Helping to save lives of people experiencing homelessness

One winter, when Jen was homeless, 7 of her friends froze to death. Jen is no longer homeless and has figured out a solution for those who don't have shelter against the cold: High-tech foam vests that are inexpensive and keep a person warm up to 10 degrees below zero. These vests help save lives and alleviate suffering. You can enlist the help of your friends, family, community, business colleagues, church members, and clubs to help make these vests! We provide all of the materials, you provide the space, then we work together to create a portable, lifesaving shelter for those in need.

Foam clothing, invented by outdoor survival expert Jim Phillips, uses open-cell polyurethane foam as insulation in jackets, pants, gloves, sleeping bags, and more. When paired with synthetic fabrics, these vests provide breathable, moisture-wicking protection--ensuring body heat retention even in freezing, wet conditions.

Originally marketed for emergency preparedness and extreme sports, foam clothing is often expensive. At Turtle Shelter, we make this technology accessible to those who need it most. These vests are like a turtle's shell: a portable, lifesaving shelter.