How it started
The idea for this initiative came from the founder's ground level work doing outreach for homeless in Portland, Maine. He noticed a significant gap between the gear provided to homeless and the actual temperatures they needed to endure. As an avid winter camper himself, he was very aware of the need for solid gear to stay warm. he wanted a clear actionable initiative with a name that could legitimize and expand his personal efforts. And so, Ground Level Warmth was born.
Protecting Maine's vulnerable
Ground Level Warmth is dedicated to protecting Maine’s most vulnerable residents from life-threatening cold. Because in Maine, winter temperatures can plummet very far below freezing, and many people without shelter face scary levels of cold with inadequate gear. Shelters fill quickly and are often insufficient for unsheltered needs. The mission is simple: provide high-quality winter sleeping bags, R-rated sleeping matts, thermal gear, and emergency cold-weather supplies to individuals experiencing homelessness across Maine.
Actionable change in action
A single high-quality sleeping bag can be the barrier between life and death during a Maine winter night. The impact of Ground Level Warmth can be measured in lives saved, hospitalizations prevented, and strengthened community awareness.