2018 December Colony Magazine

“The daily lives of homeless women and girls
are fraught with enough uncertainties. The
question of what to do when the next period
comes around shouldn’t be one of them.”
Helping Women and Girls …
Commission of the
Status of Women
collect feminine
hygiene products
for the underserved
PERIOD
A special to COLONY Magazine
The Commission on the
Status of Women takes
an unabashed approach
to a social issue that gets far too
little attention.
At COLONY Magazine, this
issue was a bit uncomfortable for us
and we thought it might be uncomfortable
for our readers. That factor
served to impress us further that these
underserved members of our communities
are further underserved by a
lack of attention and dialogue. So we
leave you with this information.
The Commission on the Status
of Women is helping homeless
women and girls throughout San
Luis Obispo County by hosting a
“drive by” feminine hygiene product
drive for those in need. On
December 4 from 4 to 7 p.m.,
in front of the County Government
Building Center located at
1055 Monterey Street in San Luis
To add insult to injury, menstruation is a taboo
topic; people who are able to help often
aren’t even aware that such a vast need exists.
Obispo, donators can drive by and
drop off sealed boxes of tampons
or pads. Locally, donations can be
dropped off at ECHO homeless
services, located at 6370 Atascadero
Avenue in Atascadero.
Feminine hygiene products are
some of the most-needed items at
shelters, yet they are also some of
the least donated. To add insult
to injury, menstruation is a taboo
topic; people who are able to help
often aren’t even aware that such a
vast need exists.
The daily lives of homeless
women and girls are fraught with
enough uncertainties. The question
of what to do when the next
period comes around shouldn’t be
one of them.
Even for those who earn a little
money, tampons and pads are frequently
classified as non-essential
luxury items. They’re not covered
by government assistance programs
and are taxed in 40 states,
including California, putting
them out of reach for women with
limited funds.
Despite the fact that menstruation
is an unavoidable, biological
reality for half the population,
these products aren’t seen for what
they are: a necessity.
The Commission on the Status
of Women is sounding the call to
action to help women and girls in
need of access to feminine hygiene
products. Something as small as a
tampon can make the difference.
All donations will benefit El
Camino Homeless Organization
(ECHO) a homeless services
organization. ECHO empowers
people throughout San Luis
Obispo County to make positive
change by providing food, shelter,
and support services.
The Commission on the Status
of Women has been an official
advisory group to the San Luis
Obispo County Board of Supervisors
since 1975. The commission
identifies issues of concern to the
women of San Luis Obispo County
and reports those findings in an
annual report. To take the annual
survey, go to slowomen.org.
805-391-4566 ads@colonymagazine.com
December 2018, COLONY Magazine colonymagazine.com | 27