As the temperatures suddenly drop in Arizona, CHR is faced with urgent requests for supplies to stay warm; a demand that our current stock cannot fulfill. In recent years, thousands of cold related deaths have been recorded in the United States and hundreds more go undiscovered. Cold weather mortality is a very real fear for many of our neighbors. Unhoused CHR participants are especially vulnerable to this threat with little to no shelter and those with pre-existing health conditions are especially at risk.
CHR is holding a Winter Items Drive and encourages communities and organizations like schools, churches, and workplaces to organize as well. If only four Drives across Cochise County were coordinated as a convenient and local hub for community members to bring these items, the need would be met and each hub could all be collected in one go by CHR’s Outreach Team. Anyone interested and needing assistance in coordinating such a Drive, please reach out to CHR via info@cochiseharmreduction.org.
The most needed winter supplies include:
- Tents, tarps, blankets, sleeping bags (especially winter degree)
- Gloves, hats, beanies, scarves
- Warm socks (especially wool + thermal socks), long underwear
- Coats and sweaters (especially large + mens sizes)
- Propane heaters, cook stoves
- Sterno can, propane cans
- Non-perishable food items
Southern Arizona and Cochise County always triumphs when we pull together and make sure none of our neightbors are left behind. With your contribution, we can increase the odds that none of our people to become weather-related fatality statistics due to lack of supplies. Please call 520-346-1366 or email info@cochiseharmreduction.org to coordinate hand-off of donations or inquire about hosting a Drive in your area. Donation dropoff at our operations office during business hours. Registry found at cochiseharmreduction.org/registry-walmart. Monetary donations gratefully accepted by check to PO Box 920, Bisbee AZ, 85603 or electronically via cochiseharmreduction.org/donate.