What is “Woobies 4 the Weary”?

“Woobies 4 the Weary” is an idea. The idea that no one should have to be cold and wet all day.

So what do you do?

I help those that are forced to sleep outside due to homelessness. Living in Pacific Northwest, for most of the year it is cold and wet. While I am thankful to have never been homeless, I have been really cold and really wet.

How do you help?

I help by putting together water-proof sleep systems. The idea came to me while watching a camping video of someone trying out a “Ranger-Roll”. The term “Ranger-Roll” is used in the US Army by those who go to Ranger School to describe a light-weight sleeping system made from the standard issue Army Poncho and Army Poncho Liner. Army Poncho Liners are often affectionately referred to by Soldiers as “woobies”, due to how comfortable they are. Hence the name, “Woobies 4 the Weary”.

Tell me about these sleep systems.

Each sleep system consists of 4 components:

Outer Layer:

A heavy duty poncho is the first line of defense against the rain. It is incredibly versatile, being able to be used as a poncho, tent, or water-resistant layer to the sleep system. It costs $35-$50.

Middle Layer:

A wool blanket is durable and provides insulation so the person can retain heat. Wool has been used by travelers for hundreds of years, as it can still insulate when wet. It costs $25-$45.

Inner Layer:

A poncho liner (aka, “Woobie”) provides more insulation, can be attached to the poncho when worn, and is just plain comfortable. With an added zipper, the user can retain more heat. It costs $35-$45.

Tying it Up:

Paracord (aka “550” cord) has multiple uses. It can be used to string up the poncho as a tent or to keep the sleep system together when rolled up. It costs $3 – $5 for 25 feet.

Who have you helped?

So far I’ve built four sleep systems and donated them to a local resource center, New Hope Resource Center, located in Puyallup, WA. According to the New Hope Resource Center, there are more in the community (about 60 people) that need help than I am able to personally give. While each sleep system is relatively inexpensive (~$100), the cost can easily accumulate.

Who are you?

My name is Channing Maddix. I am a former Infantry Mortarman. Having been stationed in various cold/wet climates (including Fort Lewis, WA and Germany), I am intimately familiar with being cold and wet.

How can I help?

Participate in my upcoming GoFundMe campaign!