Project Winter Watch: Fighting The Cold And Giving Hope To The Homeless

Getting supplies to the homeless, especially during these cold snaps, is crucial, but getting the right supplies is equally important.

Ryan Cristelli’s passion for the homeless started about seven years ago when his wife sent him an article about four homeless people who died from the cold.

“I couldn’t make it make sense to me. I couldn’t make it make sense that people would die because the cold would take them from us and stop their hearts from beating,” said Ryan Cristelli, founder of Project Winter Weather.

He immediately went to the sporting goods store, buying clearance items to take out to the homeless.

“I didn’t know where I was going, and I was giving out items that weren’t going to work, they were bigger than the people that I was providing for,” said Cristelli.  

Today, through his Project Winter Watch, Cristelli provides items specific to the winter needs of the homeless.

“Is this sleeping bag going to be able to be carried and packed? Is it dark? Can it be hidden?” said Cristelli.

More importantly, are the items effective?

“Because when the temperatures are really awful, the stuff that takes their fingers and toes and lives, is it going to work?” said Cristelli.

Cristelli has a background in communications and marketing and uses those relationships to help get resources--not just for him, but for other entities that are just as passionate about the mission.

“Second Chances is a hub all day long, so we’re seeing two to three hundred people every day,” said the owner of Second Chances Thrift Store, Delisa Jones.

Through her thrift store, Jones provides clothing and food to the homeless and also goes into the homeless camps.

“They buy gear that is so specific for the elements of people freezing to death,” said Jones.

Cristelli admits when temperatures get to the extreme that they have been, he becomes absolutely consumed.

“Sleeping well in the winter, I kind of gave that up,” said Cristelli.

Whether it’s a hug, or putting socks and gloves on someone that is unable to do so for themselves, his mission is to love.

“We all have a voice, we all are worthy of being loved, heard, and fought for,” said Cristelli.

With more cold weather on the way, Project Winter Watch and the others are already gearing up for it. If you’re compelled to support their efforts or want to view their Amazon wish list visit them on social media @Project Winter Watch.