By Molly Ressler and Michelle Corley Wing
An estimated 1 in 5 homeless pregnant women give birth prematurely (double the national rate), posing both immediate and lifelong health challenges for the newborn. Homeless pregnant women are also less likely to seek prenatal care, increasing risks for perinatal health issues affecting both baby and mother, and they are more likely to face life-threatening complications that need medical intervention.
These are mothers like you who want desperately to protect their babies and give them what they need to thrive. Housing is essential for pregnant and postpartum women, and the Homeless Prenatal Program provides a safe space for San Francisco mothers in need at the Jelani House. The Jelani House operates with public funds from the City of San Francisco, but in order to supply residents with maternity and newborn essentials, they need additional funding from the community.
This is where you come in.
For the third year in a row, It’s Yoga Kids and REDYPER™ San Francisco are hosting a holiday diaper drive to provide one of the most essential things a newborn needs: diapers.
Last year, we donated approximately 200 packs of diapers to HPP; this year, we’re hoping to double that number.
Right now, through December 16th, you can donate packs of diapers and unopened wipes at Natural Resources or Sprout during regular business hours.
Natural Resources is a community hub and resource center for parents and babies and has a small retail store as well. Sprout San Francisco is a natural and organic children’s boutique with toys, clothes, and gear that are hand-selected to be free from harmful materials.
You can also make a financial contribution to HPP, and REDYPER™ SF will provide plant-based diapers on your behalf. Not sure how much to donate? Here’s what your generous donation will translate into:
$25: 1 week supply of diapers and wipes
$100: 1 month supply of diapers and wipes
$600: 6-month supply of diapers and wipes
Access to clean diapers can change both a baby and a mother’s life. Without enough diapers, mothers have no choice but to wait longer between diaper changes, leading to painful diaper rash and increasing the risk of a bladder infection, yeast infections, and even Staph infection. Full diapers also often leak, and no mother should have to deal with regular blowouts because they don’t have enough diapers.
Please join us in providing much-needed diapers to homeless pregnant and postpartum women currently sheltering at the Jelani House. Learn more and donate here. Thank you!
REDYPER™ SF is a compostable diaper service providing the convenience of disposables without waste. Their plant-based diapers are hypoallergenic and free of fragrances, dyes, lotions, and phthalates. They have diverted over 13 million pounds of diapers from landfills. Learn more at dypersf.com.
Yoga Kids® unites physical and mental health to help children and teens feel healthier and happier with accredited, global training by Michelle Wing. Learn more at itsyogakids.com.
