Al Raddatz and Del Bethel—friends who set this mission in motion in 2009—helped shape what would become The Sub Zero Mission.
Sub Zero History
During the winter of 2009, a couple of old high-school buddies—both Marines—helped a few homeless veterans by supplying sleeping bags to keep them warm through the northeast Ohio cold.
Al Raddatz and Del Bethel soon realized they could do more. They spread the word through social media and within weeks had collected 50 sleeping bags and delivered them directly to people living outside.
At Leroy VFW Post 7939, the Sub Zero Mission was born along with its motto: “Nobody Should Freeze to Death in America.”
“In 2010, before we had a garage or headquarters, The Pamela Dawn was our first true mission bus — a rolling symbol of determination in the cold.”
From Local Effort to Recognized Charity
Word spread quickly. Volunteers collected sleeping bags and warming items and delivered them directly to people in Lake and Cuyahoga Counties—working with partners such as the Cleveland City Mission.
In 2010, Sub Zero Mission collected more than 250 used sleeping bags along with hats, coats, gloves, boots, and other warming items. The organization earned 501(c)(3) status in 2011, becoming a recognized charity.
Growth and Reach
As the Sub Zero Mission gained traction, word spread far beyond its hometown. Volunteers and donors from neighboring counties joined the effort, and new partners helped extend our routes across Northeast Ohio.
With every mission, the team refined its logistics and training, eventually expanding into surrounding states. What began as one truckload of warmth grew into a coordinated network of volunteers, vehicles, and community partners — all united by one goal: to reach as many people in need as possible.
“The Mission’s reach grew quickly — adding more buses, more volunteers, and more ways to deliver warmth across the region.”
“Led by veterans from the start, our mission continues on nights like these—meeting those who served and those who struggle where they are, in the harshest conditions.”
Veteran-Founded, Veteran-Focused
Because this mission was started by veterans, we prioritize finding veterans and connecting them with services they may be eligible for but not yet using.
Each year we run a focused donation period from October 1 through December 1 so people can donate gently used warming items—helping the Blue Coat Missionaries distribute on dangerously cold nights.