Pivoting Again - Well, it worked okay - but the need was greater than what our temporary coat distribution plan could meet. While we are waiting for our lease at Boulevard Presbyterian to be approved and signed, we came up with a plan to distribute coats, winter gear, and blankets through a partnership with churches, schools, and community members. The partners would fill out a Google form accessed through a QR code, stating the number and size of coats they needed for men, women, and children. Volunteers would fill the order and contact the partner to pick up the coats and distribute them. Over 80 coats with winter gear were distributed this way - but we weren’t reaching those migrants not connected with a community group.

The Saint Edmund staff reported seeing migrants approaching the school building door and walking away saddened because the Center was closed. Over 85 migrants registered through the QR code on the door to be advised when we would open again at Boulevard Presbyterian. Migrants with volunteers’ phone numbers texted them, pleading for coats. It’s really cold now and we felt awful that we had coats on racks inside and not on bodies outside. So we pivoted, again.

With Father Carl’s approval, we will open on Tuesday mornings for coat, winter gear, and blanket distribution. We anticipate a significant demand and welcome additional donations of coats, hats, gloves, scarves, and blankets. PLEASE, ONLY THESE ITEMS. Please email us at [email protected] for information on where to leave the donations. MIL GRACIAS!