Knit the Rainbow

Morgan Hanna

Hey there, reader! Do you want to help out homeless youth? Of course you do! In this short read, we’ll discuss ways you can give back to unhoused youth and make sure that they stay warm in the frigid weather.

Knit the Rainbow is a nonprofit that originates in New York, and one that I think everyone should know about. Here’s how the organization works;

People from all around the nation knit and crochet comfortable, fashionable items, and then mail them directly to Knit the Rainbow or other KtR outlets across the country. The woven items are then distributed by the org and are given out to homeless queer youth across cities in  New York, New Jersey, Chicago, and Detroit. 

The organization was started by Austin Rivers, and was founded in 2020 when Austin became aware of the housing disparities for LGBTQ youth. According to the KtR website, 550,000 queer youth in the USA face homelessness, and there are certainly not enough beds in homeless shelters for all of them. To ensure that homeless youth survive the winter, KtR gives free knit and crocheted garments to those who are most in need. 

If you are interested in donating garments to Knit the Rainbow, then here is their information;

Address - 4650 Broadway Unit 2003 New York, NY 10040

Email - info@knittherainbow.org

Phone - 332-209-8058

If you want to donate some garments but don’t know how to knit or crochet, stop by the school’s knitting club every Wednesday in room 237 after school. The students there are always more than willing to share their skills. 

Homelessness affects millions of Americans and can be deadly when the weather drops. With your help, we can ensure that homeless youth are given the opportunity to stay warm during the harshest months of the year. Everyone deserves warmth and comfort, and if you want to help make a difference in a child’s life, contact Knit the Rainbow and be the change you want to see!