Baby, It's Cold Outside

One of my wonderful mutuals, @commiexmommy, posted an incredible list on Threads about material needs for unhoused people this morning, and with their permission, I’m reposting it here.

Clothing and Wearables

• Winter coats - insulated and waterproof

• Thermal underwear - provides extra warmth

• Socks - thick wool socks are best to prevent frostbite

• Gloves - insulated and waterproof

• Hats - preferably wool or fleece-lined to retain heat

• Scarves - to protect the neck and face

• Boots - waterproof, insulated boots to keep feet dry and warm

Shelter and Warmth

• Sleeping bags - rated for subzero temperatures

• Blankets - thermal or emergency foil blankets

• Tents - insulated or all-season

• Tarps - for additional weatherproofing

• Hand and foot warmers - disposable or reusable heat packs

Food and Drink

• Non-perishable foods - canned goods (NB: don’t forget a can opener), protein bars, and instant meals

• Thermos bottles - to keep liquids hot

• Hot beverages - coffee, tea, or hot chocolate packets

• Water bottles - to ensure access to clean water

Hygiene and Health Supplies

• Toiletries - toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, hand sanitizer

• First aid kit - bandages, antiseptic, and any necessary medications

• Lip balm - to prevent cracked lips

• Lotion - to combat dry skin caused by cold weather

Additional Items

• Flashlights - batter-powered or solar-rechargeable

• Batteries - extra sets for flashlights and other devices

• Backpacks - durable and waterproof for carrying belongings

• Portable chargers - for phones and other small electronics

• Gift cards - for grocery stores, fast food, or gas stations

Community and Emergency Needs

• Emergency contact information - local shelters and outreach programs

• Transportation assistance - bus passes or ride vouchers

• Weatherproof storage - containers or bags to keep belongings dry

• Personal safety items - whistles, etc.

And here is your reminder that these are good things to give on top of cash, because we can never know what people are going through and what they need most at the time. Some unhoused people will actively reject donations of stuff, of any kind, and that’s okay. They know what they need. And I know y’all are chill and won’t do this but if you ever see anyone throwing around the ol’, “But what if they spend it on drugs or alcohol,” I ask you one fucking question:

So what if they do?

I spend money on drugs and alcohol. Fight me. We don’t have time to unpack all the ways that’s an unhelpful and uninformed sentiment, so instead we’re just gonna move on.

I asked @commiexmommy if she had anything else she’d like for me to share, and she included this Pinterest link she’s put together where she’s building a library of social media resources for communists and anarchists, and I love it so much I might have to get my elder millennial ass on Pinterest where it belongs. I hate that I just admitted that.

From the River to the Sea

I want to take a minute to feature another one of my newest Threads friends, @ausadiansol4palestine. She’s gone above and beyond to help out people in Gaza, and has some amazing resources and campaigns that I’m going to go ahead and share here.

First is her GoFundMe for people on the ground in Palestine who haven’t found success with their own campaigns. She's pooling funds to get them to people, and she's bringing receipts.

She also shared with me two amazing Instagram accounts. @fundsforgaza features a list of targeted fundraisers for people in Gaza, as well as useful tips and a Q&A. Their Instagram is really well laid-out and easy to navigate, and they have a rotating Linktree of individual campaigns as well. There’s also @operationolivebranch, which is a grassroots nonprofit amplifying the aid requests of Palestinian families. Their Linktree features direct aid links as well as campaigns of a different sort: letter writing campaigns to your representatives and members of the UN. If you’re unable to assist monetarily (and even if you are), that’s a simple thing you can do to make your voice heard.

Lastly, I do just want to acknowledge that @ausadiandsol4palestine has her own mutual aid request, though she has asked that people please help out the Palestinian people she’s amplifying first, and I want to acknowledge and respect her wishes.

All for tonight. Stay warm, and help others stay warm however you can.

Listening to:

Crumpet Corner:

Submit Your Mutual Aid Campaign:
Threads: @realpaperclippe
Bluesky: @paperclippe.bsky.social