Austin Rivers, who found comfort in knitting during the Covid pandemic, has been helping keep thousands of LGBTQ+ homeless youths cosy this winter.
The American knitter, who is based in New York, realised his scarves and hats could also support his city’s queer communities, especially those who are homeless.
According to statistics, 40% of those homeless in the US are from LGBTQ+ communities. Knit the Rainbow, which was founded in April 2020, is powered by the help of 550 knitters across America who donate their handmade garments to Rivers and his team. To date, the organisation has distributed over 25,000 garments to LGBTQ+ youths through local nonprofits in New York, New Jersey, Chicago and Detroit.
“I don’t have the capacity to build a shelter, the network or the connections to help in that way, but what I can do is knit,” Rivers said. “And I know that New York City is cold, so I decided I would start knitting and create this nonprofit.”
As Christmas approaches, Rivers said it’s important that homeless LGBTQ+ youths know they are not alone.
“There are thousands of people out here that are constantly thinking of you and using their hands to make things for you,” he said. “So don’t give up. Keep going.”
