Free Sheltersuits for homeless in Milan

Free Sheltersuits for homeless during Salone del Mobilé 2017

Sheltersuit Foundation, who is committed to keep the homeless and refugees warm while being outside in the cold, succeeds in fascinating the design world even more. Last year Sheltersuit exposed at the Dutch Design Week where many were gripped by Sheltersuit’s story. This year, Organisation in Design invited Sheltersuit to showcase their project at Europe’s most important design event; Salone del Mobilé. This is where Sheltersuit aspires to globally raise awareness for homelessness by exposing their project and by donating 100 Sheltersuits to the homeless in Milan.

"This week will be marked by raising awareness for homelessness wordwide."

In social terms, Sheltersuit embodies what design can do; it inspires, connects and activates people. Sheltersuit encourages people, regardless of their background, to socialize with others in society. It is a place where everybody learns from each other and shares the common goal of working together with passion and expertise. As a part of Salone del Mobile, Sheltersuit will be located in one of Ventura Lambrate’s ventures; Via Privata Oslavia 1. For Sheltersuit, this week will be marked by raising awareness for homelessness wordwide. Alongside the exhibition, Sheltersuit will hand over 100 Sheltersuits to the homeless in the streets of Milan.

The beginning of Sheltersuit

After completing his creative fashion studies, Bas Timmer decided to put his talents to use for the Sheltersuit project. The trigger for this decision was the tragic story of his best friend’s father who was homeless and died of hypothermia in the streets. Bas decided to create a free sleeping bag that would protect the homeless from the cold.

Making progress – Ever since the production of the first Sheltersuit in 2014, the foundation has evolved in many ways. The team of Sheltersuit now consists of 32 hardworking people who each contribute in their own way to a better, more social society. From volunteers and the homeless, to refugees and people with special needs, they all play a part. The foundation itself has made great strides in terms of professionalizing. Sheltersuit is located on an industrial site, Spinnerij Oosterveld, where you can find a multitude of creative start-ups.

The new second objective – In addition to producing Sheltersuits, the foundation has developed a second objective: increasing job opportunities on the labour market for people with special needs. By creating jobs at Sheltersuit we give people the tools to gradually become active participants on the employment market. Our volunteers are offered guidance and schooling to increase their chances to move on to paid jobs with third parties.

Sheltersuits’ biggest dream and ultimate goal is to make a global impact by activating everyone around the world to give warmth.

What we do

Get involved

For NGO's

Our products

About us

Free Sheltersuits for homeless in Milan

Receive our impact directly in your mailbox

Latest updates

Carola's story: a human face to homelessness

Luca's Story: Surviving without a home, Struggling for Hope

Marlon: Amsterdam is no longer my home

Reza: A day in the life of a homeless man in The Hague

Susie's journey through the Dutch healthcare system and homelessness

Support us to bridge the gap

CONTACT AND DETAILS

GET TO KNOW US BETTER

GET INVOLVED

CONNECT WITH SHELTERSUIT