named programs · 2 · from sources
What they call their work
Handmade Winter Garments Program
Distributes handmade knit and crochet winter clothing such as hats, mittens, and scarves to homeless LGBTQ+ youth through volunteer participation and drop-off partners
Knit/Crochet Classes for Youth
Planned program to offer knitting and crochet classes to LGBTQ+ youth in shelters to empower them with skills and self-expression; not yet implemented
activities · 4 groups
What they do
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Holiday and Seasonal Essentials Distribution 2 activities
- Collection and coordination of donated handmade garmentsOperates a garment donation program that collects hand-knit and crocheted items from volunteers via drop-off locations at partner yarn shops, enabling consolidated shipping and efficient distribution to LGBTQ+ youth in need.
- Distribution of handmade winter garments to LGBTQ+ youth facing homelessnessProvides thousands of hand-knitted and crocheted winter garments—including scarves, beanies, gloves, socks, and sweaters—to homeless and at-risk LGBTQ+ youth in New York City and Chicago annually. Since 2020, distributed over 46,000 garments through organized distribution events and partner networks.
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LGBTQ+ Cultural Competency & Community Education 1 activity
- Community engagement and public awareness initiativesHosts events such as Stitch and Sip gatherings, panel discussions, and the Knit the Future series to connect crafters, raise awareness about housing disparities affecting LGBTQ+ youth, and create inclusive spaces for dialogue on diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in the fiber arts community.
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Vocational Sewing and Tailoring Training 1 activity
- Education and skills-building programs for at-risk LGBTQ+ youthOffers classes, workshops, and coaching in knitting, crocheting, and clothing design to homeless and at-risk LGBTQ+ youth, both directly and through partnerships with other nonprofits in NYC, empowering participants with creative and practical skills.
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Uncategorized 1 activity
- Provision of free knitting and crocheting patternsDistributes free, accessible knit and crochet patterns designed to be warm, fashionable, and suitable for crafters of all skill levels, supporting volunteer participation in garment creation through partnerships with independent designers.
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financials · form 990EZ · fy2025
revenue
Total revenue$56K
Contributions & grants$56K100%
Program service revenue$00%
Investment income$00%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$67K
Program expenses—
Admin / overhead—
Fundraising—
Salaries & benefits$0
Grants paid out$0
balance sheet
Total assets$17K
Cash—
Investments—
Liabilities—
Net assets$17K
3 years on record · 2023–2025 · YoY revenue +77.3%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2025
Who runs it
board members · 3
- Adella Colvin — Board Member
- Anthony Stowers — Board Member
- Louis Boria — Board Member
relationships · 50
Who they work with
- 22 community-based organizations Partner — Collaborates with 22 community-based organizations to address the housing crisis facing LGBTQ+ youth.
- Alexis Moore Partner — Designer who contributed the Fuzzy Mittens pattern for volunteer use
- Ali Forney Center Partner — Community partner serving LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness
- Amy Snell Partner — Designer who contributed both the Proud to Be Socks and Brilicious Cowl patterns for volunteer use
- Andy "Leaf" Semler Partner — Designer who contributed the Glittens pattern for volunteer use
- Arenda Holladay Partner — Designer who contributed the KtR Mitts pattern for volunteer use
- Art & Acceptance Partner — Community partner providing a safe, harm-reduction space for LGBTQ+ youth ages 16-29 experiencing homelessness
- Broadway Youth Center Partner — Community partner providing a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ youth and youth experiencing homelessness in Chicago
- Brooklyn Community Pride Center Partner — Community partner providing services and support to the LGBTQ+ community in Brooklyn
- Center on Halsted Partner — Community partner advancing health and well-being of LGBTQ+ people in Chicagoland and the Midwest
- Crafting Change Partner — Community partner providing collaborative craft projects and online community resources for craftivists
- Debbie Trainor Partner — Designer who contributed the Knit the Rainbow Mitts pattern for volunteer use
- Diane Psota Partner — Designer who contributed the Basketry Socks pattern for volunteer use
- Donnie Harrington Partner — Designer who contributed the Shawl We Share pattern for volunteer use
- Duke of Nikko Partner — Designer who contributed the Stonewall Hat pattern for volunteer use
- Edge New Jersey Partner — Community partner offering public health services and support groups for LGBTQ+ youth in New Jersey
- Emma Olson Partner — Designer who contributed both The Woodmother Scarf and Classic Crochet Beanie patterns for volunteer use
- Ewe Ewe Yarns Partner — Designer who contributed the Pride Parade Beanie pattern for volunteer use
- Facebook Partner — Social media platform used to share information about the LGBTQ+ youth housing crisis
- Hetrick-Martin Institute Partner — Community partner supporting LGBTQ+ youth in transitioning to stable adult lives
- Instagram Partner — Social media platform used to share information about the LGBTQ+ youth housing crisis
- Kira K Designs Partner — Designer who contributed the Topless Mittens, Amplitude Scarf, and Undulating Cowl patterns for volunteer use
- Kirsten Hipsky Partner — Designer who contributed the Chromata Cowl & Scarf pattern for volunteer use
- Knit the Rainbow Partner — Volunteers across the country craft garments for distribution by Knit the Rainbow.
- Lara Castle Partner — Designer who contributed the Fingerless Gloves pattern for volunteer use
- Local Yarn Shops Partner — Network of 50+ local yarn shops that serve as drop-off locations for volunteer-donated garments
- Marilyn Sobel Partner — Designer who contributed the Eye-of-the-Partridge Mitts pattern for volunteer use
- Marta Poling Partner — Designer who contributed the Rivers & Rainbows pattern for volunteer use
- Melanie Shovelski Partner — Designer who contributed the Waves Ear Warmer and Crafting Change Wristers patterns for volunteer use
- NY1 Spectrum News Partner — Featured Knit the Rainbow in a Pride Special segment.
+ 20 more
strategies · 5
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Community-Centered Mutual Aidmethodology: community-partnered_mutual_aidBy engaging decentralized volunteer networks to knit and distribute garments and partnering with community organizations, we scale impact because localized, relationship-driven aid increases trust, participation, and responsiveness to youth needs.
- Dignity-Centered Designmethodology: dignity-centered_designBy providing fashionable, well-fitting, and creatively designed clothing, we increase utilization and psychological well-being among homeless LGBTQ+ youth because affirming self-expression and dignity leads to greater engagement and protection outcomes.
- Integrated Service Modelmethodology: integrated_service_modelBy combining garment production, outreach, education, and youth development into one coordinated system, we address root causes of clothing insecurity because multi-pronged interventions produce more sustainable and holistic outcomes than isolated services.
- Public Education for Structural Changemethodology: public_education_for_community_engagementBy educating the public about housing disparities affecting LGBTQ+ youth, we foster community engagement and policy action because awareness of systemic inequities motivates collective responsibility and long-term solutions.
- Skills-Based Empowermentmethodology: skills-based_empowermentBy teaching knitting and crocheting skills to homeless LGBTQ+ youth, we promote self-sufficiency and sustainable living because acquiring tangible craft skills builds confidence, economic agency, and long-term resilience.