For Immediate Release
Tuesday, November 7, 2023
Contact
Scott McLarty, scott@memorialblanket.org
Pat LaMarche, Epicjourney10@gmail.com
Homeless #MemorialBlanket Project seeks baby blankets for Dec. 21 display in Harrisburg, Pa.
• Blanket Project organizers to add a diaper drive calling for donations of diapers, wipes, formula, and other necessities for infants; blankets and other items will be given to people in need after the display
• Pennsylvanians and others from around the US with sewing, knitting, crocheting, and quilting skills are contributing blankets which will be distributed to people experiencing homelessness: see https://MemorialBlanket.org
• Video: “Yay Babies!” from HEAR US Inc. about infants in homeless situations
https://charlesbrucefoundation.com/?page_id=915
Harrisburg, Pa. — The Homeless Memorial Blanket Project has issued a call for baby blankets in advance of the Dec. 21 display of handmade blankets and quilts for people experiencing homelessness, which will take place on the steps of the Pennsylvania State Capitol building in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
“In 2019, the U.S. Department of Education verified that more than a million and a half school children are experiencing homelessness. There is no accurate corresponding count for infants and toddlers. But judging from those numbers, it’s got to be nearly a million. Consequently, our 2023 Blanket Projects will add a focus on children three years old and younger who have no home. Along with baby blankets, we’re encouraging donations of diapers, wipes, formula, and other necessities for infants. Blankets and other items will be distributed to people in need after the display on Dec. 21,” said Homeless Memorial Blanket Project founder Pat LaMarche.
Reverend Matthew Best, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Harrisburg and co-creator of the event, expressed his enthusiasm about adding a diaper drive to the Memorial Blanket Project.
“It’s appropriate at a time when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, a homeless baby himself, to emphasize the children in our communities who lack the barest of necessities. We will get the donating baby and toddler items to domestic violence shelters, family shelters, and other outreach bridging the gap for these families,” said Rev. Best.
The display in December 2023 is the third consecutive annual exhibit and follows a public display on the West Lawn of the Capitol in Washington DC on Dec. 21, 2022, after which the blankets and quilts were distributed to families and individuals in dire need during the winter. The 1,179 blankets and quilts were hand-crafted and contributed by people from across the US, including many from Pennsylvania.
Bringing the display home from Washington DC, organizers will hold displays on the capitol steps in Harrisburg as well as other cities around the nation in 2023. Organizers are urging the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to expand its limited definition of homelessness, which excludes many people without homes from receiving shelter and assistance. Runaway inflation in 2023, with skyrocketing housing costs and rent, has worsened the crisis.
Those interested in contributing blankets to the Harrisburg display or interested in organizing a display in their own state, city, or town can contact contact Pat LaMarche at epicjourney10@gmail.com.
Typical blankets dimensions are 45″ x 80″ and 60″ x 80″ with a variety of fabrics, fibers, and colors. Blankets for children and infants may vary in size.
Anyone interested in participating can sign up for their state at https://memorialblanket.org.
The Homeless Memorial Blanket Project is hosted by the Charles Bruce Foundation (https://charlesbrucefoundation.com), which is located in central Pennsylvania. The Dec. 21 display will be an arts installation by this nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
MORE INFORMATION
“Friday, Sept. 22: Homeless #MemorialBlanket Project to measure steps of the Penn. State Capitol for blankets for Dec. 21 display of blankets in Harrisburg”
Press release, September 19, 2023
https://memorialblanket.org/?page_id=1460
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MemorialBlanket
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
https://www.facebook.com/groups/322512689587858
“Carlisle blanket project covers U.S. Capitol lawn, warms unstably housed”
The Sentinel (Penn.), Dec. 22, 2022
https://cumberlink.com/news/local/communities/carlisle/carlisle-blanket-project-covers-u-s-capitol-lawn-warms-unstably-housed/article_c7404046-8237-11ed-ae34-0b62dd6ec6a4.html
“Handmade blankets for homeless crafted with ‘love’ come to Capitol Hill”
The Washington Post, Dec. 22, 2022
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2022/12/22/homeless-remembrance-blanket-project-capitol/
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