We believe Michigan is one of the greatest placest on earth to live. We love the seasons, the people, and the spirit of our great city. However, not everyone is so lucky. The economy has cost many people their jobs, and led to an increase of homelessness. Our mission is to help keep Detroit's homeless population, especially the thousands of innocent children, safe from the risks of lifelong damage from frostbite until they can find proper housing.

Facts about Homelessness:
Michigan is ranked 5th in the nation for the most homeless people; 1st in the Midwest. On any given night in the Detroit area there are over 35,000 homeless people in need of shelter. Unfortunately, Detroit only has shelter beds for 1/4 of them, and Congress is cutting aid to the agencies that help the homeless.

Families now constitute 50% of the number of homeless; 69% are single mothers with children. In Detroit, there are nearly 5,500 children who do not have a home! The average age of a homeless child in Michigan is 7 years old.

Homelessness is particularly dangerous in places like Michigan that have long, harsh winters. In fact, over half of the Detroit homeless population is at risk of dying on the city streets because of expsoure.

Facts about Frostbite:
Frostbite happens quicker than you think. In typical winter weather, frostbite can occur in as little 5 minutes to any area of exposed skin. When the wind chill dips below -20 degrees F, exposed skin can freeze in 1 minute. (Source: National Weather Service)

Frostbite is terribly painful, even years afterwards. And it is a serious medical condition. Frostbite occurs when the body is subjected to extremely cold temperatures (or typical Michigan winter temperatures). To keep the more important internal organs heated, the body will cause the blood vessels to the outer extremities--like fingers, toes, ears, and the nose--to shrink. Less blood circulating to these regions means less oxygen. Without oxygen, cells die.

When multiple cells die, the tissue dies, and the area can turn black. In most cases, damage caused by frostbite is permanent and cannot be reversed. But dead tissue isn't the sole problem. Side effects and further compications of frostbite include infection that can lead gangrene, amputation, or death, and hypothermia which can also lead to death. Frostbite can also cause permanent nerve damage and is known to cause growth defects in children.

Cold Michigan winters aren't going away anytime soon. In January 2014, Detroit saw 10 days that were BELOW ZERO, not counting the wind chill. Homeless families were left to fend for themselves in 39 inches of snow since most shelters had waiting lists.

While terrible, frostbite is completely preventable. It simply requires not being in the freezing cold elements unexposed. While we wish we could provide housing for every single person that needs it, we can still help. Hats and gloves can be a lifesaver as they provide extra warmth for the skin when the body redirects its blood flow.

Summary:

• There are more than 35,000 homeless people in the Detroit area.
• Over 5,500 homeless people are children!
• There is only enough room in shelters for 1/4 of the homeless population.
• Over 1/2 of Detroit's homeless are at risk of dying on the street because of expsoure.
• Michigan winters are long and cold.
• Frostbite can occur in as little as 5 minutes--1 minute when it's -20 with wind chill.
• Covering exposed skin with warm hats and gloves can help save limbs and save lives!

HOW TO HELP