From the Frontline of Dignity: Direct Care
It’s a sunny summer day and WLP Direct Care staff sit outside under a tent, organizing takeout meals, books, toiletries, clothing, and more. Each guest that comes by is greeted with a warm smile and caring conversation. “Hungry? We are serving a delicious lunch today?” “Do you need hand sanitizer or a face mask?” and “Feel free to pick a book!” are commonly heard. Beyond fulfilling guests’ basic needs, the team checks in on the women they know so well, asking if they need to meet with an advocate or inquiring how their job interview went.
For the 1,500+ women who come to WLP annually, the past few months have seriously impacted their day-to-day lives. Beyond the stressful uncertainty of the current health crisis, rising unemployment, and tenuous housing market, many of our guest have struggled with the isolation brought on by shelter in place requirements along with the closure of safe indoor spaces. Although WLP’s community setting has had to temporarily close, our team is doing everything we can to continue to provide the sense of safety and security so many women feel when they walk through our doors.
Handwritten notes in homemade takeout meals, a meaningful conversation with a staff member, a productive meeting with an advocate – these are all ways your support is helping us provide a safe, welcoming space for women in need. As we enter a new normal where uncertainty is unavoidable and the effects of the pandemic are being realized more fully, we will continue to work proactively to anticipate the needs of our community.
Your support has been instrumental in our reaction to this health crisis – helping us not only flip our shelter operations inside out, but also allowing us to extend our reach into the community through pantry basket deliveries and meals drop-offs to local partner organizations. Unfortunately, the strain COVID-19 has placed on the economy, healthcare system, and housing market will certainly increase the need for our services. With your continued support, we will proactively work to meet the nutritional, health, and housing needs of our guests with dignity and respect.
Ways to get involved
Support our work by making a donation.
Host a donation drive with friends and family to collect items needed this season.
Start a fundraiser through Facebook.
Order items from our Amazon Urgent Needs Wishlist.
Join Team WLP at the Ride for Food.
Looking for another way to help out? Have an idea in mind? We would love to hear from you! Email Chloe to learn more.