cards to Target, Kroger or Walgreens ($5 or $10 increments preferred)
Contact info for donating items: Kim Johnson / Kim.Johnson@WellspringKY.org / 502.753.1453
Volunteer opportunities: Assembling gifts for distribution or outdoor landscaping
Contact info for volunteering: Kim Johnson / Kim.Johnson@WellspringKY.org / 502.753.1453
[divider]
Items Needed: new or gently used winter clothing for young men and women (age 18 to 24)
Contact info for donating items: 502.635.5233
Volunteer opportunities: Serve as a mentor and positive role model for young people with incarcerated parents.
Contact info for volunteering: Brittany Leon – ynowvolunteers@ymcalouisville.org – 502.635.4393
[divider]
Items Needed: Personal care kits, gloves, hats, blankets (new), new shelves for supply storage
Contact info for donating items: Amber Love, alove@yblky.org, (502) 290-6121
Volunteer opportunities: Organizing donations, developing furniture storage
Contact info for volunteering: Evie Schuster, volunteer@yblky.org, (502) 290-6121
[divider]
Items Needed: infant formula, cleaning supplies, masks, breast pumps, printer paper
Contact info for donating items: Shemika Whiteside, shemika.whiteside@zorascradle.org, 502-830-9460
Volunteer opportunities: We would love volunteers that can assist with organizing our milk bank (i.e. tracking inventory, labeling items)
Contact info for volunteering: Shemika Whiteside, shemika.whiteside@zorascradle.org, 502-830-9460
[/one_third_last]