Dear Community, since my last letter I have successfully launched the Soap and Hope toiletry pantries and I’d like to say thank you for making this launch possible. I had my ribbon cutting in May, and it was a major success, members from the community family and friends, Butch and Carlee came out to celebrate with me along with the Housing Authority leaders. I was able to further share my vision for the community and the impact I’m hoping to have through this outreach. Since then, I’ve serviced over 100 residents in within the Housing Authority’s community and counting. I have even managed to help a few people outside of that community with through partnership with other nonprofits like the Beacon. I have also so up an overflow pantry at my salon for those in need outside of that community. The next location that I’m considering is Holy Family Apartments, I just have to get in touch with management to see what’s my next steps.

I have also started collecting donations for the Soap & Hope boxes for schools I’d like to supply hygiene propane underwear to schools across the district for the kids that have accidents at school or might just need it because they don’t have it at home, this project will take some funding as I’m researching different options for grants at the moment. Being a part of 24hcp has been a blessing and added fuel to my fire, once again o thank you all! I have depleted the $4000 grant but it has gone so far and I still have goods in stock so it makes it easier for me to replenish, I put aside a few dollars here and there to be able to keep it going until I can get more funding. Best regards and I hope to work with you all some day in some way to build our communities one person at a time!

Dear Community,

It took three months from the time we received our grant funding to shop for all the items needed to stock our community pantries. By shopping in-store at Dollar Tree, Walmart, and Sam’s Club, we were able to save a great deal on shipping fees and stretch our budget further. With great care and intention, we purchased essential cleaning and hygiene supplies to support families in need.

We successfully stocked closets at two separate locations and maintain an overflow pantry at home to ensure we can restock each site each month. The pantries are filled with everyday essentials including laundry detergent, dish liquid, body soap, hand soap, all-purpose cleaner, bleach, toothpaste, dryer sheets, lotion, feminine hygiene products, toilet paper, and more. After months of preparation, we officially completed the setup and began servicing both sites on May 1st, 2025, following a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on April 29th. Since opening, we have proudly served over 40 families.

We are deeply grateful for the generous contributions from our backers, the support from our community, and the partnership with the amazing staff at 24hrcp, all of whom helped make this dream a reality. We are currently accepting both tangible and monetary donations from the public and are actively seeking additional grant funding to keep these pantries fully stocked and eventually expand to other areas of the city.

We are also working closely with LHA administration and faculty to ensure these services are used appropriately and benefit those truly in need.

With best regards,
Team Soap and Hope