Call it winter math: temperatures drop, snow accumulates, and the homeless population’s needs rise. As a result, several local businesses and groups are stepping up and giving back.

Think TC, a local collaborative of creative professionals, hosted ‘Pints for Parkas’ on January 14 at the Workshop Brewing Company. The concept was simple—donate a new or gently used coat and receive a free drink token to be used that night.

"When we heard the jail was no longer going to allow access to their lobby as a last resort for the homeless in town, we knew we wanted to focus on the issue,” explains Bradley Matson, founder of Think TC and CoWharf co-working space. “A coat drive seemed doable, and who doesn't like free beer?"

The group collected 76 coats that night and is continuing to collect at High Five Threads and The Workshop Brewing Company through the end of January.

“One of the things I love about this community is how we all come together to help great causes,” says Lance Hill, owner of High Five Threads and co-organizer of Pints for Parkas.

The Little Fleet will be hosting a similar event, Boots for Beers, on January 30 from 6-8pm. Bring a pair of new or gently used boots in to the bar and receive a free craft beer that evening.

“All of the coats and boots are in high demand, as the numbers of people served by Street Outreach is at an all time high, especially with this chilling winter weather,” says Ryan Hannon of Goodwill’s Street Outreach program.

Street Advocate of Grand Traverse works for the betterment of people experiencing homelessness. The group recently launched ‘Ticket to Ride,’ a program that will cover the cost of BATA passes for 12 homeless individuals for an entire year. A monthly pass is $36; the $5000 gift will allow these individuals to travel to their jobs, grocery stores, appointments, meetings, community meals, and housing searches.

“Transportation has been a major obstacle facing people experiencing homelessness,” says Volunteer Program Coordinator Christie Minervini, adding “one area philanthropist is getting the wheels rolling, and I hope the rest of us can pitch in to keep this program running.”

For those interested in helping the homeless warm up, Cuppa Joe has started their ‘Pay It Forward’ program, collecting customers’ filled punch cards to donate to area agencies so those in need can grab a warm beverage from one of the coffee shop’s three locations. On January 10, 32 cards were donated to Street Outreach. On January 17, 52 cards were donated to Women’s Resource Center. Those interested in donating can also purchase a punch card for $2.50.