“I’ve been waiting all year for Operation Overcoat,” Julianne tells us. And we’re not surprised because Operation Overcoat is a great opportunity for our homeless and low income neighbors to get essential clothing for winter, but it’s also fun. It is a neighborhood street fair, with great food, live music, and happy people.

We consider the “fun” of Operation Overcoat as essential as the food and clothing we distribute. Life on the street can be cold, lonely and isolating. The daily stress to meet basic needs and to stay safe can be intolerable. At Operation Overcoat, we want to provide our neighbors in need a respite from the grind. Returning this year, our Search+Rescue van will be on display with staff and volunteers ready to help guests connect to community resources as well as provide coaching to build long-term goals. We want to help and encourage people experiencing homelessness by “coaching to a pathway to success.”

I encourage you to be a part of this year’s Operation Overcoat! Consider volunteering, have a drive at your church, school or workplace and donate needed items to the event, or give a financial gift to support Operation Overcoat.

Operation Overcoat: Meeting Essential Needs

On Saturday, September 28th, there will be a festive atmosphere at Operation Overcoat. Live music on the main stage, and burgers, hot dogs, homemade potato salad and even cotton candy and shaved ice!

In addition, this event meets essential needs for our guests. Your gift of $23.53 provides an Operation Overcoat guest with goods and services that would cost them over $200 in a retail environment.

CLOTHING

• Coats, shirts, pants, socks, shoes and boots

• Blankets and sleeping bags

HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE

• Access to hygiene items and free haircuts

SPIRITUAL CARE

• Free bibles

• A prayer table with volunteers to pray with guests

Operation Overcoat is an opportunity for our homeless neighbors, as well as those struggling financially, to get many basic needs met. Getting a warm coat, a pair of boots that fit and having a chance to pray with a caring volunteer makes a big difference!

Operation Overcoat takes place on Saturday, September 28, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on NW Third Avenue between Burnside and Couch streets in front of Union Gospel Mission and on Couch Street between NW Third and Fourth avenues. Those streets will be closed during the event.

Operation Overcoat: Three Ways You Can Help

Here are three things you can do to help make Operation Overcoat 2019 a success:

1. Organize a clothing/sleeping bag drive at your church, workplace or school. Our most needed items include socks, new undergarments, sleeping bags, boots and coats. Drop your items off at Union Gospel Mission at 3 NW Third Avenue by Saturday, September 21st.

2. Participate in Operation Overcoat Collection Day. Join us on Saturday, September 21st from 12 noon – 2:00 p.m. at the AMC Theater at 12345 SW Horizon Blvd., in Beaverton. Bring gently used clothing, sleeping bags, blankets and new underwear. Radio station 99.5 FM “The Wolf” will be on hand with prizes!

3. Support Operation Overcoat financially.

It costs about $23.53 to provide one person with a day at Operation Overcoat. Consider a special financial gift for Operation Overcoat. You can give online by clicking the button below!