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Our origin story
In the midst of his fashion studies, Bas Timmer received news that shook him. The father of a friend passed away while sleeping outside. He died from hypothermia, on an evening that was 8 degrees. He was sleeping next to a homeless shelter which on that night, wasn’t open. Bas felt uncomfortable. Especially because at the time, he was producing one-of-a-kind, luxury outerwear, something that felt so foreign to the situation. But Bas also felt compelled to change.
He looked at the jacket designs, pulled some materials together (an old sleeping bag and a tent) and in 5 hours made a jacket with an additional piece to become a sleeping bag. This is what would become the first ever Sheltersuit. He took it to a shelter and approached a man sleeping near the shelter, offering him the suit.
Immediately, Bas noticed him lower his guard, open up, and show interest. The man asked if he could share it with two friends, as they were living in conditions even worse than he. But Bas promised to return with more. After gathering the materials, resources and donations required, Sheltersuit produced their first 100 products. Bas returned, delivering the sheltersuits to the man’s friends, partnering with that shelter and founding Sheltersuit.
Since 2014, Sheltersuit Foundation is active in Europe, United Kingdom, South Africa and the United States. Each country offers products designed for the local climate, local people and their needs. We also saw an opportunity to hire people with a distance to the labour market to produce the products while using repurposed materials wherever possible. In this way, Sheltersuit Foundation provides impact that goes beyond the possibility of providing warmth, comfort and dignity.
Impact through meaningful partnerships
At Sheltersuit Foundation, we understand that working with people experiencing homelessness demands swift action, innovation and effective resources.
That’s why we've established partnerships with helping organisations, bringing dignified solutions to those who need it most.
Support us to bridge the gap
Help us make the world a better place, one Sheltersuit at a time. Donate now and make a difference. Together, we bridge the gap. For you, and for them.