Homeless Remembrance Blanket Project Newsletter

January 2025 News

Thank you, Philadelphia! 

Well, another year’s #memorialblanket has been put to bed. If you made blankets, donated funds and/or helped spread the word—you made a world of difference for nearly a thousand folks in need of homes. 

Also—a special word of thanks to the National Park Service, who welcomed us with open arms as we presented our art display and our message of support for the unhoused.

As an extra note of gratitude, we include links to three stories written about this year's effort. Please take the time to review recognition you earned for your efforts!

The weather in Philadelphia on #memorialblanket display day, December 21st, reinforced the harsh realities of being unhoused. The plight often proves brutal.

The first challenge was the concern about the wet ground. Clearly, laying blankets on damp surfaces is far from ideal. This prompted an early contingency plan to move the event to Christ Church at 20 N. American Street, just a few blocks from the park, if conditions didn't improve. Fortunately, this wasn't necessary.

The next obstacle was a persistent, frigid wind. Not only did it worsen the already unpleasant temperature, but it also forced volunteers to chase blankets as they were tossed around by the gusts.

While volunteers experienced glimpses of the cruelty of the elements, they had access to relief often denied to the unhoused, such as restrooms or a warm place to rest. They also found satisfaction in knowing that nearly 1,000 handmade blankets would soon be in the hands of unhoused individuals in Philadelphia. Some, like those pictured, even gained relief during the event itself!

During the special #memorialblanket visit to the Supreme Court in April for the Grants Pass v. Johnson case, we had the honor of being approached by a member of the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless. He was so moved by the impromptu mini-blanket display staged in front of the court that he felt emboldened to ask questions. We explained that this was a small sample of the art installations we have staged over the past three (now four) years.

He shared a similar action undertaken by his organization each December 21st—an in memoriam reading of the names of Denver-area victims of homelessness from the previous year. While they did not wish to abandon this solemn tradition, they saw an opportunity to unite with #memorialblanket to counter the somber tone of the reading with a beautiful, handmade art display brimming with hope for the future.

So, if you’re like Joyce Hauslein, who shared this photo of an early sample of her work on our Homeless Memorial Blanket Project page on Facebook, thank you! Rest assured that, as with every one of the past four years, your creation will find a much-needed home. Stay tuned—enjoy blanket making, and we hope you’ll join us in Denver—just 11.9 months from now!