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Community

Blanket Distribution in the Quad Cities

WVIK

 

Blankets will be available this winter for the homeless and other people in need. Today, Moline Township began distributing heavy duty wool, biodegradable blankets to groups in the Quad Cities. 

For the past 14 years, the township has received these blankets from the Department of Defense. Supervisor, Don Johnston, says this year it received 1,200--that's 300 more than last year. He says the number changes every year. 

 

Credit WVIK
Volunteers deliver boxes to local agencies.

"One year we had, I think 1,200--1,100 to 1,200--and that was the year that Cedar Rapids was flooded a few years ago. So we sent 400 or 500 hundred up to Cedar Rapids and they really appreciated it. They would have taken 2000 right then if we'd had them available."

      For the past seven years, the township has partnered with "Stand Down for Homeless Veterans," a three-day event devoted to providing everything from shelter and eye testing to and hair cuts and legal aid for homeless veterans in the Quad Cities. Director, Mike Malmstrom, says the group, now in its 15th year, has helped as many as 102 homeless veterans. 

       "That doesn't touch the tip of the iceberg. It takes a while to get their confidence to where they'll come in. That's where the VA outreach team comes in, in real big play. You know, they don't push. They just go and meet with them and offer them a pair of socks or a can of beans or something; know where their camp is and just kind of revisit."

       Malmstrom says local agencies also help homeless people who aren't veterans.  This year's "Stand Down for Homeless Veterans" will be held from September 18-20, 2014 in Rock Island.

      In the meantime, residents can receive blankets and other services by visiting the Moline Township hall or a local police department. 

Renata Sago is WMFE's general assignment reporter and occasional Morning Edition anchor. She covers everything from major political campaigns and unemployment to civil rights legislation and the performing arts for WMFE and NPR.