Good morning, do-gooders!
There is a great need at shelters and transitional housing units this summer for clean sheets and pillow cases. The bedding in shelters get a lot of wear and they are constantly in need of a fresh supply. We all have some sheets in our closet that we don't use very much or we have sheets from college that are now too small for our bigger beds. There are a lot of area shelters that can put these sheets to good use!
Or maybe you're doing some back-to-school shopping at Target or any number of home stores and can pick up an extra set of sheets or towels to donate so that someone can use them to make a fresh start. Even easier? Order online and have it shipped directly to the shelters! One of my favorite giving back companies, The Company Store, has a great selection of sheets (pictured above) on sale. (Bonus: For every comforter you buy from the Company Store, they will donate a comforter to a homeless child!)
Each shelter/transitional housing unit has its own unique requirements, so I've laid out all the pertinent details below including whether the need is immediate or on a general on-going basis.
Hartford
St. Elizabeth House
Need level: Immediate
New only?: Yes
Size: Only Twin
Other need?: Toiletries
Contact: Tenesha Grant, 860-808-2114, tgrant@mercyhousingct.org
Shipping address: 118 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06106
Loaves and Fishes Ministries
Need level: Ongoing
New only?: New or gently used, but must be clean
Size: Queen, full, or twin
Other need?: Bath towels, full sized toiletries, diapers, latex gloves
Location: Drop off 360 Farmington Ave, Hartford Mon-Fri 9am-11am or 1pm-3pm but call first
Contact: Alyce at 860-524-1730
Shipping address: 360 Farmington Ave, Hartford, CT 06105
Need level: Ongoing
New only?: New or gently used but must be clean
Size: Only Twin
Other need? New underwear, socks, t-shirts & pajamas and more
Location: Bring items to 75 Main Street, Hartford or contact 860-724-0071
Shipping address: 75 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06106
Middletown
Shepherd Home
Need level: Immediate
New only?: Sheets must be new, blankets may be gently used but must be clean
Size: Only Twin
Other need? Click here for an extensive list
Contact: Damion Baker, 860-344-0766, dbaker@mercyhousingct.org
Shipping address: 112 Bow Lane, Middletown, CT 06457
New Haven
New Haven Home Recovery
Need level: Ongoing
New only?: New or gently used, but must be clean
Size: Only Twin
Other need? Towels, blankets, pillows, diapers, full-sized toiletries and more
Location: Bring items Mon-Fri between 9 am and 4 pm to 153 East St., 2nd Floor.
Contact: Agnes Estes 203-492-4866 ext. 10
Shipping address: 153 East Street, New Haven, CT, 06511
Columbus House
Need level: Ongoing
New only?: New or gently used, but must be clean
Size: Only Twin
Other need?: Bath towels, new underwear and socks, toiletries
Location: 586 Ella T. Grasso Blvd
Contact: Sara, info@columbushouse.org
Shipping address: Columbus House, PO Box 7093, New Haven, CT 06519
Take advantage of the upcoming white sales at the end of the summer to share with others in need! It's a little thing you can do to help someone have a fresh start and to give the shelters some much needed support. They will be so grateful.
Pretty easy, right?
xo Jessica
