Every night, thousands of people across our region seek shelter from the cold in emergency facilities and transitional housing. Many arrive with nothing but the clothes on their backs, facing uncertainty about where they will sleep and whether they will be warm. Our Shelter Warmth program exists to answer that need with handmade blankets crafted with care by volunteers who believe that warmth is a fundamental human right.
Since launching in 2018, we have distributed over 14,000 blankets to more than 120 shelters throughout Portland and the greater Pacific Northwest. Each blanket is made from durable, hypoallergenic materials designed to withstand repeated washing while maintaining softness and warmth. More than just a blanket, each one carries a handwritten note of encouragement from the volunteer who made it, creating a personal connection between giver and receiver.
We partner with fabric suppliers and textile recyclers to source high-quality, hypoallergenic materials at reduced cost. Every bolt of fabric is inspected, pre-washed, and cut to standard blanket dimensions before distribution to volunteer sewing circles.
Our network of 45 sewing circles meets weekly in community centers, churches, and homes across the region. Experienced volunteers mentor newcomers, creating a community of care that extends far beyond the blankets themselves.
Every completed blanket undergoes a quality check to ensure durability and warmth standards are met. Blankets are then folded, sealed in protective packaging, and labeled with care instructions and the volunteer circle that created it.
Our distribution team coordinates with shelter managers to deliver blankets where they are needed most. We follow up quarterly to assess blanket condition, gather feedback, and ensure ongoing supply meets demand.