BEND, OR -- Shepherd’s House Ministries is collecting new and gently used winter gear this weekend. The nonprofit's Dave Notari expects there will be a bigger demand this season for supplies. "We know from the Point In Time count that occurred most recently, there’s been a 28% increase in homelessness in our region. That equates to more need. And we know from past experience that we consistently run out of winter gear."

In past years, the annual drive focused on coats, "We’ve also recognized the importance of broadening that out because a lot of our homeless neighbors are struggling to find just warmth, in general," says Notari," And so, a coat is a great starting point, but we also need things like sleeping bags, for people who are potentially still out in the elements."

Notari tells KBND News that teams meet people living in areas like China Hat and Juniper Ridge. He says they work to develop relationships, gain their trust and connect them with services, "And that’s when things like sleeping bags and blankets, sometimes tents, do come in handy. But we really are not a handout organization. We really are doing that for the purpose of helping people to know there are caring people who want to help them progress." 

But Notari says, even those already living in a shelter need winter supplies, "Those people still are out in the elements for work, for moving from one place to another for a variety of reasons. And so they, just like any of us, have those same needs, they just don’t have the financial means to go out and buy an appropriate jacket or appropriate clothing." 

Saturday’s winter gear drive is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Drop off new or gently used supplies at the Bend shelter on NE Division or Shepherd’s House Redmond on South Highway 97. Monetary donations are also accepted online. You'll find more information HERE.