October Women United meeting

​This month's Women United meeting was filled with a mix of regularly discussed topics, such as the Red Cart Project, as well as some exciting upcoming endeavors including the 9th Annual Pajama Drive. The Red Cart Project has experienced a steady rate of growth and interest as the school year has progressed, with requests from schools increasing in both amount and locations. Thanks to the efforts from some community partners, we were well prepared for this, but supplies are always needed. Light, regular, and sport size tampons are especially needed as we prepare to pack more kits. If you would like to host a drive or help with deliveries, please let us know! E-mail Stephanie Bobb at sbobb@unitedwaymwv.org to get set up with a collection box, or if you have any additional questions. Women United is also seeking grant and micro-grant opportunities to help support the Red Cart Project when ordering additional supplies or carts.

The 9th Annual Pajama Drive is beginning November 01! Delivery of collection boxes and fund drive supplies including posters are being fulfilled the last week of October across Marion, Polk, and Yamhill counties to prepare for this. The Drive will carry through the month, ending on November 30 when collected PJ's will be sorted by size and distributed to non-profit partners who have requested them. Last year, we collected over 900 pairs of new pajamas! We're expecting larger requests from service providers this year, so if you would like to host a collection box location let us know by e-mailing Stephanie Bobb using the link above. In addition to physical locations, we also have a virtual donation option available through an Amazon wish list. Pajamas must be new and unwashed in order to distribute!

Within the realm of SafeSleep United, the Homeless Coalition has made considerable progress in recent months. $3.7 million was secured through grants, which will directly impact Marion County's growing population of chronically unsheltered people. Warming shelters are being changed to Extreme Weather Shelters, in order to provide more flexibility to open as needs arise. In addition to this, more duration shelters are also opening. As winter approaches, it's more important than ever for these vulnerable populations to receive all the support possible.