The Beauty Initiative and PERIOD Miami are nonprofit organizations dedicated to solving the period poverty issue in South Florida.
Both organizations host monthly “packing parties,” where donated hygiene products, including pads, tampons and wipes, are used to make care packages for women in need. These packages are donated to homeless shelters across Miami-Dade and Broward counties including Lotus House, Camillus House and Miami Rescue Mission. Some events also involve volunteers handing out packages to homeless women on the street.
“Everyone deserves that right to dignity … so that’s what we try to do” Ashley Eubanks, The Beauty Initiative founder, said.
The Beauty Initiative has collected and donated thousands of hygiene products since its establishment in 2016. PERIOD Miami started in 2017 and has expanded to host more events including the first National Period Day rally this past Oct. 19.
“These events are important because hygiene products are the least donated items to shelters,” said Nicky Dawkins, PERIOD Miami chapter president.
Period poverty is a global women’s public health issue that involves the lack of access to safe and hygienic menstrual products. National organizations tackling the issue include Period Movement and Days for Girls.
You can learn more about their work and the events hosted each month at beautyinitiative.org and periodmiami.org.
