Shelters around Vermont are often at capacity, especially in the winter months. When a shelter is at capacity, providers have to turn away folks in real need. “Last Resort” Survival Kits are created by shelters to help people seeking shelter when they have no bed or roof to provide. They are truly a “last resort” to help a Vermonter survive the night without a warm home.
Shelters have different names for these kits including “Winter Warming Kits,” and distribute them as they can with the items they are able to collect through donations and other means. These items vary but often include: mylar blanket/emergency thermal blanket, tarp, hand & feet warmers, gloves, socks, scarf, winter hat, sterno, sleeping bag, sleeping mat/yoga mat, winter boots, winter jacket, thermal underwear, solar charge, flashlight/glow stick, backpack, pop-up single person tent, chapstick, bottled water, power bars
“As the temperatures drop in Vermont, individuals experiencing homelessness are vulnerable to frostbite, hypothermia, and even death; these winter warming kits can be a life-saver. We, as a community, can make sure no one is out there in the elements with no protection.” Laura Ruhlman, the John Graham Housing & Services Service Coordinator who oversees warming kit assembly and distribution
This list was compiled with the assistance of the Charter House Coalition and John Graham Housing & Services in Addison County; Franklin/Grand Isle Community Action CVOEO; Family Center of Washington County, and Another Way Community Center in Washington County.
