There are some things that can be just plain awkward to talk about. But, just because something is awkward or difficult, does not mean it doesn’t need to be addressed.
Throughout the month of February 2020, Share will host their Every28Days drive to collect donations of feminine hygiene products for low-income and homeless women and girls who struggle to afford these items. In addition to donating needed products, businesses and organizations are encouraged to host a collection bin.
“Women experiencing homelessness often have resources to connect them to a safe place to sleep or a hot meal to eat. But when it comes to taking care of their feminine hygiene needs, they often have nowhere to turn. The Every28Days effort has changed this for the women and girls of Clark County and helped provide dignity regardless of circumstances,” said Diane McWithey, executive director.
To host a bin, contact Heather Walker at [email protected]. Share will provide a bin and signage, plus include your location on a list of donation locations which will be promoted on all Share’s social media sites.
Share is working with local nonprofits who serve women and girls in need to help get these donations to those who need them. These nonprofit agencies include: Council for the Homeless, YWCA Clark County, Children’s Center, Hough Foundation, Day Break Youth Services, Columbia River Mental Health (including Elahan Place), North County Food Bank, Open House Ministries, Parent Child Assistance Program, Giving Closet, Caring Closet, Salvation Army, Lifeline Connections, Janus Youth Program, ARC, and 22 Family Resource Centers at 8 school districts within Clark County.
Feminine hygiene products cannot be purchased with food stamps and are extremely expensive for women with limited or no means. Women and girls experiencing homelessness and poverty are at increased risk of pelvic infections, toxic shock syndrome and challenges in cleaning clothes during their menstrual cycles.
About Share
Share was founded in 1979 with the goal of caring for the homeless and hungry in the greater Vancouver area. Share operates three shelters for the homeless, a transitional housing program, Lincoln Place (a 30-unit Housing First model apartment complex), a street outreach program, a Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) program, provides case management to clients and provides daily meals for the homeless and low-income members of our community. Share also operates a summer meals program for low-income children and a backpack program benefitting 1,680 children at 91 schools to provide food for weekends to children receiving free or reduced-fee lunches. Additionally, Share offers financial programs that incorporate financial education and matched dollars for savings; these programs are designed to assist in the improvement of credit scores and financial management. For more information on Share, visit Share Vancouver online.
