The DOWN Project

“What if we used the knowledge we have as outdoor enthusiasts to get the right kind of gear into the hands that needed it most.”

As hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, we know what it takes to survive the night in cold temperatures, starting with the right gear. Too often the homeless are passed down sub-par winter coats, leaving them vulnerable and exposed to unbearable winter temperatures. So we had an idea... what if we used the knowledge we have as outdoor enthusiasts to get the right kind of gear into the hands that needed it most. As a family we bought $2000 worth of down jackets from Eddie Bauer, and the DOWN project was born. These jackets had to meet tough standards. We looked for a coat with 650 fill down, under $100, water repellant, lightweight and packable. It was important to us that this piece of gear would be useful all year long, so that the recipient wouldn't be tempted to discard it in the spring. Packability was also important making it both more manageable and also useful as a pillow on warmer nights. The brand was another consideration. We were looking for good quality but not necessarily a brand with any street credibility so that it wouldn't become a bartering tool for alcohol or drugs. We also wanted a coat with sustainably sourced down. We didn't want to solve one problem by creating another. Finally, we added a carabiner to each jacket, so it could be hooked onto a backpack or belt loop. Our initial purchase was 36 coats in every size from Mens S-XL. While we thought we we would be spending around $100 a coat we found them on sale for $49.99 each allowing us to get twice as many coats as we initially planned to order. This was GREAT news! We were able to provide warm down filled lightweight coats for almost 40 people! But we still need your help. If you can order a coat, and give it away to someone experiencing homelessness in your own town or city, PLEASE DO! But if it would be easier for you to partner with us, please consider donating. $50 is very affordable for many people, and it means so much to those experiencing desperate circumstances. As we are able, we would like to also provide wool socks, down gloves, and warm hats

We distribute items as we encounter the homeless, and take special mission trips seeking out people in need. We never give money, only care packs, jackets, sleeping bags, and food. For $50 we can buy someone a down jacket, for $100 we can buy a jacket, socks and hat, for $150 we can buy a jacket, socks, hat and gloves or 3 jackets. We are committed to treating people experiencing homelessness with dignity and compassion. This gear can literally help save someones life and give them hope. Help us get them the very thing they need the most but can never afford on their own.