YOUNGSTOWN BLUECOATS ORG

Youngstown Blue Coats (YBC) is a 501c(3) non-profit organization founded in 2017 with a mission to prevent freezing and injury to homeless and financially destitute individuals.
YBC has a special concern for and focus on military veterans. YBC’s mission is straightforward and simple; i.e., “In America, nobody should freeze to death.” During winter, we address the gap between shelters and outdoor homeless camps. YBC depends entirely on volunteers; all time, transportation, fuel and other operational costs are provided by members and volunteers. Cash donations are accepted; non-cash donations accepted are primarily gently-used and needed material items, including warming items (e.g., winter coats, boots, hats, gloves, ground mats, sleeping bags, tents, blankets, and more). Our goals include collection of and distribution of these warming items to homeless individuals so that they can stay warm and dry. We host fundraisers and donation drives to collect these items and to raise funds to support our goals of providing for homeless individuals. Moreover, we advocate for those who need assistance, and we work with diverse area agencies to provide each individual we encounter the resources he/she needs. Youngstown Blue Coats has no paid staff. We are all volunteers.