FAQ

The Bridge Folks

There are no specific patterns that must be followed for hats, mittens, or scarves.  Please remember the primary focus is men (and some women) living outdoors without a roof over their heads; so light airy objects aren't good.  Colors appropriate for Men and Women (adults), as well as sizes appropriate for adults are needed.

Please stick with yarns that need no special care or washing instructions, as the homeless do not have that ability.  Avoid suede yarn.

Wool yarn is acceptable, though washable wool is best the bulk of the time.  Please leave a note so I'll know it's wool.
*let's avoid the use of white, as it shows dirt too easily*

Most useable yarn is acyclic and washable wool.



Beyond The Bridge

Beyond the bridge means helping beyond those who live under the bridge, reaching out beyond those limits.  For now beyond the bridge means our folks being treated in 2 free clinics.  Though they have a roof over their heads, they are very much in need.  Many have no heat, or very little heat and so wear the warm items (mittens, hats, scarves, slippers) indoors as well as outdoors.

Here again think warm, sturdy; non lacy patterns.  Sizing and colors should be appropriate for Women and Teens, and children.  Babies are NOT treated at these clinics.  Please avoid the use of lots of white, showing dirt can be a problem.

Faith Mission
Hats, mittens, scarves, and slippers suitable colors and sizes for women.  These folks are living in temporary housing, some have been homeless, some abused; and some suffered both.  They often come with very little and are in need of warm items. 

Again a variety of yarns is acceptable (except suede) including washable wool, just please note it for me.
*Please avoid the use of lots of white

Holy Family
Hats, mittens, scarves, and slippers for men, women, and children needed.  Holy Family feeds hundreds of hungry cold people in need every single day.  Warm items can be distributed along with a hot meal.  All colors except lots of white and ivory, warm patterns work (no lacy items).  Please again keep in mind warm, washable, sturdy. 


Faith Mission for Men
This shelter serves men a night at a time.  They are always in need of warm, sturdy adult sized hats, mittens, and scarves.  If you're looming hats, the largest ring seems to work the best.

The Homeless Families Foundation
Men, Women, and Children are cared for.  Temporary housing is provided for 47 families.  They live in their temporary housing for up to 3 months while receiving support and guidance to locate jobs, permanent housing, care for children after school and other necessary things to get back on their feet.  On going support is provide as they transition into their permanent housing.  Our standard, hats, scarves, mittens, slippers will be provided; as well as afghans through our donated squares.  PLEASE see guidelines for squares regarding size, and months to donate them.


Homeless Families Y Shelter
Much like above Homeless Families Foundation, The Y provides temporary housing for up to 100 families on a 3 months basis.  Items needed are hats, mittens, scarves, and slippers for Men, Women, and Children.

*we accept store bought socks all year long, socks are need 12 months of the year*

Hand Delivered
All items are hand delivered by either Rae, or myself.  Rae delivers items directly to The Bridge Folks and those at the 2 free clinics where she volunteers, and The Y Family Shelter.  I deliver all items to Faith Mission (men and women),  Holy Family, and The Homeless Families Foundation.  This is a grass roots 100% volunteer organization, no one receives any monetary gain by participating.


**PLEASE note there are mitten and slipper patterns here on the site.  Please check the tabs across the top of the blog.  Suggest using thick or double yarn when making slippers, and adding a longer cuff to the crocheted mitten pattern for added warmth.

Identifying Donations
Please include your name, email address, blog url, or group we maybe in together with your donation. If you're in RAV or belong to FB you can also include that url/link in email to your profile page.   All donations are photographed, blogged about and documented on the blog; and all thank you's and acknowledgments are done via email, blogs, and on line forums.  My sincere apologies, but I don't have the ability to notify people via snail mail of donations being received.  Without notes in the donation, it has become increasingly more difficult to identify the person donating.  Even if you wish to be anonymous, please include your information for my records.  A new section has been added to the blog to aid with unidentified donations.

Knit and Crochet Do's and Don'ts
Please tag wool, washable preferred
Always leave a tail when changing yarn, and tucked your tail in.  PLEASE do not tie and knot and cut.  I've needed to repair some items that were knotted and cut before being able to donate.  In a few cases, I've not been able to use an item that came unraveled due to a cut after a knot with no tail tucked in.
Avoid the use of white as much as possible, it shows dirt too easily
Please use tight close stitches over open, light and airy stitches for warmth.  General rule of thumb, if you can see your hand through an item, or poke your finger through it, it's too open.


FOR ANY QUESTIONS NOT COVERED ABOVE, PLEASE EMAIL ME AT:
sandycrochet@gmail.com

Thank you!