Homeless Memorial Blankets arrive in DC for Nat’l Cathedral (Dec. 14), display on Capitol lawn (Dec. 21)
For Immediate Release
Monday, December 12, 2022
Contact
Scott McLarty, scott@memorialblanket.org
Pat LaMarche, Epicjourney10@gmail.com
Handmade blankets are arriving in Washington DC for the Homeless #MemorialBlanket Project rehearsal at the National Cathedral on Dec. 14, display on the West Lawn of the Capitol in Washington DC on Dec. 21
• Rehearsal: Wednesday, Dec. 14, 12 to 3 pm, courtyard of Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington DC
Rehearsal and collection point page: https://www.facebook.com/
• People across the US with sewing, knitting, crocheting, and quilting skills are contributing blankets: Find a state at https://memorialblanket.org
• Facebook page with photographs and news about the project and participants: https://www.facebook.com/
WASHINGTON, DC — Handmade blankets and quilts from across the US are arriving in Washington DC for two major events organized by the Homeless Memorial Blanket Project:
• Wednesday, Dec. 14 from 12 noon to 3:00 pm: Display rehearsal in the courtyard of the Washington National Cathedral. Open to the public and press.
• Wednesday, Dec. 21, all day: Public display of blankets and quilts crafted for people experiencing homelessness, on the West Lawn of the Capitol. After this event, the blankets and quilts will be distributed to families and individuals in dire need during the winter.
The National Cathedral will also serve as a collection point for the blankets and quilts. The cathedral, a landmark in the nation’s capital, is the seat of the Episcopal Diocese in Washington. The address is 3101 Wisconsin Avenue NW at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue in Washington DC.
Blanket makers unable drop off their blankets at the rehearsal are still able to leave their creations at the Lutheran Church of the Reformation, 212 East Capitol Street NE in Washington DC. They can do so Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., now through Dec. 20. The church will store the blankets until the event. (More: https://memorialblanket.org/?
“It is a thrill to be here in Washington for this cause,” said blanketmaker Jane Nighbert. “These beautiful blankets are not only practical, but they are a testament to the warmth and caring of people all over the country. I lived and worked in Washington for many years and feel grateful for the involvement of the National Cathedral and others in the capital. I’m hopeful that movements like this can make a real difference.”
The Homeless Memorial Blanket Project is aiming for a total of at least 500 blankets (9000 square feet), contributed by participants in every state and territory, for the display on Dec. 21 with the goal of raising public awareness of people without adequate housing.
The project has participants in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. Volunteers in each state are being asked to make at least 100 blankets, providing ten for the Capitol Lawn display and donating another 90 or more to outreach programs in their area.
Typical blanket dimensions are 45″ x 80″ and 60″ x 80″ with a variety of fabrics, fibers, and colors.
Some states have begun to charter buses to bring participants to Washington DC for the Dec. 21 display.
The Homeless Memorial Blanket Project is hosted by the Charles Bruce Foundation (https://
Anyone interested in participating can sign up for their state at https://memorialblanket.org.
MORE INFORMATION
Twitter: https://twitter.com/
“Carlisle Homeless Remembrance Blanket Project preparing for D.C. art installation”
ABC27 (WHTM in Pennsylvania), December 7, 2022
“Homeless Memorial Blanket Project puts a spotlight on housing insecurity”
The AFRO (Washington DC), November 6, 2022
Homeless Memorial Blanket Project on Facebook (national group)
To find a state Facebook group, type Homeless Remembrance Blanket and the state’s name in Search
Nonprofit Seeks Artisans Across US to Help the Unhoused
Daily Kos, February 6, 2022
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