Blog

Jul 24, 2011
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Brothers and Sisters

Hi Friends,

Before I share about David, I want to share something I read recently from the author Henri Nouwen*:

To become neighbors is to bridge the gap between people. As long as there is a distance between us and we cannot look into one another’s eyes, all sorts of false ideas and images arise. We give them names, make jokes about them, cover them with our prejudices, and avoid direct contact. We think of them as enemies. We forget that they love as we love, care for their children as we care for ours, become sick and die as we do. We forget that they are our brothers and sisters and treat them as objects that can be destroyed at will.
Only when we have the courage to cross the road and look in one another’s eyes can we see there that we are children of the same God and members of the same human family.

                                                                                                          Bread for the Journey, “Bridging the Gap Between People”

Regardless of religious affiliation (or lack thereof), this was a good reminder of the things I so easily forget. “[T]hey love as we love…become sick and die as we do.”

*Nouwen, a prolific author and Catholic priest, is probably most remembered as the pastor of L’Arche Daybreak in Canada, a community where people with disabilities and their assistants live together as family. He wrote an amazing account of his time there in the book Adam after the death of his disabled friend with whom he lived.
Jul 19, 2011
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DC Recap

Wow, Friends. 

Life sure sped up since last I wrote here! 

I landed in Union Station last Tuesday, just in time to help Anthony prepare for the KNO Happy Hour at Cities. We crossed streets that afternoon like true New Yorkers, even in 103-degree weather. This may have been my favorite part of the week. While walking around a melting Capitol, shopping for supplies, Anthony told me the stories behind KNO Clothing. He talked about college, his friendship with Stephen, and how the partnerships with 100,000 Homes and Bethesda Mission came to be.

Those stories showed me the living and breathing core of the KNO Clothing movement. There was a sense of inevitability-- of a friendship grounded in compassion. Somewhere behind my sweat-fogged sunglasses, DC’s humidity became irrelevant.

 

But before I get all Twilight Zone-y-- because it was actually really hot outside-- let me say that the Happy Hour was great fun. We had a reserved space to host our guests and put out some new KNO merchandise!

Thank you to all who came and to Cities Restaurant and Lounge!

 

 

 

 

 

 Friends from the Department of Defense and Grameen Foundation came. We also got to spend the night at Cities with some of the awesome people of the 100,000 Homes Campaign. Jessica Venegas, Kat Johnson, Becky Kanis, and Jake Maguire are all integral members of 100K and their laughter and their commitment to ending homelessness livened the night. Becky-- the program director-- even showed me her unfinished tattoo! 

Crazy, right? I love it! The surprising typo celebrates reaching 100K’s first-year goal to house 10,000 people by July 2011. Let’s help Becky finish her tattoo by July 2013!

 

Our DC events did not stop with new ink and new buttons, however.  (Oh, shameless plug, where did you come from?!)  
 
 

 

 

On Wednesday, Anthony spoke at a pre-conference session for the National Alliance to End Homelessness Conference. I came away smiling for two reasons:

1. I realized I am a lazy college student.
Confused? I have a secret which may not be so secret. College students can work hard when we feel like it. But that conference was mind-boggling proof that college kids have it easy. I was surrounded by people who labor tirelessly, every day, and all towards an honorable end. Like Anthony, I felt like I was sitting in a room full of heroes. Scholarly procrastination tucked its tail and ran away.

2. I loved the clapping and laughter.
 I assumed homelessness could only be a depressing subject. Thinking about loneliness, danger, and becoming a social pariah should probably make me feel this way. Yet, there was a kind of wise optimism-- a hope equipped with strategy-- at NAEH 2011. I am so glad to have witnessed the humor and happiness of those attending.

The funny thing is that just the night before I had been worried about what I could possibly to do help this mission to end homelessness. Even if I worked hard, what could emails and blogging ultimately do? Jessica Venegas from 100,000 Homes looked me straight in the eyes when I shared this and she said, “Policy jargon is just that.” She continued by telling me to confidently write the stories of people because therein lay undeniable truth. Real people and real stories could not be argued with. Homelessness and its end could have voices. So, here I am, starting with my own time in DC with KNO.

I’ll introduce David next. I met him on the corner of 18th and I Street. I had just read the newspaper…

Jul 12, 2011
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10,000 Housed

One year ago, the 100,000 Homes Campaign pledged to find homes for 100,000 people in the U.S. The first step was to find housing for 10,000 people by July 13, 2011. So, the past 12 months have been a real journey. At times, it felt we might not get there. We had a dream, not knowing how it would come to reality.

But, today, KNO Clothing is glad to announce that this dream is becoming real. Today, our friends at 100,000 Homes celebrated 10,244 homes found for some of the nation's most vulnerable. 

We want to thank all of you for your support! Your purchases are making a difference in the lives of people all across the country. Click here for a quick message from KNO co-founder, Anthony Thomas.

Jul 07, 2011
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For those of you who haven't heard yet...

KNO Clothing will be in the capital on Tuesday July 12th for an awesome celebration!

And you’re invited!

(Yes, you.)

KNO Clothing is excited to be at Cities Restaurant and Lounge on Tuesday, July 12th in Washington, DC. This means: you, Cities' diverse food and drinks, and the good cause behind KNO Clothing converging on a single night.

Come celebrate! And come launch an even better season of using fashion to end homelessness. You don’t want to miss this!

This event is open to people of all ages-- and wear whatever suits your style. Free admission!

 

Jul 05, 2011
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You Had Me At Hello

Hello KNO Friends!

My name’s Jessica. I am so happy to announce the launch of KNO Clothing’s summer intern team!

Our first team meeting was held over the weekend. And maybe not in the way most companies do it. KNO has a pretty unique thing going on. We all telecommute.

It looks something like this:

I’d like to thank technology and one pretty amazing movement for being able to gather people around the country to work together. Minus the fake computer and five o’clock shadow, that’s me!

Okay, so what, I used a real computer. I shaved. More realistically, I did my hair and put some makeup on. But that’s beside the point. Did I mention that “one pretty amazing movement… able to gather people”? Yeah. That’s it.

Meeting the small, but whole team at KNO and talking about ending homelessness was way cooler than sitting on a beach pretending to be in a cubicle (Who does that?).  

 Some might call it idealistic. Others might even call it unhelpful-- to provide people with clothes and shelter-- believing in the bootstrap method, instead. The stereotypes, misunderstandings, and injustices are real.

 But this weekend, I saw that compassion and innovative ways of living out compassion are real, too. So, get excited, Friends! Your summer intern team is about to do some good work.

 About the author:
Along with being KNO Clothing’s Communications/Public Relations associate, Jessica Yu is a student at Gordon College in Wenham, MA where she is pursing degrees English, creative writing, and sociology. She hopes to use her love for words to love people, and vice versa.

Jul 01, 2011
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From Shelter to Shelter

A lot of us whole-heartedly believe in the so-called “American Dream”--that if you try hard enough and believe in yourself, you can achieve greatness. We even have evidence to back up this opinion with examples of rags-to-riches tales of Oprah Winfrey or J.K. Rowling. With this engrained opinion, we see homelessness as a result of laziness or a lack of drive to secure employment.  Marquis Barnett breaks all of these stereotypes.

Marquis Barnett has a promising basketball career ahead of him, and he will be playing at Quinnipiac this fall. However, Marquis is not the average talented recruit. He is currently experiencing homelessness. His story will indeed be one of those rags-to-riches tales I was telling you about, but he is in "rags" not because of his poor choices or his mother’s laziness, but because of circumstances outside of their control.
 
Marquis lived with his mother, Francine, and her boyfriend. One morning in October 2008, Barnett overheard his mother and her boyfriend arguing. He became concerned when he no longer heard his mother yelling and ran in to see if she was okay. Barnett said, “I had this terrible feeling that something was very wrong, so I rushed into the room and saw my mom being strangled by her boyfriend. I pulled him off and we started fighting.” Fearing for their safety and not having the resources to afford their own apartment, Marquis and his mother moved into a homeless shelter. Unfortunately, Francine’s boyfriend tracked them down. Again, they had to escape to another shelter.
 
Marquis has been moving from shelter to shelter, forced to commute long distances just to attend school. For several years, he has lived in fear for his mother's life. However, despite the obstacles that Marquis has faced, he managed to maintain his dream of going to college to pursue a basketball career.

Not all homeless people we see on the streets or who live in a shelter are there for stereotypical reasons. Many have endured circumstances outside of their control, such as a house fire, an abusive relationship or a job loss. Human beings do not choose to be put in these situations, but as the saying goes, "life happens." Marquis and his mother were fortunate to have kind and generous people in their lives. Marquis’ coaches and teachers took notice of his situation and offered clothing and hot meals. Without their help, Marquis would not be where he is now. In the small ways that Marquis' coaches and teachers helped, his life was deeply impacted.

Now it is our turn. You can also make a difference in someone's life. With every purchase from KNO Clothing, an article of clothing is donated to a person in need just like Marquis Barnett. KNO goes even further by investing in organizations like the 100,000 Homes Campaign, who work tirelessly to bring an end to homelessness.
 
Changing the world can be overwhelming, but we can do it--one article of clothing at a time.

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/14/sports/basketball/14recruit.html

About the author:
Lauren Brown was the Spring Campus Chapter and Community Partner Associate for KNO. She graduated with a degree in History and Secondary Education from Millersville University in 2010.

Jun 30, 2011
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Fashion Talking

What is personal style? What does it mean when someone tells you, “That outfit is so ‘you’”? What makes your style uniquely yours, and what is your style saying to the world? These are questions that came to my mind while I was browsing through photos of street fashion for a KNO project, and I would like to use this platform to share my thoughts.

Sure, our styles are influenced by what the fashion gurus, the runways and magazines dictate, by what the weather dictates, and by what is “in” at the moment, but these common principles apply to everyone. How then do you end up “owning” your individual style? It’s the unique color combination that only you would put together. It’s the romper style that is so typical of you. It’s the bold contrast you use to make a statement.

Your personal style reflects your mood and your attitude. When you’re in a good mood, you want to show it off through the colors, prints and forms you use. Sometimes you feel like going pretty in pink, and sometimes punk in black. But yet, through all your fleeting moods, there is a thread of ‘you’ that remains consistent in your style. What is incredible about your personal style is that it’s you, in fabric.

Your personal style reflects aspects of your personality. How bold are you willing to go? What do you choose to reveal to the world and what do you choose to keep to yourself? Sometimes, we find ourselves copying other people’s outfits, and at other times, we don’t feel the need. Our fashion reflects our passion and creativity.

Our fashion talks to the world, and says - This is how I feel. This is me, for today. Our fashion talks to the world, and is full of contradictions. Mix a red lipstick with an otherwise conservative outfit and you become a contradiction. Mix a classic flowery pleated dress with metal-studded leather stilettos and you become a contradiction. Wear fishnet stockings. It’s a streak you’re willing to show the world you have. Play with lengths, with shows of skin. All this comes so naturally to us when we dress, but at the same time we are consciously or sub-consciously sending out messages to the world.

Our fashion talks to the world. Talk back to it. Engage in it. Converse with it. And you will begin to hear the voice behind the fabric.

About the author:
Karishmma Advani was the Spring Marketing and Sales Associate. She graduated with a degree in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania in May 2011. Karishmma is interested in a career in fashion and was a great addition to the Spring Intern Team.

Apr 21, 2011
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Homelessness Does Not Discriminate

 Greetings and salutations! My name is Kisha Munson, and I am the Design and Creative Associate for KNO Clothing. I am currently a Master of Fine Arts student, majoring in Graphic Design at The New York Institute of Technology in New York City.  I wanted to find an internship that would not only give me experience in Graphic Design, but also give me the opportunity to make a difference in this world. When I first heard about KNO, I went on their website and was immediately impressed that they were a fashion company whose primary goal was to help end homelessness.  When I was accepted into the internship, I thought it was kind of funny because I never thought I would work for a fashion company (I’m not what you would call fashionable). However, I respected and believed in their mission, and wanted to be a part of that.

My interest in the issue of homelessness began in 1995, when I was 18 years old. A friend of mine needed help feeding the local homeless citizens in my town. Like many people, I never really had one-on-one contact with homeless people.  I didn’t know what to expect when I walked into that church. My shift finally started, and it was eye opening. There were homeless people from every ethnicity, different ages, and different educational backgrounds. Some had mental disabilities. It was at that moment when I realized that homelessness does NOT discriminate; it can affect anyone. Homeless people are not “lazy bums looking for a handout”, which the public is often led to believe. When I saw these people, I saw myself. I could easily be in their situation. Anyone could.

I am proud to have the opportunity to work with KNO; their founders, Anthony and Stephen are amazing and very receptive to new ideas. My fellow teammates are great, and work extremely hard to get KNO out to the public. We all come from different locations and backgrounds, but we have one common ground: to help end homelessness.

Apr 03, 2011
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Small Actions = Big Impact

In this day and age, it is so easy to focus on the ‘big and splashy’ that we easily overlook the small things that happen around us. We seem to miss the reality that even something as simple as our daily routine—reading the morning paper, sipping a cup of Starbucks coffee or tea, commuting to and from work or school—this is all made possible through the “small” actions of others.

At KNO, we’ve learned to focus on and celebrate small actions. We recognize the contributions you make to helping us grow expand and increase our impact. It may not take much of your time or energy, but we’ve been so grateful for the actions you’ve made to spread the word about us. Together, we are using fashion to bring an end to homelessness. I wanted to briefly share two quick stories and thank some of our newest supporters:

Daniel Lakstins (@DanielLakstins) is someone I met through email a few weeks ago. He invited KNO to speak on his weekly blog radio show. After only a 15 minute interview, Daniel was captivated by the mission of KNO. He purchased a t-shirt and volunteered to promote KNO at the SXSW conference he would be attending the following week. Grateful for his enthusiasm, we sent Daniel some promo materials. A week later, he surprised us with the following video:

http://micahhackney.com/2011/03/17/sxsw-street-promo-for-kno-clothing/

A big thanks to Micah (@micahtheace) and Daniel (@DanielLakstins) for their support!

We also want to recognize a group of 75 college students who gave up food for 30 hours to get a small glimpse into what it feels like to go hungry. During their fast, they had an opportunity to learn about KNO and a few other companies that are making a difference in bettering people’s lives. Each of the students purchased clothing from our website with an aim to both provide an article of clothing to someone experiencing homelessness as well as fund local organizations that work to end homelessness. Fasting for 30 hours is no “small” feat, and by doing so, they were able to empathize with people who have no choice but to go hungry, and at the same time impact the lives of 75 people on the streets.

The stories are glimpses of the many “small” actions that are taken by KNO supporters on a daily basis. With each action, we all work toward building up a movement that will lead to the end of homelessness in this country. We hope you too will be inspired to take a small step to spread the word about KNO and actively make a difference in someone else’s life.

Mar 30, 2011
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Get in the KNO

After a long week in the classroom, working on KNO projects, and running around on the tennis court in preparation for U-Penn’s match against our rivals at Princeton, I have finally found the time to sit, relax and update you all on my KNO adventures of the week. 

I was excited to reach out to my school newspaper to raise their awareness about the innovative way in which KNO Clothing is using fashion as a means to address and eradicate the problem of homelessness in the US.  I am fortunate to have a friendwho writes for the school paper and is willing to talk to the editor about the possibility of featuring KNO.  I also made efforts to reach out to various local, regional and national publications including the Philadelphia Daily News, to explore the possibility of them featuring articles about KNO in their upcoming online and print publications.  To further support KNO in our efforts to utilize the most socially responsible and environmentally friendly means of production of our products, I took time to research fair trade and organic companies to potentially partner with for various new products. 

As I look back on my past week, I remember how fast-paced and busy it was; nevertheless, it was both meaningful and successful. The way I see it, every small step that I take to help expand the national profile of KNO Clothing means that more people are becoming aware of the creative concept; more people have an opportunity to get involved in ending homelessness by purchasing our products; and finally, more people on the streets are getting out of their lives of homelessness. That’s a lot to be excited about!

As we get closer to the weekend, there are a couple of things I want to share with you. First, KNO’s spring and summer clothing line will be released in a few short weeks, so keep checking back on the website for some awesome new styles and products. Second, many of you already know, but KNO Clothing has advanced to the semi-finals of the Last Plan Standing marketing plan competition, so please be ready to support KNO again in April when we begin the final round of voting. Your support is so much appreciated!

Mar 22, 2011
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We made it to the semi-finals!

A big thanks to all who watched and liked our video entry for the Last Plan Standing competition.

We've made it to the semi- finals!!! Here's a message from KNO co-founder, Stephen Caldwell:

 

Thanks again. Together, we can help end homelessness!

Mar 20, 2011
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Introducing KNO's General Associate

My name is Jason Lin. While I am originally from Irvine, California, I am currently studying marketing and operations management at the University of Pennsylvania.  I am interning as the general associate for KNO Clothing, which means I get to do a bit of everything for this unique and innovative start-up company.  I help to increase KNO's brand awareness on the regional and national level, and I also help to envision new ideas to expand the reach of KNO Clothing.   

I chose to join KNO because of my dual interest in the fashion industry and desire to curb homelessness throughout the United States.  My interest in fashion had its humble beginnings in my high school years when my tennis coach asked me to pick out our team uniforms. Ever since, I have taken every opportunity to increase my experience in the fashion industry.   

My interest in ending homelessness actually developed before high school when I was a Boy Scout. Every year, our troop would go around nearby neighborhoods to collect food donations for local homeless shelters.  Today, I am grateful for the distinctive opportunity to apply both of these passions in my internship at KNO Clothing. What I am most excited about is the fact that as I intern at KNO, my efforts in ending homelessness are really making a difference in people’s lives not only here in Pennsylvania, but also in California and all across our nation. 

Mar 05, 2011
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Help us win a Marketing Plan worth $100,000

Several months ago, we were contacted by Nicholson Kovac, a marketing communications agency, to enter a competition for a chance to win a marketing plan worth up to $100,000. We were asked to create a short video and with the help of Plasma Productions, we submitted our entry.

We just found out that we were selected as a quarter-finalist. We're excited to advance in the competition and with your help, we can get to the semi-finals!!!

Here's what we need you to do:

1. Click the image above to watch the video.

2. Make sure you LIKE the video on YouTube.

3. Get your friends involved!

The more likes we receive, the higher our chances are to advance to the next round.

Thanks for your continued support and for your commitment to help end homelessness.

Anthony and Steve

Feb 08, 2011
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KNO Clothing partners with the 100,000 Homes Campaign

We're excited to announce our partnership with the 100,000 Homes Campaign today. 

Stop by our store and buy a KNO product today! With your help, we can help end homelessness one person at a time. 

Feb 07, 2011
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Don't Walk By

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of spending most of my Saturday volunteering with the Don’t Walk By Campaign. I found out about it through Hope for New York, and I was excited about the possibility of speaking with people experiencing homelessness and encouraging them to take a step to get off the streets.

I arrived at the Overseas Chinese Mission in Chinatown, NY around 2 PM. The first two hours were set aside for volunteers to mingle, learn more about the Don’t Walk By Campaign and get trained on how to properly interact with people on the streets. After orientation, I was ready to go. I was assigned to a team which had a total of 5 members including myself. Our target was the Lower East Side (LES) of Manhattan.

We headed out to the LES and soon came across Marvin. He was walking on the sidewalk geared with a stuffed backpack, rounded plastic bags and a fistful of wrinkled $10 bills. Determined to make his way to Washington, D.C., he shared in frustration that he couldn’t find the ticket booth. We then joined him on his search for the booth. As we walked, we learned about and his background and his unique story.  He seemed to really appreciate that we took interest in him. He opened up to us and shared some of his own artwork. Finally we arrived at the ticket booth and said our goodbyes. As I walked away, I was reminded that people experiencing homelessness rarely get a chance to interact on a kind, personal and “human” level with many of the passers-by they encounter every day. It is even rarer for them to engage in conversation with people who show a genuine interest in them. As we left Marvin at the ticket booth his gratitude for that brief meeting was shared in his firm handshake and appreciative words.

Soon after we left Marvin, we came upon Artie who was frantically looking for a pair of socks in his two bulging suitcases. A little guarded when we first approached him, Artie eventually warmed up to talk to us. It appeared as if he had been on the streets for several years, and he expressed that he was aware of the local services he could access for food, shelter, clothing, etc. We had been equipped with personal hygiene packs from Don’t Walk By, and since they included a pair of socks, we offered him a pack. He was hesitant at first, but then welcomed the gift. As we prepared to move along, he openly asked for prayer.

As we walked throughout the Lower East Side, we met several individuals experiencing homelessness. Although different in their own ways, each one had something in common. It was easy to sense the hurt, brokenness and loneliness they experienced. Most of them were excited to receive the personal hygiene gift bags we were handing out. One gentleman even responded to the invitation to receive help for a permanent solution through Don’t Walk By. What was most inspiring to me was that we were able to lift all of their spirits just by engaging them in friendly and kind conversation.

My experience with Don’t Walk By is one that I will never forget. Recently, I came across a moving post by Michael Sullivan on CNN.com. Michael experienced homelessness for a part of his life and writes about how people looked at him and how they treated him. I encourage you to read Michaels’ post because he does a great job at expressing how he felt as a person when he experienced homelessness.

At KNO, we firmly believe that we can create a movement where we start to treat people on the streets with dignity. We’re creating a revolution where our purchases actually help provide clothing for those experiencing homelessness as well as provide funding for organizations that are working tirelessly to help end homelessness.

 

Jan 19, 2011
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Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Berlin

The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Berlin is underway! They just posted pictures of some of the Autumn/Winter 2011 collections online. The designers featured in this photo album include A.F. Vandevorst, Dimitri, Lala Berlin, Lena Hoschek, Lever Couture and Patrick Mohr.

All of the designers are very creative! We really like what Lena Hoschek has put together. Take a look at the styles and let us know what you think.

Jan 17, 2011
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Fashion at the Golden Globe Awards

Did you catch the Golden Globe Awards last night? If you missed it, take a few minutes to look at the stars decked out in outfits by some great fashion designers. What is your favorite outfit? Post your thoughts in the comments section below.

Jan 17, 2011
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Watch KNO Clothing on NBC WGAL 8

We were featured on NBC WGAL 8 this morning. Check it out and let us know what you think.

A big thank you to Jere Gish from WGAL, Chuck Wingate from Bethesda Mission and KNO Rep. Cjloe Vinoya for making this happen. 

Jan 11, 2011
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Latest Updates from KNO

2011 is off and running! We've had a great start to the year and we're excited for what's ahead.

We want you to share some exciting news with you:

  1. KNO Clothing co-founder Stephen Caldwell is the guest columnist for the Washington Times "Communities" section this week. He wrote an inspiring post for the "Young, Willing and Able" community. Check it out and let us know what you think.
  2. We were featured in the Business Section of India West. India West is the largest weekly newspaper providing news from India, Pakistan and the Asian Indian American community in California and the United States.
  3. Our Holiday Sweater is on sale for $20. Limited quantities are available so get one today!
We're thrilled that more people are getting to hear about KNO! Please keep spreading the word and encourage your friends and family to buy KNO apparel.

Thanks again for all you do. With your help, we can end homelessness one person at a time.

Your friends at KNO
Jan 03, 2011
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Holiday Sweater on Sale!