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(61 posts)

Online Blanket drive for Nickelsville

Started 4 months ago by cclarue
Latest reply from datamuse

cclarue
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It is cold outside and I bet the residents of Nickelsville would love to have an additional blanket on these cold nights. And im sure the extra ones in your closet are more than welcomed and appriciated!! Hats scarves and gloves probably wouldnt be turned away either!!!:)

Posted 4 months ago #
JoB
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don't forget those small dustpan brooms..
it really helps to have something to brush the snow off of your tent...
and off your boots so the water doesn't end up in your tent

Posted 4 months ago #
Jiggers
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Snow is pretty and all and fun when it covers you, but, when you are forced to live outdoors, it sucks because it's really just water and it soaks into your clothing and gets messy. You can never have enough clean dry socks in this weather.It's hard to be cheerful when your socks and things get soaked.

Posted 4 months ago #
cclarue
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Jiggers i even brought a big bag of worn mens socks that of course were clean but just so people could have something to get out of their wet cold ones. Friday night I took a couple of comforters down as well. Being outside in this cold 24\7 has to be so rough.

Posted 4 months ago #
LibSiv
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Did I read the original posting correctly, that there are kids 18 and under living outside in this weather?! It's below freezing! Someone please let me know what I can do, more than blankets and socks (which are helpful, I know, but...) As a mom, I am heartbroken. Totally heartbroken. I'll do anything within my means to directly help those children. Please reply.

Posted 4 months ago #
JanS
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It's sad that there isn't housing for homeless families, but it's a reality. I understand that they don't stay long at the camp, but it happens. Sometimes there might be shelter for the mother and kids but not the dad, so the family gets broken up. I guess being in the camp is better than sleeping under a bridge in this weather, but not much. We, as a society, should be able to do better than this. It is no longer important why, politically, it's happening more and more. It's happening, period. And it's sad. Truly sad.

Posted 4 months ago #
hollyplace
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Are there any businesses that have a collection bin for Nickelsville?

Posted 4 months ago #
Sue
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hollyplace, not that I know of, but Nickelsville does take donations directly at their security tent.

Posted 4 months ago #
undrgrndwmn
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This is a great idea! Also, I was just at the United Way's Community Resource Exchange on Friday, where I met some people from Redeeming Soles. This is an amazing charity that tries their hardest to provide warm footwear to Seattle's homeless population. You should have seen the joy on people's faces as they got a new pair of shoes! If anyone has waterproof or water-resistant shoes that are a little old but still good, please take them right along with you when you drop the blankets off to Nickelsville. Gently used or new warm socks were also a HUGE hit on Friday.

Posted 4 months ago #
undrgrndwmn
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@libsiv You might want to get in touch with the wonderful people at TeenFeed. Although they are in the UD, they do some case management, and would be able to advise you about other organizations a little closer to home working directly with youth.

Posted 4 months ago #
cclarue
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Why arent the families with kids getting motel vouchers??

Posted 4 months ago #
miws
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Thanks everyone, for thinking of my friends at Nickelsville during this time.

CC, since I've been away from Camp, other than a quick visit yesterday, I'm not sure of the status on the families.

Last I knew however, only the family with six kids was back in Camp, after being in a motel for several weeks.

The couple with the 11 year old, I believe, are out of Camp altogether, and the single mom with the 12 year old, and 18 year old sons had still been at a motel, but she wasn't sure what there status would be after the first of the year, so I'm not sure where they are at this time.

Mike

Posted 4 months ago #
JoB
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miws..

mom is back in camp with her 12 year old..
there is a family of 5 ranging from about 3 to 16
there was also a toddler in camp yesterday.

*****

They need any kind of waterproof shoes
socks
gloves
hats
"thermal" underwear...
blankets

we can't bring them too many socks, gloves and hats since they get wet quickly and have to be changed.

people have no way to dry their wet clothes other than going up to the laundromat...

they also need...

coffee ...
instant works for more people.. but there are a couple of coffee pots that can use) ground beans...
hot chocolate mix
hot cider mix
tea bags
individual cans of protein...
(the dollar store has potted meats 3/$1, vienna sausage 2/$1, peanut butter single serves 3/$1
noodles soups, etc that can be made with hot water

they need wood in 18" chunks or smaller.
dry wood is better.. but green will still burn.

we are currently looking for someone with a chain saw so that we can harvest a couple of downed trees...

but more than that..
they need to know they aren't forgotten

if you can make it down the hill
go say hello.
the kids made a great snowman in the back.

Posted 4 months ago #
hollyplace
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Sue, is the security tent easily accessible?

Posted 4 months ago #
munchkin22
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There is a security tent at the parking lot entrance that is manned sporadically. If you have a cell phone, you can call the main tent and ask for securirty to let you in, or holler over the berm and ask that someone get a security person.

I understand there is also a mom with a 17 yr old daughter and possibly 18 yr old son on the east side of camp.

Posted 4 months ago #
westseattledood
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Hey all,

Is this possible/doable?

Get NV peeps to put wet clothing in garbage bags with name on it - only IF volunteers can pick up bags and take them to home or laundry mat to dry everything?

And I noted that all arterials are in great shape, so no worries getting there and back this AM.

Just a thought. If it's doable for you, go for it.

Hmmm, thinking about what Jigs has reminded us of, so... Maybe one more thought. ;)

The NV'ers might do better if their cores (torso) are dry and warm, as well as their heads, to prevent hypothermia. Those are the two areas which are imperative to protect. Our bodies lose the most heat there so multiple layers which keep that interior layer dry are essential.
Godspeed.

Posted 4 months ago #
Jiggers
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LibSiv.. why only 18? any human being at any age living outdoors with no shelter right now, its inhumane. Hypothermia and catching pneumonia are very high risk.

Posted 4 months ago #
LibSiv
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I have more access to child-related items than I do adult items, like clothing and shoes my child has outgrown, etc. That's all. I wanted to see if there were kids of similar ages/sizes who might benefit from that plus anything else they might need that I have to give.

Posted 4 months ago #
Jiggers
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Copy that LibSiv! The snowpocalypse is going to continue late today and worsen current conditions. I wish I had kleets to wear.....:(

Posted 4 months ago #
JoB
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LibSiv..

the only way to find out what the kids in the camp need is to go talk with their moms...

however.. anything you take down in the way of warm clothing will either get used now by the kids and small adults in camp or will be saved for use by the moms who have yet to check into camp.

ages range from 10 months to 18

Posted 4 months ago #
miws
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Camp cellphone number is: 206-450-5268.

Mike

Posted 4 months ago #
hollyplace
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Is anyone headed down there today? I live in Morgan junction and have a handful of fleece coats, warm socks and a couple of sleeping bags I would like to send.

Posted 4 months ago #
hollyplace
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I was also thinking that maybe sportsbags or large backpacks might be useful for carrying clothes and blankets on the bus to and from the laundry mat.

Posted 4 months ago #
cclarue
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I am holly call me at 427-2792

Posted 4 months ago #
cclarue
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Or anyone else with accesible streets for that matter im going to safeway to get a few things and will pick up and deliver to nickelsville.

Posted 4 months ago #
hollyplace
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I just left a message.

Posted 4 months ago #
angelescrest
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I have 30 +/- cans of a protein/nutritional powder (a medical food). Super, expensive stuff; my daughter's regimen has changed, and I was thinking it could be used to supplement at NV.
Any ideas?

Posted 4 months ago #
cclarue
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Goods delivered! Much appriciated!! We walked all through camp and people were in good spirits. Our guide told me about how all the downtown shelters are bed bug ridden and lots of staff infections. He is thankful to have the safe community that is nickelsville.

Posted 4 months ago #
kootchman
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I have two electric chain saws. I will donate one. Who wants to pick it up?

Posted 4 months ago #
JanS
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do they have power for an electric chain saw?

Posted 4 months ago #
kootchman
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generator?

Posted 4 months ago #
JoB
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they can't use the chain saws in camp
so the wood has to cut into smaller 18" or less chunks before it is delivered...

my understanding is that while most electric chain saws are more than adequate for home pruning.. they generally don't have the power and/or blade length for sustained log cutting.

kootch..

if yours does i would be more than happy to pick it up.
we currently know of three downed trees that can be cut up and delivered to Nickelsville.

We have access to a truck and manpower but are could still use a chainsaw made for this kind of work..

Posted 4 months ago #
adelle1016
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Two friends and I delivered 10 trays of baked lasagna and some rolls, milk, water and chocolate chip cookies yesterday during the snow. Probably about 70 people came out of the tents. Yes, there are children back at the camp. They are in dire need of firewood, as they were recently burning pallets, which they use to keep their tents up from the mud. The canned goods with protein are ideal because the rats can't get into the canned goods and they do use the fire to warm the canned food in their pots. Delivering is easy to the camp and they are grateful for anything and everything, but warm food and firewood are critical right now. Thanks to all who are so caring.

Posted 4 months ago #
cclarue
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Adelle! You found it ( the blog) yay!! The guys i talked with today all raved about your lasagne!! They are so thankful for the foid and the caring people who give!!

Posted 4 months ago #
KatherineL
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Is anyone from the area of 35th and Avalon going to Nicklesville on Tuesday? I have some blankets and socks. My car doesn't do snow. Please email me at kld963-at-gmail-dot-com.

Posted 4 months ago #
Jiggers
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In reply to cclarue's post 28... MRSA runs rampant in homeless shelters. Shelters in King County are very dirty. Anyone visited DESC before? I'll give you a pat on the back if you can make it up in their elevator to the check-in counter without vomiting. I haven't heard of any case were bed bugs spread viruses, but they can cause infections to your skin. You wake up with nice red pimple on your leg were they've been sucking. Those who have weak immune systems and have other multiple disabilities who are homeless, are more suceptable in aquiring new illneses because they are at high risk of the unhealthiness in those shelters whether it's from no housekeeping to just plin unhealthy human beings who don't care if they give their germs to you. TB also runs amok because there are people always coughing and you are breathing the same air as they are. You don't know who has TB, but I know what ethnic group carries it round the most. My doctor told me. Some people don't have options regardless because they are medically compramised by a natural disabilty. What's funny is that even people who have their own place are dirty, dirty dirty...

Posted 4 months ago #
munchkin22
Member Profile

Hauled out my electric chain saw this morning but the adjustment screw is bent so I can't tighten the chain. I got the gas version running briefly but there's no guarantee that it'll run when I get to the wood supply that Too much whine is providing.
Kootchman: I'd be glad to use your extra. If you e mail Joanne at brayden dot com she'll give you my cell # and we can link up.

Posted 4 months ago #
Jiggers
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I heard you aren't even allowed to use those mini gased generators to heat your tent up at NV. WTF! This isn't a boyscout outing. This real life and death we are talking bout. I can't use a small generator to keep my space warm?

Posted 4 months ago #
Betty T
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I have to say the people at Nickelsville are sooo thankful and appreciative of everything us,who donate or volunteer do for them or food we bring. Everybody's help is appreciated. Right now more than ever. I must depend on others for transportation or I'd be there with at least hot coffee & cocoa but have to settle for my Saturdays trips. I'm glad so many want to do something to help. Until people go there and take the tour they can't begin to imagine what their concerns are.Thanks (for Nickelsville) for the wood project.

Posted 4 months ago #
kootchman
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It is a 3.5 hp.... they don't last as long as gas....but it works on logs, pallets, and I have felled two trees with it. I am heading to True Value to get a new, sharp, chain.

Posted 4 months ago #
waterworld
Member Profile

Jiggers: Most generators produce carbon monoxide -- odorless invisible gas that will kill you. I don't know specifically what kind of generator you are talking about, but the CO emissions is why they are generally banned for indoor use, along with stoves and any other appliance that burns fuel to generate heat or light.

Posted 4 months ago #
adelle1016
Member Profile

I just delivered a 6.5 HP Max pro generator to the camp along with 5 gallons of gas and some extra spark plugs, extension cords and an ocillating space heater. They know to run the generator well away from the structures and leave it in the open. The extension cords can allow them to have the heater inside the main food serving tent where they eat. Also took some little 'Christmas lights' so they can have some illumination at night (was all I had handy). If folks can help me keep them filled up with gas, this should last them a long time. I'm sure they could use additional ones towards the back of the camp where the security tent is, too. Being able to plug in a light would be wonderful. They all mentioned that firewood is their main need, especially with weather that is predicted. Thanks to all who care! p.s. A group called 'Sack Lunch' had just delivered a warm meal, salad and oranges to them.

Posted 4 months ago #
waterworld
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Is firewood still needed at NV? Any other unmet priorities? My husband and I want to do what we can, and we may be able to bring some things over today.

Posted 4 months ago #
adelle1016
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FIREWOOD !!! Their number one need today! That would be so great. See my post just above yours...was just there today and that's what they really need.

Posted 4 months ago #
adelle1016
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Delivered more warm blankets, coats, gloves, etc. too, not that they can't always stockpile them, but firewood is the main need. They are down to burning parts of pallets and also some greenery from fir trees...very small limbs. Thanks so much!

Posted 4 months ago #
datamuse
Member Profile

I wonder...I usually just get firewood from the supermarket, but I don't use very much and surely NV's need is greater than that. I know there are places where it can be bought in quantity but don't really know anything about them. Does anyone have any recommendations?

Posted 4 months ago #
Jiggers
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There's a bunch of firewood for sale in front of the QFC. I don't know the price.

Posted 4 months ago #
adelle1016
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Firewood is their only source of heat, for themselves and for cooking, so they have the fire going pretty much all the time when they can. They can stockpile it if they end up getting multiple deliveries. Any amount... any time... is appreciated by them. As of today at about 2:00 they were down to not much of anything to burn.

Posted 4 months ago #
adelle1016
Member Profile

There is a posting on Seattle Craig's list about free firewood...does anyone have the ability to collect this wood? I would help pay for the cost of gas to get someone up there to grab this wood, but don't have the ability myself....

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/zip/2804688808.html

Posted 4 months ago #
waterworld
Member Profile

Just delivered a wagon-load of decent firewood, maybe a quarter of a cord. I picked it up from a business down in burien. The owner helped me load it up and several NV residents unloaded it with me. It looks to me like there's enough at NV for a day or two, at most, unless there's a pile I couldn't see. This will obviously be an ongoing critical need. I can't afford to purchase a whole cord, but if I can round up some additional donors, I can probably get it delivered next time, meaning I won't be restricted to what I can fit in my wagon. Hope everyone is safe and warm tonight.

Posted 4 months ago #

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