On Saturday April 30th, HealthNet’s Homeless Initiative Program (HIP) hosted a “Brassiere Bazaar” for homeless women in Indianapolis. The event was conceived as a result of an informal relationship with Rachael Heger, who had a mission to provide 3,500 bras to homeless women by her 35th birthday. Rachael thought this was a goal that could be accomplished in 12 months but never thought she would reach this goal in 90 days. Her work quickly exploded with thousands of bras donated through all sorts of means including mail from other cities, contacts from her network, as well as strangers who found her mission via the internet and press.
A partnership quickly developed when JoAnn Morris, one of Homeless Initiative Program’s Nurse Practitioners called Rachael for a 44D size bra for someone who at the time was wearing a 34B. With Rachael’s help, HIP facilitated an experience focused on a day of pampering for homeless women that needed this simple yet hard to obtain staple. These women were also treated to Mary Kay make overs, access to hygiene products, 15 minute chair massages provided by local massage therapists including HIP’s own Lesley Jordan. HIP also had a professional bra fitter on hand to properly size each woman and help facilitate how to find options in multiple styles. Lunch was also purchased from Shapiro’s which is a tasty treat often unavailable under such stressful circumstances.
While these women enjoyed a day of self-care, child care was also provided by great volunteers so that the kids could have some play time. As the women left, they were able to select give away items such as scarves, candle holders, lotions, picture frames and jewelry boxes that they could take back to the shelter as a thank you for participating in the event. Over 175 women were able to experience this fulfilling day of pampering and over 750 brassieres were given out.
We would like to thank the 30 volunteers that helped bring this wonderful event to fruition. If you would like to donate commonly needed items or services for the Homeless Initiative Program, serving individuals experiencing homelessness in Marion County, please contact HIP at (317) 957-2275. If you would like to donate brassieres to Rachael’s ongoing project, please mail donations to Rachael at the following address.
Support the Girls-Indianapolis
Attn: Rachael Heger
P.O. Box 30249
Indianapolis, IN 46230
For more information, visit her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1537273716583636/
To learn more about HealthNet’s Homeless Initiative Program, please click here.
Post by Matt Holland
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