Day 72: St. Elizabeth House

For the past few months I have been collecting and sorting children’s clothes from many of my “Mom” friends in my community. I had many conversations with my friends about finding a place to take our baby cloths that we were no longer in use by us, and get them directly to Mothers that needed some support by providing good, clean, free cloths for their children. We all use and applaud the not-for-profit Thrift Stores for all they do in the communities but we felt differently about our children’s clothes. We know there is a need in our beautiful city, for Mothers that are at a time in their lives they need some extra support. I found the perfect place that will get the children’s cloths directly to the mothers that need them do desperately.

Day 72 / Give 72

Today I drove downtown to deliver a car load of children’s cloths to St. Elizabeth Home. This organization is part of the St. James Community Services Society. This Society is a “broad-based social service agency providing care and support today for the most marginalized and vulnerable, while also working to transform communities for the future.” St. Elizabeth House is just one of many shelters under their umbrella that provide safe and supportive housing for women and children.

“St. Elizabeth Home has the capacity to shelter 32 women and children. In the first full year of operation 958 women and children stayed while 1244 were turned away. These statistics reflect the need for the services we provide as well as demonstrating a lack of affordable housing. ”

I was so impressed when I arrived at the shelter as it was not what you might imagine. It was a west coast style charming 3 story apartment building. I walked in the front gate and to my surprise they had a fantastic outdoor play area for the children. The front reception was filled with the sounds of families playing. This particular “home” has 10 apartment style units in the building. Families can stay for up to two years while getting the support and services they need as an interim to returning to regular housing in the city.

I was lucky enough to meet two of the workers at St. Elizabeth. They were very welcoming and helpful receiving my donation. They both remarked on the good timing of the donation as they had both a pregnant women in the home (some of the cloths I brought included maternity wear) and many children were staying in the house at the time and the cloths would be very useful.

I am happy to be the drop spot for used baby clothing from my Mommy friends knowing they are going to exactly the type of place we were all hoping they would find. I am also happy to spread the word about St. Elizabeth house and create awareness for an organization that is doing some great work.

Time Commitment: 1 hour

Cost: 0