It’s that time of year again. The nights are getting longer, colder, and wetter. As Oregonians, we have many ways of enjoying this weather and seeking comfort in its embrace. However, other Oregonians don’t have access to the same environs and could use our help.

If you've ever been outside the Fanladen around 9pm, you've seen the queue of homeless youth waiting for the lottery to determine who will be the lucky 30 to have a warm bed, meal, shower, and access to laundry facilities that night and who will be left to fend for themselves on the streets. Run by Janus Youth Programs, the Porch Light Shelter is Portland’s only 30-bed crisis shelter for homeless youth ages 14 to 24 in need of immediate shelter as they work to secure permanent housing. While they shelter over 500 youth each year, they overflow their capacity every night.

Witnessing the lottery is a highly emotional event. The absolute joy of those selected and upon the selection of their friends is quickly balanced by the immensely weighted lows of those being turned away. When they can, staff will offer food and blankets to those on the losing end of the deal. These small gestures can make a huge difference in the emotional aftermath of the lottery which has had a tendency to get heated which has culminated in some regrettable instances.

As the nights have been getting colder you've probably been contemplating turning the heat on and assessing your blanket stash.   As you do so, think about which blankets you didn't use last year that you may be willing to part with. Maybe you have a coat or two you didn't even wear last year or, are ready for an upgrade. Bring your clean blankets and coats by the Fanladen pre-match Friday and we’ll add them to our donation to our upstairs neighbors.  They can make a world of difference in the life of a neighbor.