A nonprofit organization has turned to crowdfunding over the Internet to help homeless families in need. NY1's Erin Clarke filed the following report.

Three years ago, David Rodriguez gained custody of his then-3-year-old daughter Jada, but the single father had just been released from jail and he had no where to go. So the two entered the city's shelter system.

"It was real hard because I was the only male in the whole shelter. It was a woman's shelter," he said. "I couldn't really move around. We were in a small room like this, me and my daughter."

Rodriguez wasn't sure where he could find a permanent home. Then, he discovered Project Renewal, a nonprofit organization that helps homeless adults and families build stable lives. Eighteen months later, Rodriguez and his daughter moved into their own apartment.

"I was so happy. We were jumping up and down with joy," Rodriguez said. "It was the best feeling ever."

Their struggle, though, is far from over. Rodriguez, a substance abuse counselor and recovery coach, is in school working towards getting his accreditation. His monthly unemployment benefits of about $600 are barely enough to make ends meet.

"The little money I get, it really goes all to my bills," he said.

And as the weather turns, Rodriguez wonders how his daughter will get through the winter.

"Clothes for her are so expensive," he said. "I can't even afford it."

So Project Renewal is seeking $4,000 to help Jada and 15 other Bronx children.

"For these families, certain basics like boots are really out of their reach," said Mitchell Netburn, president and CEO of Project Renewal. "It could make the difference between getting to school on a cold day and just being safe and warm."

Project Renewal has launched a crowdfunding campaign to buy coats, boots and other winter items for families like the Rodriguezes, a relatively new approach for many established charities.

"Social media is a great way to reach a lot of people who traditional outreach efforts don't work for," Netburn said. "There's young people that just don't access some of the same strategies that have been used in the past, like getting something in the mail."

Clothing donations will also be accepted.

For more information about the campaign go to projectrenewal.org or keepakidwarm.causevox.com.