New York, NY — Today, The Doe Fund announced the launch of its 2018 Winter Uniform Drive, which will raise funds to supply high-quality winter uniforms for the Men in Blue of Ready, Willing & Able. The drive runs through Tuesday, November 13th. Individuals can donate—or start their own fundraiser—at winter.doe.org.
The Doe Fund’s Ready, Willing & Able program provides a working way home for men with long histories of homelessness, incarceration, and addiction. Since 1990, the program has helped more than 23,000 men in NYC find sobriety, a full-time job, and a permanent home.
The “Men in Blue,” as program participants are known because of their iconic blue uniforms, receive street cleaning work assignments through Ready, Willing & Able to help facilitate their re-entry into the workforce. At the same time, their works provides an important service to New York City. The Doe Fund’s street cleaning crews sweep, pressure wash, and remove graffiti from approximately 150 miles of New York City streets each day. During the winter, these responsibilities extend to shoveling, plowing, breaking away ice, and salting the sidewalks for safety.
“After years of homelessness and incarceration, reentering the workforce and mainstream society is difficult and intimidating. Many of the men in our program have never had a real job,” said Craig Trotta, head of street cleaning operations at The Doe Fund. “Pushing the bucket on the streets of New York allows these men to earn a paycheck, but it also builds self esteem and teaches soft skills they will need to hold down a job.”
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ABOUT THE DOE FUND’S 2018 UNIFORM DRIVE
WHAT: The Doe Fund’s 2018 Winter Uniform Drive
WHEN: Tuesday, October 30, 2018 through Tuesday, November 13, 2018
WHERE: To learn more and donate, visit doe.org. For progress updates on the 2018 Uniform Drive, visit the online platform.
WHO: Open to all—people may donate to the drive directly or start their own fundraiser at winter.doe.org
VISUAL OPPORTUNITIES:
- Photo Assets: High-resolution photos are available for download.
- Interviews with the Men in Blue: Representatives from The Doe Fund are available for on-camera interviews, including staff, graduates of the program, and current trainees. These men can discuss their experiences in Ready, Willing & Able, and how street cleaning assignments in NYC prepared them to re-enter the workforce.
- Street Cleaning: There will be an opportunity to shadow The Doe Fund’s street cleaning crews to capture a typical day for Ready, Willing & Able trainees in this stage of the program.
MEDIA CONTACT
For photograph and interview opportunities, contact Shannon Moriarty at smoriarty@doe.org
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About The Doe Fund
The Doe Fund’s Ready, Willing & Able program provides a working way home for men with long histories of homelessness, incarceration, and addiction. At the core of the 12-month residential program is paid work—complemented by holistic social services, career training, education, and sobriety support. It is the first and only program that combines paid work with comprehensive services to help men become permanently self-sufficient. For more, visit doe.org.