Lane County Health & Human Services, in partnership with the First Christian Church of Eugene’s Helping Hearts program and White Bird, announced the launch of Operation Winter Survival Stockpile. The operation is an effort to create a stockpile through donations of clothing and other supplies that will help those in our community experiencing homelessness better brave the elements.
“Every winter those in our community who are without shelter are faced with life-threatening temperatures and weather,” said Maria Cortez, Lane County Human Services program coordinator. “These donations will be absolutely crucial to helping these community members stay warm and stay alive.”
To help kick off Operation Winter Survival Stockpile, the First Christian Church (1166 Oak Street in downtown Eugene) and Cahoots are hosting a one-day donation drive event where community members can drop off donations and enjoy refreshments this Wednesday, November 8, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
“Having access to the severe weather stockpile is an indispensable resource for service providers in our county,” said White Bird Clinic Nest Program Interim Coordinator Theresa Bordreau. “Having both hot and cold weather supplies fills a much-needed gap for survival gear that is often in short supply. For any community member looking for ways you can support the most vulnerable in our community, I would encourage you to look at donating to this very important resource. It has been of great value to our clients here at the White Bird Clinic.”
After the donation drive, items can continue to be dropped off on weekdays between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. or by appointment. Items can also be purchased on Amazon and sent to First Christian Church at 166 Oak Street, Eugene, OR 97402.
The Operation’s Amazon Wish List can be found at: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2XR33GS1ULV8Z?ref_=wl_share
Distribution of items will be prioritized to homeless outreach providers, such as CAHOOTS, that come into direct contact with individuals who are unhoused and unsheltered.
Items needed for Operation Winter Survival Supply Stockpile include:
• Tents – preferably 2-person
• Blankets – preferably wool
• Rain ponchos
• Sleeping Bags
• Hand Warmers
• Socks – preferably wool
• Tarps
• Gift Cards
• Laundry Cards
• Footwear
• Thermal Underwear
• Flashlights/ Batteries
• Beanies/Warm Hats
• Gloves
• Other survival supplies
For more information on Operation Winter Survival Stockpile, please contact Maria Cortez at [email protected].