December 13, 2004

4:07 PM

Homeless shelters/charities in DC? I have a gazillion little hotel shampoos and lotions as well as some other unused regular toiletries I'd like to get rid off. Rather than chuck them or leave them in the lobby for my neighbors, I'm thinking a shelter for women might want them. Any recommendations? Googling brings up several but I have no idea which to choose.
posted by CunningLinguist to (6 comments total)

i've heard of House of Ruth (but am not sure if it was good or bad things)
posted by amberglow at 4:44 PM on December 13, 2004

Here is an article about shelters from the GW Hatchet (if asked to register, use [e-mail] as your email, it's a long story)
posted by sdrawkcab at 4:47 PM on December 13, 2004

The shelters here in Boston only want regular-sized toiletries for some reason, so you might want to check with your local shelters before sending them the minis.

Do you have "Spare Change" or "Street News" in DC? I find that when I have questions about services for the homeless and want a client's perspective, I call the offices of "Spare Change" here and can generally find someone who is, unfortunately, quite knowledgeable and who is, fortunately, glad to share his or her opinion.
posted by Sidhedevil at 7:46 PM on December 13, 2004

Go to Foundry United Methodist Church, at the corner of 16th and P streets NW.

They have a homeless mission there that loves this kind of stuff. The nice man at the front desk will gladly take your donations. I used to volunteer there sorting donated stuff.
posted by blasdelf at 11:30 PM on December 13, 2004

I volunteered at the DC Jewish Community Center a few times, and they pack these up into little kits for homeless people. The packing is on Christmas Eve, with distribution on Christmas Day.
posted by MrMoonPie at 11:43 AM on December 14, 2004

Thanks guys.
posted by CunningLinguist at 4:31 PM on December 14, 2004