“BUILD WITH BLUE COATS!”  YBC distributes warming items—boots, coats, socks, hats, gloves, scarves, tents, ground mats and more--directly to the homeless. We use our bus, named the “Alexander J. Luke” to do these distributions. In addition, we take “Alexander J. Luke,” loaded with these essential warming items, to shelters and other locations where individuals are in need. You may have seen the YBC bus travelling around this area, Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania, or parked across the street from YBC’s current location on Youngstown-Hubbard Road in Hubbard. Apiece of history: the bus is named “Alexander J. Luke” to honor Veteran Luke who served in the Marine Corps during World War II. Veteran Luke was awarded the prestigious Silver Star Award for his actions. His Award Citation reads, in part: “The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (posthumously) to Platoon Sergeant Alexander J. Luke, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Marine Raider Battalion during the attack again enemy forces on Tulagi, Solomon Islands on the night of 7-8 August 1942.” The bus, originally a yellow school bus was generously donated to YBC in 2019 by Matthew Mesarchik, Ohio Transport Company, Middlefield, Ohio (Thank you again, Matt!). Subsequently, YBC received donated assistance in refurbishing the bus, painting it to its current colors of gray and blue, and adding our mission statement, “In American, nobody should freeze to death.” Thus, “Alexander J. Luke” continues to serve via YBC’s distributions to those in need. Similarly, it is YOUR generous financial donations that enable YBC to continue to meet needs of area homeless veterans and other homeless. And, now, you can support our new capital campaign and objectives to acquire a new, larger facility! YOU can help us “BUILD WITH BLUE COATS!” Thank YOU for your ongoing and generous support!