What is a Heartwarmer?
A Simple Tool with Life-Saving Potential
A Heartwarmer is more than just a water bottle—it's a life-saving tool that can provide critical warmth during cold nights for those experiencing homelessness or living in unheated spaces.
This concept comes from real-life experience. Our founder, April, lived out of a vehicle for several years and survived winters by storing hot water in sealable water bottles. This simple technique provided essential warmth during freezing nights and could mean the difference between survival and hypothermia for people without access to heated shelter.
— April, Founder of Heartwarmers
How It Works
The science behind Heartwarmers is simple but effective:
- Heat Retention: Water has excellent heat capacity, meaning it can store a large amount of heat energy and release it slowly over time.
- Insulation: When properly wrapped in cloth or clothing, the heat dissipates gradually, providing warmth for several hours.
- Portability: Unlike other heating solutions, water bottles are lightweight, reusable, and can be refilled at many public locations.
- Safety: When used correctly, water bottles provide a safer alternative to open flames or other dangerous heating methods.
The Origin Story
April's Experience
During her time experiencing homelessness, April discovered that filling water bottles with hot water and placing them strategically in her sleeping area could provide enough warmth to survive cold winter nights. This simple innovation became a crucial survival tool.
After finding stable housing, April realized that this knowledge could help others in similar situations. She began distributing water bottles with instructions to homeless communities, marking them with a special sticker and QR code that led to more detailed safety information.
What started as a personal survival technique has grown into a movement to help others stay warm and connect with essential resources.
Beyond Water Bottles
While the water bottle is the original Heartwarmer, the concept has expanded to include:
People as Heartwarmers
Individuals who offer support, resources, and kindness to those experiencing homelessness.
Places as Heartwarmers
Businesses and organizations that provide free amenities like indoor seating, wifi, bathrooms, and hot water.
Things as Heartwarmers
Tools and resources that help meet survival needs, with the water bottle being the original example.
This expanded definition creates a comprehensive approach to supporting those in need, especially during cold seasons.
Important Safety Note
Not all water bottles are safe to use with hot water. Always check for the appropriate temperature rating and never use damaged bottles. See our Safety Instructions for complete guidelines.
Why Water Bottles?
- Accessibility: Water bottles are relatively inexpensive and widely available.
- Reusability: Unlike chemical hand warmers, water bottles can be reused indefinitely.
- Dual Purpose: They serve as both a water container and a heating device.
- No Fuel Required: Unlike other heating methods, they don't require fuel, batteries, or electricity.
- Environmentally Friendly: Reduces waste compared to disposable heating options.
Pro Tip
If you have multiple bottles, fill them at different times so you always have one that's warm throughout the night.
Get Started with Heartwarmers
Ready to learn more about using water bottles as Heartwarmers or helping others stay warm?