Boise’s in for a doozy of a storm this week, which for many of us means a more stressful commute, turning the heater up, and putting on a pot of soup. But for unhoused and unsheltered people, the conditions over the next few days will be life-threatening.
Here are a few ways to help make sure everyone in our community gets through it in warmth and comfort.
Warming Shelters
Nonprofits, churches, and public agencies working with Our Path Home came together earlier this winter to expand warm spaces in the daytime.
While these daytime shelters will be crucial, overnight shelters remain limited, with Interfaith being the only low-barrier option. (Our Path Home)
If you or anyone you know needs a meal or a warm space during the daytime, use this resource.
Additionally, anyone who is a CATCH client can get a free Treasure Valley YMCA winter gym membership.
Boise Mutual Aid is currently raising funds to shelter unhoused people in hotels during the cold nights. Venmo @boisemutualaid with the note “warm space” to support those efforts.
Here are some winter safety tips from Our Path Home.
Deliver Winter Gear
Winter items like coats, sleeping bags, socks, hats, etc., can be dropped off at Our Path Home partners, including CATCH, Interfaith Sanctuary, and the Corpus Christi House.
For smaller items like wool socks, hats, gloves, The Vervain Collective in Garden City is accepting donations through the end of January. They’re collaborating with the Boise Kitchen Collective this month, which is a mutual aid organization that distributes hot, home-cooked meals at Rhodes Skate Park every Wednesday.
The Boise Kitchen Collective still needs someone to bring drinks, snacks, and fresh fruit or vegetables tomorrow. I’m happy to say that all meal maker spots are filled until the end of the month!
