YAKIMA, Wash.- As winter temperatures approach, Rod’s House is working to provide for young people experiencing homelessness and stuck in the cold. Just like most retail stores as the holidays near, the nonprofit’s Donation Center sees an uptick in visitors.
“Usually this is the busiest time of the year,” says Rod’s House Executive Director Chon Marquez. “This is when we get the most donations through the year.”
Specifically, warm clothing is a priority for Rod’s House.
“There’s always a need for coats,” says Marquez. “That is one of the biggest needs during the winter.”
Coats, handwarmers, socks and warm clothing are crucial in the winter months because of how cold the Yakima Valley can get.
“People can jump into hypothermia really fast so these coats are literally saving lives,” says Marquez. “These handwarmers are saving lives from frostbite, specifically when it get below zero.”
The warm clothing and collected donations get distributed on a regular basis. Even Rod’s House volunteers brace the cold and explore Yakima County looking for people ages 13-24 in need.
“Our outreach doesn’t change,” says the Executive Director. “We’re still out in the community. We’re still out at the Greenway, still going to different parts of the county.”
For the young people who receive the donations, Marquez says they’re always provided with resources including a snack, handwarmers and anything else they may need.
The coats in particular, bring a special smile to the faces of those who receive them.
“They’re always so grateful,” says Marquez. “If they’re leaving our Extreme Winter Weather Shelter in the morning, sometimes they don’t have a coat, or they lose them, we’ll give them a brand-new coat so they’re super, super happy.”
Along with warm clothing, Rod’s House is also searching for meal partners to give the young people three meals a day.
For both the Sunnyside and Yakima locations, community members and vendors are invited to donate food to fuel the homeless population at the shelters.
On Friday November 17, Schab’s Bier Den is hosting Rod’s House for a sign up drive with a raffle fundraiser to provide meals.
Rod’s House’s Donation Center is located at 314 Cherry Avenue Suite 119 in Yakima to deliver clothes, hygiene products and food, along with a drop off box to assist after hours. To donate to the Sunnyside facility, you would need to call to set up a delivery time at 509-515-2122.
