While most women don't have to think twice when it comes to their periods, that time of the month presents a unique set of challenges for homeless women who often have limited access to menstrual hygiene products.
An eye-opening United Nations report recently highlighted the humiliation and danger menstruating homeless women face. Few have access to adequate facilities to clean themselves and are often banned from using public bathrooms.
Meanwhile at shelters, tampons and sanitary pads are always among the top needs. Not only are they expensive, they're also among the least donated items by supporters.
In honor of Menstrual Hygiene Day this Saturday, HappyPeriod.org hopes to help fix this problem by creating 300 menstrual hygiene kits and distributing them on the streets of Los Angeles and Miami, two cities with large concentrations of homeless women.
In addition, the organization plans to replenish local shelters with much needed menstrual hygiene product donations. HappyPeriod.org also wants to educate the public and reduce the stigma surrounding menstrual hygiene in general.
Chelsea VonChaz, the founder of HappyPeriod, said in a statement that she started the organization because she felt that if she didn't, nobody would and the issue would continue to be ignored and trivialized.
Fort Lauderdale-based Kali Boxes, an organic tampon subscription company, is also helping out by donating tampons in both Miami and Los Angeles.
HappyPeriod.org is accepting donations of menstrual hygiene products, soap, undergarments and self-care necessities for women.
To help here in South Florida, you can drop off or mail donations to #HappyPeriod c/o Kali at 101 Northeast Third Avenue, Suite 1920, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301.
