The number of homeless individuals served by the Youngstown Blue Coats, a nonprofit organization, continues to grow.
Based on the mission “In America, nobody should freeze to death” and with an emphasis on homeless military veterans, the Youngstown, Ohio-based volunteer organization collects and distributes gently used warming items like winter coats, socks, boots, hats, gloves, scarves, as well as sleeping bags, ground mats and tents to keep people safe, warm and dry.
Since its 2017 founding, the numbers served have increased annually.During the winter of 2024-25, 4,271 individuals were directly supported with 9,488 total served through collaborations with partnering agencies and organizations, according to Cynthia Hirtzel, YBC’s grants and development volunteer.
The Blue Coats collaborated with 94 organizations as of December, as they work to meet the needs of the homeless and partner with Mahoning Valley schools to aid children-in-need.
“We are grateful for the wonderful support from community foundations and other organizations from which we received grants, as well as from businesses and individuals who support our mission and objectives,” Hirtzel says.
In 2023, the Blue Coats moved to a new facility in Hubbard which provided indoor space for a distribution bus, a donated trailer and an SUV. The organization, where no one receives a salary, has a target of $150,000 for its capital fundraiser in 2026. Information on the mission and how to donate may be found at ytownbluecoats.org.
Pictured at top: Youngstown Blue Coats distribute warming items to Individuals from the YBC bus, including boots, coats and hats.
