Brown Bag Initiative 2.0
The mission is simple: bring humanity back to our communities while helping those in need. After a few years of living in New York City, I found myself becoming closed off to the homeless people on the subways or on the streets. Because of my OWN discomfort with their situations, I found myself ignoring those who asked for help. How could my heart have become so hardened that I could willfully ignore a human being in need? Enter the Brown Bag Initiative. After doing some deep soul searching on my own, I realized that I had the ability to help NOT ignore this huge issue. I can’t combat all of homelessness, but I can try to tackle my corner of the world while hopefully encouraging others to do the same.
Homelessness statistics are alarming. And while there is microscopic and agonizingly slow progress being made to help combat this issue, not enough is being done. Further, not a lot is being done to help those who are NOT homeless who have been socialized to turn their backs on other people in need. We as a people have to learn to get back to the beauty and wonder of human interaction, regardless of how big or small. Join me on this mission.
NEW TO BROWN BAG INITIATIVE 2019-2020
Packaging for these bags has changed. All gift bags will be packaged using gallon sized Ziplock bags. These bags are more durable, waterproof, and (most importantly) are reusable.
Our supply list has expanded! Please see supply list here.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Start building and handing out your own bags!
Encourage others to build and hand out their bags
Donate supplies or $$ to me. $$ accepted via venmo @Tahira-clayton or paypal: tahiraclaytonmusic@gmail.com. To send supplies to me, please reach out to me via my contact page.
Collect your hotel toiletries and send them to your local homeless shelter or send my way!
Buy Bombas Socks!!!! For every pair purchased, they donate a pair to the homeless through community partners. These are special socks, too! Check out Bomba socks here.
Be prepared and know your resources about homeless shelters in your areas.
Talk to the homeless. Ask what they need, about their day, anything. These people are humans too and deserve love, empathy, and understanding. Simple acknowledgement of their existence is a great start.