Ken John – Homeless Gear

As a life-long hiker and avid camper, Fort Collins, CO resident Ken John recognized the importance of having the right gear. In early 2007, Ken noticed someone struggling down the street, all his earthly possessions bulging from two black trash bags thrown over his shoulders. Ken knew there must be a better way for people on the street to carry their possessions; he started researching homelessness, sold his business, and began collecting gently used gear from friends and his community. In spring 2008, Ken loaded up his car and hit the streets, launching Homeless Gear as a full-time volunteer. That first year, he gave away 1682 items from the trunk of his car and the lawn of a local shelter. He has since expanded his programs to distribute gently used gear to 40 different facilities around Colorado, provide immediate services (including food distribution), and initiating a comprehensive program that aids in job skills and placement to get the homeless back on their feet. Since 2007, Homeless Gear has distributed over 60,000 "big eight" items (sleeping bags, pads, tents, packs, daypacks, blankets, coats, and boots), worth more than $3 million and impacted more than 15,000 people.

Contact Information:

Phone: 970-658-9878 Address: 424 Pine Street, Suite 102 | Fort Collins, CO 80524 https://soundcloud.com/etown-3/echievement-award-ken-john