video: Helping The Streets, One Blanket At A Time

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Kemea Smith, GoLocalPDX Contributor

Ashleyann Burnett delivering a blanket to Andre. Photo Credit: Handmade to the Streets

Handmade To The Streets, provides creative handmade blankets to those living on the streets of Portland.

“With my blankets I hope I can provide people who live on the street, not only warmth but to let them know that someone cares,” says founder Ashleyann Burnett.

The durable blankets, include a strap that keeps the blanket compact, and a carrying handle so the blanket can be carried around their shoulder.

VIDEO: See Handmade To The Streets video BELOW

Burnett was inspired to create Handmade To The Streets, after seeing a man on Martin Luther King Blvd., trying to stay warm with a single sheet. “He looked so cold while he messed with the blanket, trying to get warm and comfortable,” says Burnett.

The situation transported her back four years ago, when she was living in her car. “I slept in my car because I had no place to go,” says Burnett. “I would park my car under a light at the Clackamas Target and sleep. I can understand losing a lot, having no where to go, with little options available.”

So far Burnett has made a couple of deliveries to people in need. She says her most memorable delivery was to Andre, a homeless man in his early twenties. “He was very thankful and couldn't believe I'd be giving him a blanket, handmade at that,” says Burnett. “The way he watched us leave, made me feel like I truly made a difference and made his day.”

Burnett just launched a Kickstarter in order for the organization to become a official 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and continue to help people in need.

“With enough time and exposure we hope we can take it to other states to start helping the streets in other areas,” says Burnett.

To learn more about Handmade To The Streets, click HERE.