PROGRAMS & PROJECTS.
Clothing Development
In order to provide thousands of garments each year, we will collect hand knit and crochet garments from volunteers (Rainbow Knitters) across the country. We will focus on providing scarves, beanies, gloves, socks, and ear warmers as those are essential layers of protection required during New York City's harsh winter months.
Community Outreach
In addition to providing homeless LGBTQ+ youth with winter garments, we provide them with the opportunity to learn to knit and crochet for themselves. Our community outreach program partners with other nonprofits in NYC to provide classes, workshops, and coaching for at-risk youth so they can learn sustainable living techniques like clothing design and creation.
At Knit the Rainbow we focus our programming in 4 areas: clothing development, design creation, community outreach, and educating the masses.
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Our programs are targeted to provide as many garments as possible to as many youth as possible so that each member of the affected community in New York can receive not only one garment, but a garment of each type to ensure full-body winter protection.
Design Creation
We firmly believe those facing this housing crisis deserve clothing that is modern, creative, and well-fitting. We want to design garments that are not only warm, but also fashionable and exciting to wear. Our team of volunteer designers (Rainbow Designers) will help provide our Rainbow Knitters with patterns that range in difficulty and style for all levels of experience.
Educating the Masses
In fighting the housing crisis, we must educate the general public on its existence. KtR has found that most of the people we interact with are not aware of the housing disparities facing LGBTQ+ youth across the country. This crisis is one that cannot be combated without the engagement of the public. At KtR we aim to increase that awareness through our education program.
