November Blanket Drive

The Patricia Handy Place for Women is an emergency housing facility located one block north of our church. The shelter provides support, meals, community, and safety to any women experiencing homelessness. During hypothermia season, Patricia Handy Place opens its doors to up to 330 women on any night the temperature falls to 32 degrees or below. 

St. Mary Mother of God is partnering with N Street Village, the operator of the shelter, to help get the women at the facility warm blankets, winter clothing and needed toiletries. 

What and How To Give

The following link will lead you directly to the blanket you should purchase for the Blanket Drive: https://amzn.to/2PCTocD

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While blankets are our first priority, there is also a great need for toiletries at the shelter.  The items below are the most needed toiletries:

·         Travel Size Deodorant
·         Travel Size Toothpaste
·         Travel Size Toiletries  (Lotion, Conditioner, Shampoo)
·         Feminine Hygiene Products (Maxi Pads, Poise and Depends)
·         Washcloths and Towels (new)

In addition, shelter residents need the following items for hypothermia season:

·         Thermal socks
·         Thermal underwear
·         Gloves
·         Hats
·         Socks

These items as well as the blankets can be found on the N Street Village Amazon Wish List here: http://a.co/dFtXRf8

The Church will also make donation boxes available on the side of the Church near the bathrooms for anyone wishing to donate items in person at Church. 

While you’re on Amazon’s website, we encourage you to sign up for Amazon Smile and select Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington as your preferred charity. Once you do, 0.5% of EVERY item you buy on Amazon (including the blankets) will go to Catholic Charities of our Washington DC archdiocese. It’s a great program. Here’s a link for instructions on how to sign up:   https://smile.amazon.com/ch/53-0196524

Anyone needing assistance finding items online or setting up their Amazon account to donate to Catholic Charities should send an email to [email protected] and [email protected]. Samantha and Nick will be happy to get back to you and help guide you through the process! 

We thank you in advance for your donations and prayers for our homeless neighbors here in DC. November is the month of Holy Souls, those faithfully departed who have died in God’s grace yet have failed to make satisfaction for all of their sins. Father De Rosa asks us all to be mindful of this and to pray for all souls -those gone and those still with us- who strive to cleanse themselves of mistakes made in life for the opportunity to live eternally with God in Heaven.