Nashville Launch Pad
The mission of Nashville Launch Pad is to create a network of temporary, safer, street-free sleeping shelters for unhoused young adults which are open and affirming to LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies. The have 3 main programs:
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Emergency Shelter - up to 25 young adults in congregate shelter in local churches nightly from Nov 1 - March 31
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Independent-Supported Living Program (ISLP)- up to 6 LGBTQ+ young adults supported in an apartment space
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Mobile Housing Navigation Center - up to 15 beds available through the Coordinated Care Entry system in partnership with Community Care Fellowship
what are we crafting?
Item Requested | Craft Type | Quantity Requested | Quantity Still Needed |
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Warm Winter Scarves/Cowls | Sew/Knit/Crochet/Loom | 75 | 48 |
Winter Gloves/Mittens (all types) | Sew/Knit/Crochet | 125 | 125 |
Warm Winter Hats | Sew/Knit/Crochet/Loom | 125 | 69 |
Quilt Twin Size | Sew | 12 | 10 |
Blankets (Young Adults) | Sew/Knit/Crochet | 50 | 35 |
Pillowcase | Sew | 75 | 33 |
project must-knows
We are crafting for "Young Adults" this is ages 18-24.
For 2 of their programs, The Independent Supported Living Program (up to a 6 Month stay) and the Mobile Housing Navigation Center (up to a 120 Day stay), the young adults have the opportunity to stay for longer periods of time and settle down while they look for permanent housing, educational opportunity and jobs. We will be helping the young adults in these 2 programs with blankets and pillowcases to make them feel more at home during this transition.
CRITICAL INFORMATION: We have been asked to not use "Pride" themed fabric or fabric that in anyway would identify the owner of the items as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. It is important to remember that these young adults are in a very vulnerable situation often having been displaced from their home due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
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Pillowcases:
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Pattern: Use the Burrito Pillowcase pattern for sewing. This pattern creates a clean and professional finish.
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Fabric: You may use either cotton or flannel fabric for the pillowcases. These fabrics are durable and comfortable.
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Fabric Restrictions: Please avoid using fabrics that depict weapons, drugs, alcohol, or themes related to pride, rainbows, or any fabric/symbols that could "out" someone as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.
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Quality: Ensure that stitches are secure and seams are finished neatly for durability.
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Blankets/Quilts/Lapghans:
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Accepted Techniques: blankets can be sewn, knitted, or crocheted.
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The ideal size for blankets is 45 inches by 60 inches (114 cm by 152 cm), which provides comfort and practicality for recipients.
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Fabric and Yarn: Use high-quality yarns and fabrics that are cozy and durable. Please refer to our master yarn list for suggestions on suitable yarns for blankets. Avoid using yarns or fabrics in colors of the rainbow. Please don't make blankets overly scrappy.
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Fabric and Yarn Restrictions: Avoid using fabrics that depict weapons, drugs, alcohol, or themes related to pride, rainbows, or any symbols that could "out" someone as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.
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Quality: Ensure your blankets are well-crafted with secure stitches or seams, reflecting the care and dedication of our volunteers.
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Twin Size Quilts
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They are looking for approximately 12 Twin Size Quilts per year. If you have any interest in constructing some truly lovely, warm, twin size quilts that residents of their Independent Supported Living Program could come home to, they would love that.
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Size: 70"x90"
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Fabric Restrictions: Avoid using fabrics that depict weapons, drugs, alcohol, or themes related to pride, rainbows, or any symbols that could "out" someone as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.
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Fabric: Cotton & Batting
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Technique: Sewn Only
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Winter Items
For unsheltered LGBTQIA+ young adults in Nashville, please follow these guidelines:
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Accepted Items: We are looking for hats, cowls, scarves, gloves, mittens, and fingerless gloves.
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Technique: Sewn, knitted, or crocheted.
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Color Preferences: Use subdued colors such as browns, blacks, navy blue, forest greens, etc. These colors help the young adults blend into their surroundings and feel safe.
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Fabric and Yarn Restrictions: Avoid using colors of the rainbow or Pride-inspired patterns. The young adults served by Nashville Launch Pad often come from difficult backgrounds where their gender identity or sexual orientation was not accepted. It’s important that the items do not make them stand out.
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Quality: Ensure your items are well-crafted and durable, providing warmth and comfort throughout the winter months.
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pillowcases
blankets: knit/crochet
blankets
warm winter items
shipping guidelines
They do ask that you try to bundle your items into the fewest shipments possible as they use a partner church to collect their donations for them. Please do not ship any winter items until after 10/1/24.
CORRECTED SHIPPING ADDRESS 8/12/24​
First Lutheran Church
c/o Nashville Launch Pad
113 8th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37203
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IF YOU HAD A PACKAGE RETURNED TO YOU AS UNDELIVERABLE because of the incorrect 9th Avenue address they provided us:
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Try to get a refund from Pirate Ship for your shipping cost. They likely won’t do it, but it is always worth asking. The volunteer who let us know about this issue unexpectedly got a full refund.
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If you can not get a refund, email the following information to Crafting Change (info@craftingchange.org):
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a photo of your returned package and label
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your receipt or pirate ship invoice from shipping it
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the weight and dimensions of your package
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Easiest Knit Hat Ever Video Tutorial
Easy knit unisex hat for any size. Our #1 preferred hat style. Make sure non washable puffs are removeable.
Easiest Knit Hat Ever
Easy knit unisex hat for any size. Our #1 preferred hat style. Also visit the You Tube Tutorial here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-OYMix6bPI