Cold weather has many people wondering what they can do to help the growing number of Duluthians experiencing homelessness. Obviously we need systems change and more housing. In the meantime, the Duluth Street Outreach Team is making sure people are accounted for, connected to housing resources and as warm as possible. If you are homeless or have tips on people who may be homeless, please call our 24-hour hotline at 218-461-8505.

Winter survival gear is an ongoing need for people living on the street. The most effective avenue for donations is the Street Outreach Team, which is a collaboration between CHUM, Loaves & Fishes, HDC, Salvation Army, Life House and LSS Street Outreach.

What we need (any other clothing should be donated to Damiano):

• 1- and 2-person tents
• warm sleeping bags
• men’s winter boots
• warm (preferably waterproof) men’s hats, gloves and socks
• personal first aid and sewing kits
• DTA fare cards and gas cards
• solar or crank flashlights
• cash (helps fill gas tanks, rent motel rooms, etc)

Donations can be left at Dorothy Day House (1712 Jefferson St) any day between 9am and 9pm. We are also hosting a Community Donation Drive on February 1st from 9am-4pm, with drop-off sites at Dorothy Day House, Concordia Lutheran Church, Salvation Army, and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Cash donations can be sent to CHUM or Loaves & Fishes earmarked “outreach.”