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Home • Authors and Books • A Simple, Powerful Way to Help Homeless Women

A Simple, Powerful Way to Help Homeless Women

February 29, 2016


“It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” — Mother Teresa

Parts of Miami remind me of a tropical Skid Row. People without homes, carrying all of their belongings in tattered bags or carts, taking refuge beside trees or asking for change on street corners. Of the countless homeless people I encountered while living there, one woman in particular stands out. She would wander my neighborhood with wonder in her eyes, asking if I’d seen “the Scarecrow” or knew the “way to the Wizard.” More than once I glimpsed her clicking her heels together; “there’s no place like home.”

There’s a lot I could say about the woman I quickly learned to call “Dorothy,” but what’s been striking me lately is a way I wish I would have helped her.

I often gave her small amounts of money or food, but it never even crossed my mind to give her feminine hygiene products. Every so often she’d disappear for a few days or more. Looking back, I wouldn’t be surprised if her period was the reason. Regardless, menstruating likely made her life on the streets more difficult.

It’s one thing to not have access to feminine hygiene products when Aunt Flo arrives unexpectedly in the middle of a yoga class, date or business meeting. (I think most of us gals have been there.) It’s another thing entirely when you’re forced to bleed through your clothes for days, or to use soiled clothing or garbage as a “pad.” Forget about ice packs, painkillers or a comfortable place to rest away cramps and headaches.

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A lack of feminine hygiene products is a huge, often devastating problem for homeless women. Because menstruation remains sadly taboo in our culture, it’s rarely even thought of by the masses. We may donate canned goods and spare quarters, but tampons?

It’s not surprising that menstrual products are among the most needed supplies in women’s shelters, and the least often donated. So here’s an idea I’m committing to myself. Make a point of donating them. Keep extras in your purse or car. Place them in bags with a snack and spare change to hand out to women you pass by on the streets. You could very well bring much-needed sunshine to a woman’s life.

Some of you helped women in need by purchasing Embraceable last week. Thanks so, so much! As promised, I used $1 from every paperback purchase during its release week to purchase feminine hygiene products for a busy Los Angeles women’s shelter. Here’s the stash I’m dropping off today.

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Huge thanks to everyone who tweeted, commented and shared thoughts and support during the giveaway contest. Here are the winners!

  • 1 Clitoring from Penelopi Jones: Jennifer Silva Redmond
  • 1 $100 pre-paid credit card from Denise: Laura Probert
  • 1 Rose Gold Vesper: Kitt Crescendo
  • 1 $50 Amazon gift card: Sarah Johnston
  • 1 BioMatch Femhygiene set from Good Clean Love: Amy Kennedy
  • 3 Embraceable goody packs, including a signed paperback, #YouSparkle sticky notes and a Girl Boner® lip lube: Jess Witkins, Jessica Wheeler and Elizabeth Anne Mitchell

Winners: I’ll contact you for your addresses. If you don’t hear from me within 48 hours, please contact me.

Have you ever donated feminine hygiene products to the homeless? What other steps do you take to support them? I love hearing from y’all!

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Authors and Books, Life, Mental Illness, Sexuality 10 Comments

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Comments

  1. Elizabeth Anne Mitchell says

    February 29, 2016 at 7:34 am

    Congratulations to all the winners! August, I am so excited to have won, as well.

    I never, ever thought about feminine hygiene for the homeless. When I read that you were donating products, it was a facepalm moment for me. Now that you’ve raised my awareness, I will include that in future!

    Reply
    • August McLaughlin says

      March 3, 2016 at 6:24 am

      I completely relate to that face-palm moment. Thank goodness for awareness, and for your caring heart. I’m thrilled you won!

      Reply
  2. Amy Kennedy says

    February 29, 2016 at 7:39 am

    I’m embarrassed to say, I hadn’t considered this! I am going to keep feminine hygiene products on hand at the two libraries I work at! And remember to donate these as well!

    Also, yay! You are so generous August!

    Reply
    • August McLaughlin says

      March 3, 2016 at 6:25 am

      Libraries – what a brilliant idea, Amy! I know many homeless people seek respite there. What a gorgeous way to help.

      Reply
  3. Kassandra Lamb says

    February 29, 2016 at 8:17 pm

    August, you never cease to amaze me with your generosity and thoughtfulness. And thanks for also raising my consciousness about this need. My church has a very successful homeless program. I’ll check with them to make sure this need is being covered and if not,I’ll cover it!

    Reply
    • August McLaughlin says

      March 3, 2016 at 6:26 am

      Thank YOU, Kassandra!

      Reply
  4. Aurora Jean Alexander says

    March 2, 2016 at 8:26 am

    This is such a considerate and well thought idea. You’re such a warm hearted and generous person.
    Thanks for this interesting and very much educationg post.

    Reply
    • August McLaughlin says

      March 3, 2016 at 6:26 am

      I’m so glad you found it helpful, AJ!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 5 Little Known Facts About Your Period - August McLaughlin says:
    March 14, 2016 at 6:36 am

    […] gets you down, do your best to count your blessings. Then consider ways you might lend a hand—or a pad—to less privileged […]

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  2. PMS Superpowers: 3 Perks I Love - Girl Boner® says:
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    […] important ways, it’s a privilege to be able to experience PMS positives. Medical conditions, economic hardship and more can make all-things-menstrual incredibly difficult. Here, I’ll share my own […]

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