Blanchet House supports people experiencing homelessness and adversity by offering free hot meals, clothing, and housing programs. Adult-sized warm winter clothes like waterproof coats, socks, gloves, and sweatshirts are requested daily during the cold months. Blanchet House also offers blankets and sleeping bags to people trying to survive outdoors. In addition to offering basic needs items Blanchet House operates two residential housing programs—in Portland and at a farm in Carlton—that give people the opportunity to regain their physical and mental health, save money for permanent housing, and rejoin the workforce. Most people arrive at these programs with only the clothes on their backs, so they are in need of many items.

Sponsors Organized to Assist Refugees, an affiliate of Church World Service, resettles hundreds of refugees a year. We link sponsors—congregations, friends or community organizations—with refugees before they arrive in the United States, and help sponsors welcome and assist the refugees in their adjustment to a new life in the Portland metro area. Refugees are welcomed, given temporary homes with household items and food, and offered assistance as they learn a new language, develop job skills and search for employment.

The International Rescue Committee provides opportunities for refugees, asylees, victims of human trafficking, survivors of torture, and other immigrants to thrive in America. Each year, thousands of people, forced to flee violence and persecution, are welcomed by the people of the United States into the safety and freedom of America. These individuals have survived against incredible odds. The IRC works with government bodies, civil society actors, and local volunteers to help them translate their past experiences into assets that are valuable to their new communities. In Seattle and other offices across the country, the IRC helps them to rebuild their lives. Winter coats provided by Ridwell will be given to refugees as they arrive and are welcomed at the airport.

Free Lunch ATX is a collective of Austin creatives who reduce food insecurity by growing, cooking, and serving food and engaging in food access advocacy by publishing a quarterly magazine. Their main focus is on the health of those who are experiencing homelessness in our community. It’s not just about eating; it’s about true nourishment. In the winter months, Free Lunch supports the local homeless community by collecting and distributing winter weather gear, which is often sparse and particularly dangerous in our climate.

The Coalition on Homelessness organizes homeless people and front line service providers to create permanent solutions to homelessness, while working to protect the human rights of those forced to remain on the streets. For decades, the Coalition on Homelessness has developed the leadership skills of homeless San Franciscans to forge true solutions to the housing crisis and beat back mean-spirited attacks against them. They have won multiple awards and recognition in this effort that helps raise awareness to the homeless community. Material provided by Ridwell members will help them provide much needed support to our community.

The mission of My Friend’s Place is to assist and inspire homeless youth to build self-sufficient lives. Since 1988, My Friend’s Place has been at the forefront of efforts to address and end youth homelessness in Los Angeles. From their drop-in resource center in Hollywood, they provide low barrier, developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed services to 750 youth and young adults annually. My Friend’s Place ensures that these youth and youth adults can access the care, opportunities and resources that support their trajectory toward wellness, stability, and a permanent exit from homelessness. They collaborate with numerous agencies and partner providers to understand young people’s needs, align resources, and respond quickly to end the crisis of homelessness for youth.

Tacoma Mutual Aid Collective (TMAC) works in solidarity with Tacoma communities to support resource, knowledge, and skill sharing across our neighborhoods. Part of their mission is to pool together a variety of resources, such as hygiene supplies and winter warmth. Items provided by Ridwell will be distributed by TMAC organizers and volunteers directly to Tacoma neighbors in need.

Founded in 1894, YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish has been breaking down barriers to equity for nearly 130 years. YWCA is the region’s oldest and largest organization focused on the needs of women, providing services and advocacy to support stable homes and economic advancement, reduce violence and improve health, and promote racial equity and social justice. With programs that serve 7,000 people each year, YWCA is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families, and strengthen communities. Through direct services and advocacy, YWCA helps women and families move from surviving to thriving.

West Seattle Mutual Aid Party is a self-organized network dedicated to developing relationships with vulnerable neighbors, currently focused in and around the Delridge corridor in West Seattle. They approach their work with the mindset and intention of engaging in mutual aid rather than charity, meaning that they recognize they are neither “saving” nor “serving” anybody but instead are simply acting in solidarity with others. West Seattle Mutual Aid Party is connected with other mutual aid groups and projects to develop an infrastructure that thus far includes a weekly propane swap for the encampment along with food, medical, hygiene, and harm reduction supplies. They are working to build trust with more community members thus allowing them to expand their reach and impact.