What do you think it would take for you to end up homeless? What is your picture of a homeless woman? I think you’d be surprised at how very similar they just might be to you and me. There may even be a woman in your community or workplace who is homeless, trying to keep her head above water until life cuts her a break.
I’ve seen this photo floating around social media over the last few weeks and thought it was an awesome idea.
Then a parcel arrived from beme that included this * weekender bag and while I loved it and could have taken a few snaps and used it myself I instantly thought back to the handbag picture that had been popping up on Facebook.
That’s the power of social media. It makes you think and ponder a little longer. I contacted the good folk at beme and asked if I could utilise the bag they sent me in a different way, a way that had could make a real difference…and they said ‘Hell YES!’…well they enthusiastically said yes and I love that. Thanks team 🙂
People become homeless for many reasons like…
+Divorce,
+Illness,
+Poverty
+Unemployment
+Lack of affordable housing
+Mental health
+Drug/alcohol abuse
+Gambling
+Family/ elationship breakdown
+Domestic violence
+Physical/sexual abuse.
Recently I decided to do a ‘Community act of kindness’ and then I decided to share it with my social media communities (that’s you), because sometimes being inspired to do good creates change and the ripple effect of kindness is the most spectacular thing ever.
I’m putting together a handbag of goodies for a stranger. A woman who might be homeless and in need of a few things that I take for granted. Homeless doesn’t necessarily mean living on the streets…it’s living transiently which means not always having convenience and comfort at hand.
So what should I put in a ‘Handbag of Hope’? (that’s what I calling it) Well I started yesterday with a little shop up at Target. I didn’t really have a plan, I just started and when I returned home I lay it all out and pondered what to purchase next. There’s nor hard and fast rules about what to provide but I decided to throw it out there and ask the question of all my readers. The response was awesome and so bloody useful that I had to share…because, who knows, you just might like to put together your own ‘Handbag of Hope’ for a woman in your community.
You could contact you local community outreach or homeless centre and collaborate together. Maybe your community has a youth program or your local member for parliament can point in the right direction and connect you with the organisation that will best suit.
Obviously you can’t put ‘all’ the things in a handbag (think small items) and not everything is going to be suitable for everyone, but just starting and making a difference…well, it will be appreciated. Here’s some of the suggestions you all gave me (and some of my own).
+Face wipes
+Sanitizer
+Soap
+Insect repellent
+Sunscreen
+A reusable water bottle
+Tea or coffee bags and a travel mug
+Hair accessories
+Socks
+Sanitary pads or menstrual cup
+Notebook and pen
+Stationary and postage stamps
+Inflatable pillow
+A novel or puzzle book
+Small torch and batteries
+Personal safety alarm
+Gift cards for local coffee shop or supermarket
+Lip balm
+Makeup
+Deodorant
+Dry shampoo
+Hand cream and body lotion
+Band aids and betadine
+Hand mirror
+Earplugs
+Sleep mask
+Ziplock bags
+Mouthwash, toothpaste, toothbrush, dental floss
+Plastic soap and toothbrush containers
+Sunglasses
+Scarf
+ Mini sewing kit
+Tweezers
+Ear cleaners
+Tissues
+A towel
+Shower cap
+Vitamins and Panadol
I’m sure this list can keep growing but this is a good start don’t you think? Do you have anything you could add?
Stay tuned for when I pack and deliver the bag 🙂
Til next time,
Jen
*denotes Item gifted for my editorial consideration
Bag from BEME is new season and will be available online from next week.
kp says
November 4, 2015 at 4:26 pmHi Jen
LOVE LOVE LOVE this, since I saw the original post come up on my FB page a few weeks back, I have been thinking about how I would like to make a difference to someones world. To be honest I do often randomly donate when I see someone in need, but this purse post got me really thinking. I know I am personally going to make up my own bag of hope and deliver it to a local charity of choice. But I am also trying to think of a way that I could impact more then 1 person, how I could maybe by getting together with a bunch of women that we could make a bigger difference. I’m going to sit on this and let it take form in my mind and hopefully I can come up with a way to get together an idea of multiplying this to make a bigger impact.
Thank you for the list, its going to make putting together the bag, not only easier, but also ensuring that I tick as many boxes of things they will need when gathering supplies.
Truly a worthy cause, how blessed are we that we are not the ones in need,
xXx
K
Jenni says
November 4, 2015 at 4:37 pmKerry as soon as I saw the original pic I knew I wanted to do something too. Such a no brainier and incredibly easy! I want to replicate it many times and have already started to make a list of businesses I can enlist ? Look out, ‘handbag of hope’ is taking legs and will soon be everywhere!
kp says
November 4, 2015 at 6:43 pmBloody Brilliant!
Amy says
November 4, 2015 at 4:39 pmBrilliant work.
Like I said at Essentials 4 Women SA we are more than happy to assist in anyway. Sing out if you need a hand 🙂
Cheers,
Amy
http://www.facebook.com/e4wadelaide
Jenni says
November 4, 2015 at 4:42 pmThankyou Amy I’ll be in touch very soon x
shannon @my2morrows says
November 4, 2015 at 5:50 pmOh Jen I saw this shared around the place and loved it. So great of you to actually do it. You and Lisa and Sam with their day of kindness last week have all inspired me! You gals are just gorgeous souls. Xx
Jenni says
November 4, 2015 at 6:34 pmShannon it was such a fun and eastbound to do. When I received the bag several days ago it was the first thing that jumped to mind…looking forward to making it better! Hiw awesome are bloggers and the wonderful community? So inspiring ?
merilyn says
November 5, 2015 at 3:52 pmwhat a good idea jen!
can’t even begin to imagine that hardship!
nobody should be homeless! … shelter is a basic human need!
you are a good person hun! love m:)X
Jenni says
November 8, 2015 at 1:28 amI’m truly blessed Merilyn, if I can give back (even in a small way) then I should. Xx
Sharon says
November 9, 2015 at 8:29 pmDear Jenn, I’m a mental Health worker and I see beautiful, intelligent people everyday at risk of becoming homeless for a variety of reasons. You are so right when you talk about the causes, there is a fine line between living from week to week – as so many people do – and losing it all. Thank you for doing this and for highlighting the heartbreaking plight of many people. Xxx
Jenni says
November 9, 2015 at 9:57 pmThanks so much Sharon and thankyou for the good work you do. I hope to do more in this area in the future x
Megan says
November 14, 2015 at 7:03 pmThis post has stayed in my head Jen and today I finally got 4 handbags of hope together and dropped off to a collection point in here in Melbourne.
Thank you for posting! I feel like a slightly better human for doing this today xx
Jenni says
November 16, 2015 at 6:23 amMegan that it brilliant!! Just imagine the women and how they might feel upon receiving it. You’re going to give someone hope and change their day x