My wife and I recently went on a shopping trip to pick up some coats, hats, and umbrellas, as well as some hand-warmers for the people in the camp. We've decided that we want to be more active in the community, and to be directly involved in the lives of people who have the greatest need. We want to partner with groups (such as the camp) who are already knee-deep in the situation, and are doing whatever they can to help. And we want to help people get out of the situation they're in and work to equip them with skills and opportunities they need to get back on their own feet.

Read more from Olympia blogger Josh at Hungry and Cold via his newprotest.org site. Comments are enabled there.

There are many men and women in Olympia bearing the elements today without adequate clothing and supplies. Because it's not below freezing, the Salvation Army is not observing 'cold weather rules' and letting people stay inside. Also, the shelter will not admit those without photo ID, and Bread and Roses cannot provide enough funds to cover all those who need it. If anyone has any supplies at all please consider braving the roads and dropping them off to Bread and Roses today. People are coming in soaked to the bone in their only set of clothing. Here's an idea of what is needed:

Rain-gear of any kind

Jackets

Long johns

boots

gloves, scarves, hats

tarps

socks, socks, and more socks

tents

I cannot adequately portray the dire need of supplies in this kind of weather. Pneumonia, bronchitis, the flu and other illnesses will run rampant after this bad run of weather. If this is a matter near to your heart, please consider calling the city and asking for large scale emergency shelter to be opened, TODAY, whether it be a warehouse, an unused city building, or whatever else. If it's miserable going from your front door to your car, can you imagine sleeping in this muck?

Bread and Roses Advocacy Center 1009 4th Avenue E

(360) 754.4588