Malik’s Blankets for the Homeless is a grassroots nonprofit organization founded in Indianapolis, Indiana, by David Chaney and his then 7-year-old son, Malik Ford. What began as a compassionate conversation, that David had with his son Malik after Malik did a school project after the Martin I have a dream speech.
And he wrote his dream was to help the homeless. And through that conversation Malik's blankets for the homeless has grown into a community-powered movement of love, dignity, and direct action for our homeless neighbors. We exist to bring warmth, hope, and essential support to men and women living on the streets—one blanket, one meal, and one life at a time.
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Our Origin Story
In the winter of 2021, malik did it still project after the Martin Luther's I have a dream speech. And he wrote in his own handwriting I want to help the homeless. And being his father after I had just finding my relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ shut down and had a conversation with him and he asked me
“Why are people sleeping outside in the cold with no blankets?”
And I said well what do you want to do about it and he said I want to start a blanket Drive.
That question became a mission. With just a few blankets and a lot of heart, David and Malik began handing out blankets to individuals living on the streets of Indianapolis. They quickly learned that many of their neighbors lacked not just warmth, but also food, socks, coats, hygiene supplies, and—most of all—human connection. Malik's empathy inspired their family to take action, and with the support of their church, community, and friends, Malik’s Blankets for the Homeless was born.
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Mission Statement
Malik’s Blankets for the Homeless is dedicated to serving and restoring dignity to individuals experiencing homelessness in Indianapolis by providing warmth, hope, and essential resources—one blanket, one meal, and one act of love at a time.
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What We Do
We provide on-the-ground outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness in the Indianapolis area. Our services include:
Distribution of Blankets & Sleeping Bags
Especially during cold months, we deliver blankets and sleeping bags to help people survive harsh temperatures. We are currently working to provide 100–200 sleeping bags for each winter outreach event.
Hot Meals and Food Bags
At many of our events, we serve hot, home-cooked meals on-site, and also provide non-perishable sack lunches and emergency food bags year-round. We’ve fed over 230 people at single events and thousands in total.
Clothing & Winter Gear Drives
We collect and distribute coats, gloves, hats, socks, scarves, and gently used clothing to help protect people from the elements.
Hygiene & Care Kits
We hand out travel-sized hygiene kits including soap, toothpaste, deodorant, wipes, sanitary products, and more.
Mobile Outreach
We drive through the city regularly with items on-hand to serve individuals in camps, under bridges, or on sidewalks—meeting them where they are.
Faith-Based Engagement
We offer prayer, spiritual encouragement, and free Bibles during many outreach events. We believe hope is just as essential as physical care.
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Signature Events
1. Winter Blanket & Clothing Drive
Held every year in the fall and early winter. We collect coats, blankets, and warm clothing to distribute in December.
2. Christmas Outreach (Annually,the Saturday before Christmas)
A major event featuring hot meals, free sleeping bags, blankets ,hygiene kits, and Bibles. Held outside the Central Library on 40 E. St. Clair Street, this outreach serves over 225 people annually.
3. Mobile Food Giveaway (Fall & Spring)
We assemble and distribute soft, non-cook food items and hygiene supplies from our vehicles to those on the streets and in camps. We invite donations and schedule pickups via text.
4. Summer & Fall Clothing Giveaways
Clothing and essentials are handed out in front of Central Library, where people can browse items with dignity and receive a hot meal.
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Partnerships & Collaborations
Brookside Community Church & Brookside CDC
Longtime partners in outreach, they have supported food pantry efforts, provided kitchen access, and spiritual backing.
One Day at a Time Foundation
Joined us in providing free mobile haircuts to those in need during special events.
Ziffy Donation Platform
Helps us accept secure, online donations from community members and supporters.
Individual Donors & Local Businesses
Generous people across Indianapolis regularly donate blankets, food, socks, hygiene items, and clothing.
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Our Team
David Chaney – Founder & President
A lifelong servant-leader in the community, David oversees daily outreach efforts, event planning, partnerships, and long-term vision.
Malik Ford – Co-Founder
The heart behind our mission. Malik continues to participate in events and inspire others with his compassion.
Board of Directors
Dedicated volunteers and advisors who guide the nonprofit’s mission and support responsible governance.
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Core Values
Compassion: We meet people with love, not judgment.
Consistency: We show up—regardless of the season, weather, or crowd.
Dignity: Every person is treated with respect and value.
Faith: We believe in spiritual and practical restoration.
Community: We can’t do this work alone—it takes all of us.
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Our Impact (So Far)
Since our founding, we have:
Distributed thousands of blankets and hundreds of sleeping bags
Served hundreds of hot meals
Given away truckloads of clothing, socks, and shoes
Handed out hundreds of hygiene kits
Prayed with and served countless individuals throughout Indianapolis
Created a trusted presence in areas where other services may not reach
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How You Can Help
Donate: Financial support allows us to purchase sleeping bags, food, and hygiene kits.
Volunteer: Join us at an outreach event or assist with pickup/delivery.
Collect Supplies: Host a drive for socks, blankets, coats, or hygiene items.
Share: Spread the word on social media and tell others about our mission.
Partner: We’re always looking for churches, nonprofits, and local businesses to collaborate with.
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Contact Us
Website: www.maliksblanketsforthehomeless.com
Email: dchaney35@maliksblanketsforthehomeless.com
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