The Faces of Homeless

There are many faces of homelessness. Some are women, some are men, some are children, and some are Veterans. They're in my city, and yours and the country sides too. The numbers may vary from local to local; but the problem exists everywhere across our great land. We don't know there faces, we don't know their names. We see them and want to avert our eyes. In some cases we may be afraid. Perhaps they are too. Afraid of another cold lonely night without a roof over their heads, afraid of another cold lonely night without food, afraid of another cold lonely night when they might have to be on the run or hide or try and protect what little they do have. Yes, I think they too have fear.

According to statastics, there are some 12,000 homeless on any given night in my state of Ohio alone. Of that 12,000 about 1,500 of them go un-sheltered. Like this man in the above picture finding rest in the middle of what appears to be a sidewalk or parking lots. No doubt some heat might exists in the concrete to help warm him.

In Ohio, The FMR (fair market rent) for a 2 bedroom apartment is $683.00. Rule of thumb is one shouldn't spend more than 30% of ones income on housing. To afford an apartment that cost $683.00 (FMR) using the 30% rule a person would need an income of $27,326.00 annually. That annual figure breaks out to $13.14 an hour given a 40 hour work week. The minimum hourly rate in Ohio is $7.30. Given the state's current minimum that worker would need to work 72 hours a week to afford the 2 bedroom apartment. You can quickly see from those stats compiled by localities and the federal government; why so many are homeless. Think of the people you know, how many make the $13.14 an hour and work a steady 40 hour work week. AND, how many do you know who's rent is well above the $683.00 (FMR)?

Please help where you can. We have many ways to help. Our primary goal has always been hats, mittens, and scarves. Those items can be knitted or crocheted and we do collect them all year long. Yes even in the hot months of July and August. We want to be prepared with a ready supply as soon as the first frost hits. In addition we always need store bought socks. Socks are needed during all 4 season. Can you buy a bag? I've added a badge here for Pine Street (click on side panel to read more about it), they are in need of 9 inch squares. Those squares can be knitted or crocheted. Please measure your squares twice. You can forward directly or send along to me with your other donations and I'll mail in bulk.

I wonder who's son, brother, uncle, husband or father the man is the picture is. The face of homelessness is sad.

**Please see suggestion made in comment by Sandie, I think it's a good one. I can buy socks in bulk and if folks want to send along a little something with their regular donations it wouldn't add to the cost of mailing.

2010
Scarves 143+2=145
Hats 188
Mittens 13 pairs
Socks 28 pairs


2008-2009
Hats 368
Mittens 66
Scarves 147
Socks 79 pair
*counts from day 1, Dec 2 2008

Scarves from Sandie's Hook

LOVE this yarn. Sandie's used this colorway before and it's really cool how no two things come out the same with the way the color fades in and out. Pretty earthy browns and tans, with shades of blue. Both super soft, nice and heavy and large enough for the men under the bridge.

As always Sandie's work is beautiful and I truly appreciate her on going support of this charity. Though you know if you ventured to her page, this is by no means the only charity she supports. She's always busy with hook and yarn. Sometimes I wonder if she crochet's in her sleep. lol Seriously, she's made so many things through the years and her support never wavers.

Hugs a bunch Sandie


2010
Scarves 143+2=145
Hats 188
Mittens 13 pairs
Socks 28 pairs

2008-2009
Hats 368
Mittens 66
Scarves 147
Socks 79 pair*counts from day 1, Dec 2 2008

Yarn and needles on the go

Making headway with the corner to corner ghan for Pine Street. Decided to take with me on my travels after all. I worked on it during the flight here, and off and on here; but probably will pack in the suitcase for the return flight as it will be a bit too large to be comfortable to work with on the plane. I've got some other yarn and crochet hook with me for something smaller for the return flight.

Since last posting I've added the dark red strip, the multi-stripe, bright lime green, grey, orange, and the nobby blue. All but the blue are left over in my stash from previous projects, while the nobby blue is from Bunny's recent donation.

Hope you're all busy with yarn and crochet hooks and or knitting needles making hats, scarves, and mittens for our on going efforts here for the homeless connected to The Bridge and Beyond; and remember if you're making squares for Pine Street you can send directly or send along to me with your other donations and I'll forward in one large mailing. Homelessness is a problem in far too many cities and each and every stitch you make does indeed make a difference. Each and every stitch helps keep someone warmer, can in fact make the difference is whether or not they stay alive; particularly in the extreme conditions. No effort is too little, no effort is unneeded or un-appreciated. Even as it's almost summer here in central Ohio I'm asking you to continue your efforts for those less fortunate, those homeless folks without a roof over their heads.

Bless you all, and as always thank you for your on going support.

Corner to Corner Ghan

Making headway on my corner to corner ghan for Pine Street. Though I don't believe it will travel that well since I'm using a bit of this and a bit of that; so probably won't take it with me on vacation. Will work on scarves probably instead. Easier to pack.

But, wanted to share the progress and whom all is represented here. Previous picture showed the first 3 colors (tan, red, and blue texture Rae's mother, my stash, Bunny's donation). The purple was given to me by Lydia when I helped her with family genealogy, the blue my stash, the rose from Tony a previous co-worker, multi-color from Bunny, and back to the tan from Rae's Mother.

Kinda fun trying to remember where all the yarn came from as I knit. It's like we're all sitting together.

2010
Scarves 143
Hats 188
Mittens 13 pairs
Socks 28 pairs

2008-2009
Hats 368
Mittens 66
Scarves 147
Socks 79 pair*counts from day 1, Dec 2 2008

Warm beautiful crocheted scarves! Karen V made the tan one with the design, the beautiful dark green, and the pretty pastel scarf. The multi-colored scarf top left and dark blue varigated scarf were made by someone in her sorority. A while back Karen and her group made a decision to help our cause and even those in her group who don't knit or crochet have purchased yarn to give those who who do knit and crochet. I love how things become a team effort. Together, I believe we can accomplish many things.

Many hands make the work lighter, and more enjoyable.

Thank you so much for your on going support, it's appreciated.
2010
Scarves 143
Hats 188
Mittens 13 pairs
Socks 28 pairs

Socks

It's been awhile since I've posted about socks, so since I've gotten a few questions regarding socks thought it must be time for me to discuss socks. Socks are always needed, all 12 months of the year. When one lives outside in the elements, having dry feet can be quite a challenge. Even when it's not frigid, wet feet are uncomfortable. Having clean dry socks to change into can be such a blessing. Some of the folks living under the bridges might have opportunities to wash their socks; but even then getting them dry to put on again can be difficult.

When I've purchased socks I've gotten the bulk packs at Target, Sams, and Kohl's. If gotten white and dark colors. If you're busy and tight for time to knit or crochet; you can still lend a hand. Please consider donating a package of socks. They really are very appreciated.

2010
Scarves 143
Hats 188
Mittens 13 pairs
Socks 28 pairs

2008-2009
Hats 368
Mittens 66
Scarves 147
Socks 79 pair*counts from day 1, Dec 2 2008

For the Kids

Thank you James, what a wonderful donation this is. I always admire your knitting skills. The sweater and hat set are going to make someone really really happy. I love the two sided hat. Did you knit that in the round, changing color half way through and decrease both ends? I'm trying to visualize the method.

And the blue and green hat with the design....oh if someday I could knit that like that! These are going to the clinic for the kids, thank you for your ongoing support and thoughtful donation.

Everytime I open a donation from you all I am giddy. You are all amazing. Thank you!

2010
Scarves 141+2=143
Hats 185+3=188
Mittens 13 pairs
Socks 28 pairs


2008-2009
Hats 368
Mittens 66
Scarves 147
Socks 79 pair*counts from day 1, Dec 2 2008