Bombas Donates 3,000 Pairs of Socks to Support Cortland County Neighbors Experiencing Homelessness
RHI and the Housing & Homelessness Coalition of Cortland County will distribute socks through outreach, and seasonal shelter spaces and partner agencies, informed by the Grace Space pilot.
The Rural Health Institute of New York (RHI) has received a donation of 3,000 pairs of socks from Bombas to support people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity in Cortland County. Distribution will be coordinated by the Housing & Homelessness Coalition of Cortland County through partner agencies and street outreach across the county.
“Foot health is a basic dignity issue. Clean, dry socks prevent infections, reduce discomfort, and help people move safely to appointments, services, and work,” said Matthew Whitman, Executive Director of RHI. “The Grace Space pilot helped us identify high-need essentials like socks, and we’re grateful to Bombas and our coalition partners who will get these out quickly to our neighbors.”
Why socks matter
For people living outdoors or doubled-up, socks wear out quickly and are difficult to wash or replace. In wet or cold weather, rotating dry pairs helps prevent blisters, skin breakdown, and infections that can escalate into more serious health issues. Because socks are under-donated relative to demand, they remain one of the most consistently requested items by shelters and outreach teams. New, high-quality socks are a small item with an outsized impact on comfort, mobility, and overall health.
How they’ll be distributed
The coalition will prioritize low-barrier, fast distribution through:
Street outreach and mobile engagement led by coalition teams
Seasonal shelters, warming centers, and pop-up events during colder months
Care kits that bundle socks with hygiene items, wound-care supplies, and weather-appropriate gear
Partner agencies (e.g., CAPCO, Catholic Charities) and community-based agencies that serve those in need
Coalition partners will log distribution to ensure items reach people at highest risk and to inform future supply planning, including quantities, timing, and locations for subsequent cold-weather outreach.
By the numbers
3,000 pairs of socks
Enough for 3,000 people to receive one pair, or 1,500 people to receive two pairs. Having a second pair is vital for rotating dry socks in wet or winter weather.
What we learned from the Grace Space pilot
From November 2024 to April 2025, RHI and partners operated the Grace Space, a low-threshold daytime resource center at Grace & Holy Spirit Church. While the pilot has concluded, it provided data-driven insight into the most-requested essentials, including socks, gloves, hats, and wound-care supplies, and highlighted the importance of simple, practical items that reduce day-to-day harm. Those findings now guide the coalition’s countywide distribution strategy.
About Bombas’ community giving
Bombas partners with nonprofits nationwide to donate new, high-quality basics that meet needs identified by local organizations. Their giving model ensures donated items are durable, comfortable, and immediately useful, helping community partners respond quickly and effectively.
To learn more about our work or to get involved visit the Housing & Homelessness Coalition website.