Named for a Pittsburgh area social worker, a new project at the Gay & Lesbian Community Center aims to give LGBT people a place to find resources for personal hygiene products if they are financially not able to buy them.
Some items, like shampoo and deodorant, can help those in need still feel comfortable in their own bodies.
Things like toothpaste or soap are not covered by financial assistance like SNAP or WIC, but last year one study found that 29 percent of LGBT people spent at least one day in hunger in the previous year.
Other items, like menstrual products, can be provided in the safespace of the GLCC, where transmen or other gender-nonconforming people might not otherwise feel comfortable buying them.
Cathy’s Closet, begun in April, was named in honor of Cathy Cairns, fellow social worker and activist, who died of cancer in January.
The GLCC fundraised the $5,000 necessary to house the personal-care closet, but interest was so great that donations of items and drives have already been a great success.
Groups like OUTrageous Bingo, PFLAG, iCandy and TransPride are among the organizations that have already contributed items.
The GLCC is pleased so far with the response and hopes to continue to have drives for items like dental floss, hairbrushes, lip balm and sunscreen, while still working toward the monetary goal to cover administrative costs.
So far about $1,000 has been raised for the project, which also hopes to educate the LGBT community about why a need persists for such a resource.
TO DONATE:
Visit the crowdfunding site at crowdrise.com/glccpersonalcare Use PayPal at glccpgh.org Send checks to the GLCC, 210 Grant St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219 with Cathy’s Closet in the memo line.
TO ORGANIZE A DRIVE:
Visit the GLCC or fill out a form on the center’s website, where more information can also be found or by calling the center at 412-422-0114.
Items to Donate:
Both travel- and full-size items are useful, all items should be new and sealed, and no medications can be accepted.
- Deodorant (fragrance-free)
- Bath gels and lotions (fragrance-free)
- Facial wash and scrubs
- Skin care products (over-the-counter only)
- Soap (fragrance-free)
- Lotion (fragrance-free)
- Hand sanitizer
- Toothpaste
- Tooth brushes
- Dental Floss
- Mouthwash
- Shampoo (traditional and dry/powder)
- Conditioner
- Hair care products
- Combs
- Brushes
- Hair Care Accessories
- Powder (fragrance-free)
- Foot powder
- Lip balm
- Sunscreen
- Menstrual products
- Tote bags new or gently usedfor visitors to transport their items.
