Austin Humanists at Work launches Winter Warmth Drive 2018: asking for jackets, scarves, sweaters and more

As the first major cold front of the season descends upon Austin, people who are living on the streets will undoubtedly spend the nights shivering in the wet and cold.

Austin Humanists at Work holds a Winter Warmth Drive every October through February to serve Austinites facing homelessness and limited means. For its annual Winter Warmth Drive, ATXHAW is asking for specific clothing items in clean condition to keep our homeless neighbors warm:

• sweaters
• jackets
• hoodies
• pullovers
• socks
• hats
• mittens
• gloves
• scarves

“We will be running this drive all winter in hopes that every person who comes through our line stays warm,” said ATXHAW board president Virginia Miller. “We depend on your contributions but also your word of mouth to collect as many items as we can to get a wide assortment of sizes.”

NOAA predicts this winter in Texas could be more cold and snowy than usual, which is particularly problematic for anyone exposed to the drastic weather changes of Central Texas. Many people that ATXHAW serves sleep overnight in their vehicles, under bridges, or on hard pavement. Through its monthly giveaways, ATXHAW distributes warm clothing as well as basic living supplies, such as shampoo, tooth brushes, feminine hygiene kits and toilet paper. ATXHAW also collaborates with other nonprofits, such as the ad hoc cold weather shelter at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, to shelter people during cold weather.

The Austin ECHO point in time count noted 2,147 individuals in need of permanent housing this year.  ATXHAW serves anyone who comes through the giveaway line and typically serves 150-200 people per month. The fall and winter season can bring more people to the Austin area who are looking for much needed resources. Visit our Amazon wish list to see the other items like thermal blankets that are always in high demand over the winter.

The next ATXHAW Giveaway is Sunday, Oct. 21 at 8:40 a.m. We park and setup under the I-35 bridge across the street from the police station. We gather on the 3rd Sunday of every month at this spot. Learn more about volunteering.

ABOUT AUSTIN HUMANISTS AT WORK

Austin Humanists at Work is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Our mission is to uphold the value of humanism by assisting people in need in the Austin community.

We are an inclusive bunch of everyday folks looking to give back to the community with no strings attached. Regardless of what we do or don’t believe, we all hold humanistic values and choose to give back to the community—not because we want to advance a specific cause, not because we are a part of any movement—but because it’s the right thing to do. Simply put, we believe human hands solve human problems.