If you’re among the many putting away camping items, downsizing, or moving up from a tent to a camper, Silent Warriors founder Bev McKinley asks that you keep this organization in mind.

Silent Warriors needs help to support the homeless in the Upper Valley. Sleeping bags, tents, and personal hygiene items are needed. Every item donated goes directly to the homeless and makes a difference. Bev says, “We can always use sleeping bags, tents (pop-up only), tarps, propane canisters, headlamps, and stuff sacks.”

For those who don’t know about Silent Warriors, she explains, “We support our Upper Valley homeless citizens with items needed to provide support while living outside.” Bev began collecting sleeping bags to give to the Upper Valley Haven in late 2012. Since then, she says, “Silent Warriors seems to have taken on a life of its own.”

Working with the people that the Haven serves, she quickly recognized the great need for sleeping bags and tents—the primary “portable homes” plus bedding that substitute for the comforts of home for those living outside. By March 2013, generous donors had rewarded her efforts with over 100 sleeping bags and nearly 20 tents.

Talking to homeless people, she realized that personal hygiene items were scarce and costly. She began to collect items for personal hygiene packs with things like shampoo, razors, bug spray, sun block, etc. to distribute to those in need. She explains that economic assistance like food stamps doesn’t allow for the purchase of toiletries. These are the items that enhance a sense of self-esteem and inclusion for the homeless.

To meet the need for transportation, Silent Warriors needs bicycles, and the first two were received from a kind Enfield donor. More of all items are needed.

“My dream is that the organization can build the infrastructure to take my efforts with Silent Warriors to the next level. I am confident from what I have seen of the rising awareness in the Upper Valley of the suffering of homeless citizens that the Upper Valley community will help me create a lasting source of hope for the homeless,” she states on their website.

She encourages the community to contact Silent Warriors to support their efforts. Every item donated, every penny raised, and every minute given to the homeless makes a difference.

The Silent Warriors' Mission


Silent Warriors collects and provides items of need to homeless citizens of the Upper Valley, a part of our communities that is silent and yet very much present.

We currently focus on the needs of those who live outdoors or “surf” living accommodations alone; however, we can provide any needs to families that have to live in the outdoors as well.

If you are interested in donating Silent Warriors can arrange a pick up time with you persoally. Click here for more info.