Hope & Healing Asks Community to Stock Shelters on Domestic Violence Awareness Giving Day

Hope & Healing Survivor Resource Center is asking Northeast Ohio residents to help fill its emergency shelters with everyday essentials. The Akron-based nonprofit has announced a community giving drive tied to Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The effort centers on Domestic Violence Awareness Giving Day on Thursday, Oct. 22. Individuals, businesses and community partners are invited to donate supplies for survivors and their children staying in the organization’s shelters. More Than 100 Survivors Sheltered Each Night Hope & Healing provides emergency shelter to more than 100 survivors every night across Summit and Medina counties. Most of those survivors are women and children. Many arrive with very little. The donated items help create a safe, comfortable environment as families work toward healing and stability. “When survivors come to shelter, they may arrive with very few belongings as they flee violence. Having access to clean bedding, personal care products, diapers, and warm clothing can make a meaningful difference as they start their journey to safety and stability,” said Whystal Worthy, Director of Shelter & Housing for Hope & Healing Survivor Resource Center. Worthy also called the giving day a chance for the community to support survivors in a tangible way. “The Domestic Violence Awareness Month Giving Day is an opportunity for the community to come together in a tangible way to support survivors and help ensure they have the essentials they need,” she said. Most Needed Items The shelters’ most urgent needs include: Unopened personal hygiene products such as soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant and washcloths Pillows, new twin and full sheet sets, and comforters Unopened diapers in a variety of sizes New, unopened cold and flu medications New or gently used winter coats for adults and children Gently used winter coats are welcome. However, the organization cannot accept other used clothing because of storage and capacity limits. How to Donate There are three ways to take part. Residents can buy items from the Hope & Healing Amazon Wishlist, drop off supplies in person, or share the campaign with friends, coworkers and local businesses. Giving Day Details Giving Day: Thursday, Oct. 22 Duration: Donations accepted throughout October and beyond Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2DRCPIV8E0AAM Akron drop-off: 974 E. Market Street, Akron, OH 44305 Medina drop-off: Call 330-374-0740 for information Donation hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Questions: development@hope-healing.org or 330-374-0740 Donations are welcome after Oct. 22 as well. The need for warm clothing and other supplies continues all year and grows as temperatures drop. About Hope & Healing Survivor Resource Center Hope & Healing was formerly known as Battered Women’s Shelter and Rape Crisis Center. The organization offers trauma-informed services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence and human trafficking in Summit and Medina counties. Services include emergency shelter, crisis intervention, advocacy, counseling and housing support. All services are free and confidential. Anyone seeking help or safety can call or text the 24/7 hotline at 330-374-1111 to speak with a trained advocate. More information is available at www.hopeandhealingresources.org .