At The Sub Zero Mission, we deliver essential warming items called our stay alive five which are winter Hats, Boots, Gloves, Coats, and Sleeping Bags.
Through our Homeless Veteran Re-Empowerment Program (HVRP), we go further: finding veterans, bringing them home, housing them, advocating for them, employing them, and empowering them—until they have the stability, dignity, and purpose they deserve. As a veteran-founded nonprofit, we stand beside those who once stood for us, providing not just warmth, but a clear path forward.
From high-energy fundraisers to family-friendly outings, our calendar is packed with exciting events that support the mission year-round.
Our outreach spans dozens of cities and thousands of people every winter. See how your support turns into real results.
Bears are our volunteer groups, led by a dedicated leader. Step into purpose — the Bears welcome all who want to serve.
The Sub Zero Mission goes where others won’t—into the camps, under bridges, and to the forgotten places where the unsheltered survive. We don’t just deliver warming items—we bring hope, build trust, and walk beside veterans on their journey to stability. Run by veterans and powered by volunteers, we’re more than a charity. We’re a mission—boots on the ground, hearts in the fight, and a promise that no one gets left behind.
Al “Sarge” Raddatz
CEO & Founder
That first night we met two veterans under a bridge changed everything. It wasn’t just about handing out coats anymore. From that moment, I knew we had to help people truly come back—not just survive the cold, but rebuild.
Source: 2025 CEO Report
Chris Huber
Army Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, SZM Team Member
After getting out of the Army, I was struggling to find my footing. The Mission gave me structure, purpose, and a chance to turn my military training into something good—something that helps others.
Source: 2025 CEO Report
Ron Marotto
Chairman of the Board
What overwhelmed me wasn’t just the scale of homelessness—it was the selfless way this team shows up every day. They’re humble, relentless, and completely focused on saving lives without judgment.
Source: 2025 CEO Report
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At The Sub Zero Mission, volunteers are not just helpers—they are the lifeblood of our work. Whether stepping into the cold with a Mission Team, preparing life-saving gear at headquarters, or earning the distinguished Blue Coat after ten missions, each volunteer is part of something larger than themselves.
It takes courage to serve on the front lines of compassion, and commitment to stand in the gap for those left in the cold. From sorting supplies to delivering warmth and hope directly to those without shelter, every hour volunteered is a step toward saving lives.
Volunteers don’t just support the mission—they are the mission.
During the winter season, our outreach teams carry what we call the
Stay Alive Five — winter hats, coats, gloves, boots, and sleeping bags.
These are the core essentials that protect people from frostbite and hypothermia when temperatures drop below freezing.
When conditions are harsh or supplies run low in the community, we also bring additional gear — including extra sleeping bags and tents — so individuals have at least a minimal layer of shelter against the cold.
Every item represented in this chart is more than a number. It reflects a moment of relief, a night of safety, and a person given the dignity and hope they deserve.
By keeping the Stay Alive Five stocked and ready, we ensure no one is left to face winter alone.
