We are seeing a significant increase in families needing help. With winter approaching, supplies to help keep families warm are essential. Below is a list of items our Diversion Centers located in Renton, Shoreline, and Burien distribute. Would you please help provide warm gear for families as we work to help them find housing?

Cold Weather Protection Items Needed

Specifically, there is a need for warming and cold-weather protection items as cold weather fast approaches the Seattle metro areas. Here are our current top ten needs at our Diversion Centers:

1. Hand and Foot warmers
2. Hats/gloves/scarfs/socks (Adults and kiddos, prefer not knitted)
3. Sleeping bags
4. Thick blankets
5. Emergency Blankets
6. Chapstick/Vaseline
7. Lotion
8. Single packet coffee/hot cocoa
9. Food that can be warmed by microwave
10. Tents (this isn’t a high need, but if we could have 1-2 per center)

Shop our Ongoing Current Needs List on Amazon

Do you know about our ongoing needs list? All items purchased on Amazon are shipped directly to the correct Diversion Center address and are acknowledged as in-kind charitable contributions. Quantities needed and items of highest priority are noted in the wish list, and you can shop each Diversion Center’s wish list directly:

• Burien, Washington Diversion Center Amazon Wishlist
• Renton, Washington Diversion Center Amazon Wishlist
• Shoreline, Washington Diversion Center Amazon Wishlist

Hand and Foot Warmers

An easy add, available at bulk stores, these little single-use packets are convenient for everyone, easy for on-the-go and can provide heat to low-circulation areas like fingers and toes.  Send a box today! Need/Priority: high

NEW Hats, gloves, scarves, socks

These should be new items in both adult and children’s sizing. Items that are not knitted are preferable for longevity and wearability. These are small items that make a big impact on warmth.

Sleeping Bags and Tents

While our need for tents is fewer than other items, we can always use a couple at each location. Consider grabbing something at a post-season sale, or shop through our Amazon lists! Sleeping bags are a high need/priority item, especially at our Renton Diversion Center.  Need/Priority: high

Blankets (thick blankets, emergency blankets)

We are asking for thick blankets: wool and fleece are great options as they will still keep someone warm if they happen to get wet, and it does get wet around this part of Washington! Blankets should be large enough to keep warm but not so large that they are difficult to carry around Emergency blankets are helpful because they take up little room, and are excellent layering tools to keep frost at bay.

Chapstick, Vaseline, lotion

Alongside other personal hygiene needs, we are specifically seeing the need for Chapstick, Vaseline and lotion to help with skin irritation as the cold air sweeps through.  These are easy for families to travel with, and we hope you’ll consider adding a few to your cart for us! Moisturizing personal hygiene (bodywashes, shampoo and conditioner) and dental items are also of high need, as noted by our Renton team.  Need/Priority: high

Single packet coffee and hot cocoa and food that can be warmed by microwave

Our Diversion Centers are places of refuge, and hot drinks and meals are a part of that.  During the winter months, being able to offer warmth through hot drinks to those using the centers helps with connection and support. We do not have full kitchens, and microwaveable food is key.

What happens at our Diversion Centers

At our Diversion Centers in Shoreline, Renton, and Burien, we provide one-on-one, in-person assistance by appointment.  This support includes:

• access to computers for housing and employment searches
• guidance in navigating community resources
• laundry and shower facilities
• tangible items that will assist with warmth and bring encouragement.”

All items purchased on Amazon are shipped directly to the correct Diversion Center address and are acknowledged as in-kind charitable contributions.  For a receipt, please contact our main office at 425.228.6356 or info@visionhouse.org. Donating in-kind items is a great help to us, and a way you can make a big impact on your community, where no donation is too small!