The Problem: Women in Shelters are Sometimes Approached with a Lack of Dignity and Lack Proper Access to Hygiene

Out of 580,000 homeless people in shelters and on streets around America, roughly 38% are women and girls. While lack of affordable housing is often the primary reason people become homeless, studies show that domestic violence is the leading cause of homelessness for both women and children. The “Skincare from the Inside Out” research project, piloted by the Norma Herr Women’s Shelter, found that while some women have preexisting mental health conditions that lead to homelessness, many more women develop mental health issues due to the unique stressors of becoming homeless. Some studies indicate that homeless women are also more likely to suffer from mental illness, particularly depression and PTSD, than their male counterparts. This is also exacerbated by their relationship with healthcare services: Women in homelessness live on the outskirts of society and have multiple experiences of exclusion and loss of dignity within healthcare services. The multifaceted care needs challenge healthcare, leading to women feeling alienated, invisible, disconnected and worthless. Desperation and lack of resources can leave homeless women more susceptible to manipulation and coercion. Homelessness violates fundamental human rights such as dignity, the right to life, and the right to an adequate standard of living, which includes access to proper healthcare and wellness.

Shelters often work to address homelessness with essential services: food, clothing, feminine hygiene, etc. However, oftentimes, products like makeup and skincare can get quickly forgotten. Without access to basic skincare products such as soap, moisturizers, and sunscreen, women in shelters are more susceptible to skin issues. These can include dryness, dermatitis, fungal infections, and exacerbation of pre-existing conditions like eczema. Homeless shelters often have limited facilities for personal hygiene. Lack of adequate skincare products hinders proper hygiene practices, which are essential for preventing infections and maintaining overall health.Personal hygiene is closely tied to mental health and self-esteem. The inability to maintain cleanliness and address basic skincare needs can lead to feelings of shame, embarrassment, and low self-worth among women in shelters. 

The Solution: Make Skincare Accessible to Women in Shelters

In collaboration with the INKEY List, we will be distributing personal skincare kits to womens' shelters throughout the tri-state area. The kits (coming in a personal tote-bag) would include the following: The INKEY List Bio-Active Ceramide moisturizer, The INKEY List Dewy Sunscreen SPF 30, a GirlsWhoSTEAM tote bag, and a GirlsWhoSTEAM postcard with a supportive note from a child (written in collaboration with NJ Schools). These kits will insure that as many under-sheltered women as possible would have access to proper skincare, and are empowered with access to personal wellness.