So far, we are just two people (husband and wife) who are moving forward towards realizing this beautiful dream!
We are looking to provide the opportunity for caring individuals in the community, to sponsor a homeless individual through a monthly sponsorship program. Individuals would have the choice of this monthly one on one sponsorship, or they can give a general donation directly to the cause.
The homeless individual would be given a “Project Dignity” sponsorship card. To use the card, the individual could either go to the Project Dignity restaurant to buy a meal or a coffee or go to the store and choose to purchase clothing, footwear, toiletries, etc, with dignity!
All proceeds would immediately go back into the program on an ongoing basis.
The restaurant and store would be staffed mainly by individuals from the homeless community, giving them the opportunity to gain important skills to help them integrate back into society. The workers would also get a small stipend in the form of funds being loaded onto their card, giving them the satisfaction and dignity of money earned for a job well done!
We would also be canvassing local businesses( grocery stores etc..)and individuals to donate food, clothing, shoes, toiletries etc..to use either as ingredients for meal preparation in the restaurant or to sell in our second-hand store.
Every human being is unique and has its own personal story to tell!
Our website will showcase real-life stories about how these individuals ended up in the dire situation that they are in now, whether it was because of various addictions, domestic abuse, loss of a job or loved one, eviction, or whatever the case may be! Sponsors can read the stories and pick one that speaks to them and their heart.
We are hoping to also have a monthly showcase of new Project Dignity sponsors (sponsors can also stay anonymous), who get to tell their story of why they have chosen to help out and sponsor a homeless individual.
The PROJECT DIGNITY building would also house male and female showers and an occasional visiting hairdresser/barber, which can be accessed through the project dignity card. There will also be a donation drop off centre, for food, clothing, toiletries, etc, whose employees will be mainly from the homeless population.
IMMEDIATE GOALS
Our very first, immediate plan for “Project Dignity for all”, is the goal to fill 500 “12×16” bags with items that would be welcome and helpful to those individuals who might find themselves on the street without a roof over their heads. So far we have filled 32 bags, through the most generous donations from many of my husband’s co-workers. Thank you so much for believing in, and supporting our cause! You guys are awesome! We are now doing a big shout out to anyone reading this who would like to donate items to help fill the rest of the bags! Among many other things, we are looking for shoes and boots, clean, gently used clothing items, including socks, mitts, hats, and scarves, Also toiletries (travel size are ideal), such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, creams, razors etc… Feminine hygiene products such as tampons and pads, combs, brushes, hair elastics, and so on, are also most appreciated! Any other clothing items, blankets, and sleeping bags will also be passed on to those who need them. Thank you all in advance for your help and support in this worthwhile cause. To see how you can donate, please visit: www.projectdignityforall.org
