100friends supply campaign
Our goal is to fill these lockers with supplies for the local homeless by St. Paddy's Day. Drop by with supplies or please donate to support this cause. We appreciate you.
Who are we?
- A community of passionate problem solvers. We've been open seven months and have build a community of over 100 entrepreneur, innovators,philanthropists, educators, techies, and consultants, who leverage our community to give back and solve problems for Madison and our community.
- Our office is located in downtown Madison, in close proximity to a number of homeless people. The winters in Madison are BRUTAL and this year we have experienced a winter colder than usual. The average # of days with the temperature below ZERO is 17. This year we are at 34 and counting. We do have shelters in Madison, however there are not enough. Because of this, the number of nights you are allowed to stay in a shelter is limited to 60 per year. For many the days in shelters are running out, which means an influx of homeless back out on the street. The temperature right now as I write this is 14 degrees. Tomorrow the low is NEGATIVE 9. Yes NEGATIVE 9.
The polar vortex is back for round three. I complain about the cold every day, despite having a North Face coat, hat, gloves and long johns. My bones are cold. Couldn't imagine being homeless for even one night.
What We Need & What You Get
Here is what they need to survive. Every dollar raised will go to buy the supplies on the list below.
This list was provided by Friends of State Street, a group that assists the homeless in Madison:
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Small hotel size soaps, shampoos, and deodorants are more than fine. Many of these items can be bought at the $1 store or the local pharmacy.
backpacks
blankets
towels and washcloths
NEW underwear
NEW socks
men's long underwear bottoms
men's winter boots
men's shoes
flashlights
water bottles
soap and shampoo
razors
deodorant
combs and brushes
toothbrushes and toothpaste
feminine hygiene products
batteries for flashlights
rain ponchos
small personal first aid kits
OTC pain relievers, antacids, cough drops, etc.
sleeping bags
tarps
2- or 10-ride bus passes
gas cards
- 100% of the funds raised will go to purchase the above supplies.
The Impact
Homeless people in Madison are limited to 60 days in shelters. There is an under supply of shelters in Madison and given the extremely cold temperatures this year, shelters have been more crowded than usual, and many folks have used up most of their 60 days already. You donations and financial supporter (even $5-$10 helps) will go a long way to impact the life of one of our #100friends.
Other Ways You Can Help
We appreciate any and every contribution regardless of size. That said, we recognize not everyone is in a position to make a donation of money or supplies.
If you want to help but are tight on funds here's what you can do. Share this info with friends, family, and co-workers through social media and by emailing the link.
Thank you.
And that’s all there is to it.