Gail Dorfman, the Executive Director of St. Stephen’s Human Services was the speaker at Rotary this week. St. Stephens helps homeless families and individuals transition to secure housing. They actively search for people living on the streets and work with them to provide housing, medical assistance, and other services to help them become contributing members of our community.
I spoke to her afterwards about how families get set up in their new housing. As I imagined, most do not have basic items needed to start a household – furniture, cleaning products, dishes, small appliances, towels, vacuums, sheets, etc. When you find yourself updating your dish set or getting new towels, consider donating items in good condition to St. Stephen’s. http://ststephensmpls.org/take-action For more information, call 612-870-2292.
I think it is easier to donate items to organizations that will get it to someone who really needs it. It is nice knowing that things you loved will help new people get on their feet. There are many great organizations that serve populations in need. Here are a few that I have donated to:
Ascension Place and St. Anne’s Place, Minneapolis
St. Anne’s Place services homeless women with children. Ascension place serves serve women with complex challenges such as homelessness, chemical dependency, mental illness and domestic violence. They have ongoing needs for towels, twin sheet sets, pillow cases, diapers, wipes, new women’s and children’s underwear and socks, winter coats, and bras. See website for additional information.
Sarah’s Oasis For Women, St. Paul
Over 600 women have lived at Sarah’s since 1996. These women have come from more than 67 nations and have survived violence, abuse, torture, war, discrimination and other difficult circumstances. Sarah’s accepts many items including women’s toiletries, full sized bath towels and washcloths, full-sized shampoo and conditioner for African hair, suitcases, alarm clocks, postage stamps, AA and AAA batteries, notebooks, and new indoor slippers or socks. See their website for lists of seasonal needs.
Tapestry, Pregnancy and Family Resource Center, Minneapolis
Tapestry meets women where they are, equipping them with the resources they need for a healthy and successful future. Tapestry is one of the few organizations that accept car seats, strollers, and other items that other sites prohibit. They currently need clothing sizes infant through 6T, socks for all sizes, receiving blankets, baby quilts, diaper bags, school supplies, toys, books, high chairs, exersaucers, bouncy seats, and baby swings. Donations accepted Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between 9:00 am – 3:00 pm at the corner of Chicago Avenue South and 41st Street. Drive to the back alley and ring the doorbell.
Central Lutheran Church, Minneapolis
Central Lutheran Church, across from the convention center on 3rd Avenue, collects household goods (bedding, cookware, tableware), and clothing of any kind, to distribute via The Free Store. Donations can be brought to the south door any time during open hours.
Sojourner’s Shelter, Serving Minneapolis St. Paul Metro Area
A secure and confidential emergency residence for women and children who are unsafe in their own homes due to violence and abuse. Donations of clothing, various personal care products, paper products, toys and books are provided directly to the women and children we serve. Contact for an accurate list and drop-off procedures.
Bridging, Bloomington and Roseville
Bridging seeks to connect those in need with those with excess. Bridging connects households in need with furniture and household items, reducing landfill space by 7 to 10 million pounds annually. They accept furniture, housewares (linens, kitchen and bath essentials), small appliances and electronics, mirrors, artwork and pictures, and tools. See website for comprehensive list. All items must be clean and in decent, working condition.
Sabathani Community Center, Minneapolis
Family Resource Services at Sabathani Community Center in Minneapolis offers accepts clothing and household items to be distributed to low-income individuals and families.
Sharing and Caring Hands, Minneapolis
Sharing and Caring Hands provides food, clothing, shelter, transportation assistance, medical and dental help to more than 20,000 people per month. Donated food, clothing, household items, toys, and personal hygiene items will do directly to those in need. Contact info@sharingandcaringhands.org for details.
As you might notice, all of these are in the Twin Cities, primarily Minneapolis. I
would love to know what your favorite donation sites are. I will add them to the list!