Paula%Buchanan,%MBA,%MPH%

Nicole%La%Tournous,%MPH%‘16%

Phillip%McAuley,%MPA%‘15%

Brianna%Roberts,%MPH%‘16%

University%of%Georgia%

School%of%Public%and%International%Affairs%&%College%of%Public%Health%

Athens,%GA%

(fem)me National%Policy%Challenge%

Fels%Institute%of%Government%

University%of%Pennsylvania%

Philadelphia,%Pennsylvania%

March%21%L%22,%2015

Table of Contents

Executive)Summary)_________________________________________________3)

The)Problem)_______________________________________________________5)

Policy)Proposal)____________________________________________________%%7)

Campaign)Plan)____________________________________________________13)

Budget)__________________________________________________________%15)

Funding)_________________________________________________________%%16)

Appendices)______________________________________________________%%18

�2

Executive Summary

The Problem Imagine% that% you% are% a% homeless% woman% in% Athens,%

Georgia.% What% would% your% life% be% like?% Where% would%

you%go%to%wash%your%hands?%How%would%you%clean%your%

clothes?%Think%of%the%difficulty%of%managing%these%daily%

tasks.%Now%imagine%that%you%are%trying%to%maintain%baL

sic% hygiene% and% you% have% your% period—but% you% don't%

have%access%to%basic%feminine%hygiene%products.%A%menL

strual% cycle% for% any% woman% can% be% painful% and% elicit%

feelings% of% embarrassment.% For% a% homeless% woman,%

these%problems%are%exponentially%worse.%There%are%over%

600,000% homeless% individuals% in% the% United% States,%

nearly%17,000%of%whom%reside% in%the%state%of%Georgia. %1

StateLlevel%data%show%that%46%%of%the%homeless%populaL

tion% in% Georgia% is% female,% and% that% percentage% has% inL

creased%steadily%since%2009. , %These%women%struggle%to%2 3

meet%basic%feminine%hygiene%needs.%If%you%are%a%homeL

less%woman ,% one% of% the% few% things% you% can% count% on%4

each%month%is%your%menstrual%cycle.%You%may%not,%howL

ever,%be%able%to%count%on%having%the%things%you%need%to%

stay%clean%and%healthy.%

With% 213% homeless% individuals% as% of% 2013, % Athens%5

serves% as% an% ideal% location% to% pilot% programs% targeting%

this%population.%According%to%Shea%Post,%director%of%the%

Athens% Area% Homeless% Shelter,% “[feminine% hygiene%

products]%are%basic%items%that%every%woman%needs,%but,%

unfortunately,%they%are%seen%as%luxury%goods%by%most%of%

our% clients.”% Lack% of% access% to% feminine% hygiene% prodL

ucts% causes% unnecessary% suffering.% Over% oneLthird% of%

homeless%women%have%a%chronic%physical%health%condiL

tion,% putting% them% at% a% greater% risk% for% infection% and%

disease%compared% to% the%general%population. %This% risk%6

is% further%exacerbated%during% their%menstrual% cycle,% as%

they%lack%the%tools%to%maintain%proper%hygiene.%

This%population% is%also%at%a%greater%risk% for%a%variety%of%

mental% health% issues% stemming% from% shame,% embarL

rassment,% and% ostracism.% Homeless% women% often% feel%

as%if%their%dignity%is%compromised,%which%can%contribute%

to% depression% and% marginalization.% In% fact,% 50%% have%

experienced% a%major% depressive% episode% since% becomL

ing%homeless —seven%times%the%depression%rate% in% the%7

general%population. %Not%having%basic%products%such%as%8

tampons%or%sanitary%napkins%increases%the%risk%of%infecL

tion% and% further% exacerbates% feelings% of% shame% and%

embarrassment%in%this%vulnerable%population.%Providing%

homeless%women%with%feminine%hygiene%products%is%not%

about%convenience;%it%is%about%public%health.%

In%Athens,%Georgia,%numerous%organizations%attempt%to%

serve% the%needs%of%homeless%women% to%assist% them% in%

areas%such%as%transitional%shelter%and%medical%care.%The%

primary%entity%is%the%Athens%Coalition%for%the%Homeless,%

which% serves% as% an%umbrella% organization% for% the%nonL

profits% and% churches% that% work%with% homeless% clients.%

Even% though% agencies% exist% to%meet% the% needs% of% this%

population,%there%is%a%chronic%inability%to%meet%demand%

for%goods%and%services.%A%primary%unmet%need%for%their%

female% clients% is% feminine%hygiene%products.% The%probL

lem% becomes% more% complicated% when% you% consider%

that%50%%of% the%homeless%population%of%AthensLClarke%

County%is%unsheltered%and%is%not%being%served%by%existL

ing%providers. %9

Homelessness%is%not%a%problem%that%we%can%solve.%HowL

ever,% it% is%possible% to% relieve% the%unnecessary% suffering%

experienced%by%those%who%do%not%have%access%to%femiL

nine%hygiene%products.%Our%team%proposes%a%simple%yet%

meaningful%answer%to%ending%the%suffering%and%indignity%

experienced% by% homeless% women% in% our% community.%

Our%solution%is%(fem)ME.

The Solution%

The%solution%to%this%problem%is%intuitive:%provide%homeL

less%women%with% feminine%hygiene%products%and%other%

tools%to%promote%health%and%hygiene%during%their%menL

strual% cycle.% (fem)ME% will% provide% feminine% hygiene%

kits,%with%a%month’s%supply%of%products,% to% the%women%

that% need% them%most.% The% (fem)ME% kit% includes% tamL

pons,% sanitary% napkins,% panty% liners,% sanitary% wipes,%

Midol®,%hand%sanitizer,%and%targeted%health%messages%in%

a%convenient%bag%marked%with%the%(fem)ME%logo.%

%“The%State%of%Homelessness%in%America%2014,”%National)Alliance)to)End)Homelessness,%2014,%http://b.3cdn.net/naeh/d1b106237807ab260f_qam6ydz02.pdf1

%"2009%Report%on%Homelessness,"%Georgia)Department)of)Community)Affairs,%2009,%http://www.dca.ga.gov/housing/specialneeds/programs/documents/HomelessCountReport09web_000.pdf2

%"2013%Report%on%Homelessness,%"%Georgia)Department)of)Community)Affairs,%2013,%http://www.dca.state.ga.us/housing/specialneeds/programs/documents/DCAHomelessnessReport2013.pdf3

%For%the%purposes%of (fem)ME,%homeless%women%are%defined%as%those%women%living%on%the%streets,%in%homeless%or%transitional%shelters,%or%in%the%homes%of%friends%and%family.%Transitional%4

shelters%include%those%for%victims%of%both%domestic%and%sexual%violence.%Developed%from%the%following%sources: “What%is%the%official%definition%of%homelessness,”%National)Health)Care)for)the)Homeless)Council,%2015,% https://www.nhchc.org/faq/officialLdefinitionLhomelessness/%

“2009%Report%on%Homelessness,”%Georgia)Department)of)Community)Affairs,%2009,%http://www.dca.ga.gov/housing/specialneeds/programs/documents/HomelessCountReport09web_000.pdf

%"2013%Report%on%Homelessness,"%Georgia)Department)of)Community)Affairs,%2013,%http://www.dca.state.ga.us/housing/specialneeds/programs/documents/DCAHomelessnessReport2013.pdf5

%“The%Characteristics%of%Homeless%Women,”%Colorado)Coalition,)2012,%2L3.6

%Buckner,%J.C.,%Beardslee,%W.R.,%&%Bassuk,%E.L.%(2004).%Exposure%to%violence%and%lowLincome%children's%mental%health:%Direct,%moderated,%and%mediated%relations.%American)Journal)of)Orthopsy7 >chiatry,%74,%413L423.%Stephanie,%Faris,%“Looking%for%depression%statistics?%We've%compiled%them%for%you%from%leading%expert%sources,”%Healthline,%Published%2012,%http://www.healthline.com/health/depression/statistics#18

%"2013%Report%on%Homelessness,"%Georgia)Department)of)Community)Affairs,%2013,%http://www.dca.state.ga.us/housing/specialneeds/programs/documents/DCAHomelessnessReport2013.pdf9

�3

The% kits% will% be% distributed% throughout% the% Athens’%

community,% directly% to% the% population% in% need.%

(fem)ME%will%purchase%the%items%for%the%hygiene%kits%in%

bulk,%assemble% the%kits,%and%distribute% them%to% female%

clients.%We%have%also%developed%a%partnership%with%the%

Athens%Coalition%for%the%Homeless%to%build%an%organizaL

tional% distribution% network% for% the% (fem)ME% kits.% The%

(fem)ME solution%takes%a%two%pronged%approach:% first,%

direct%provision%of%products%to%the%50%%of%women%who%

fall%into%the%service%gap;%and%second,%increasing%organiL

zational%capacity.%

A% critical% element% of% (fem)ME’s% feminine% hygiene% kit%

will%be%a%monthly%health%message,%which%will%communiL

cate%important%information%regarding%sexual%and%reproL

ductive%health,%as%well% as% information%on%where% to%acL

cess% services% in% the% community.% Targeted% health% mesL

sages,% printed% on% a% pocketLsized% card,% will% change% in%

each% month’s% kit.% While% homeless,% women% are% at% a%

much% greater% risk% for% rape,% sexually% transmitted% infecL

tions% (STI),% and% poor% reproductive% health. % (fem)ME%10

places%an%emphasis%on%ensuring%access%to%useful%health%

information%to%mitigate% these%risks.%(fem)ME%has%partL

nered%with% the%Athens%Nurses%Clinic,%a%member%of% the%

Athens% Coalition% for% the% Homeless,% to% ensure% that% inL

cluded% health%messages% contain%meaningful% and% accuL

rate%information.%

While% the% primary% aim% of% (fem)ME% is% to% alleviate% the%

health%concerns%caused%by%a%lack%of%access%to%feminine%

hygiene%products,%it%is%equally%important%to%ensure%that%

homeless% women% feel% as% comfortable% and% normal% as%

possible.% (fem)ME% acknowledges% that% women% have%

individual% preferences% in% using% tampons% or% sanitary%

napkins%and%provides%women%with%the%ability%to%choose.%

The Impact Now%imagine%you%are%a%homeless%woman%in%Athens%next%

year.% Your%menstrual% cycle% arrives,% but% instead% of% panL

icking,% you% open% your% (fem)ME% kit% and% find% all% of% the%

resources% you% need.% With% the% implementation% of%

(fem)ME,% a% feasible% and% costLeffective% solution% (Table%

1),%our%clients%can%count%on%having%these%basic%necessiL

ties.%Athens%is%just%the%beginning,%serving%as%a%pilot%site%

for% the% program.% Long% term% plans% include% rolling% out%

(fem)ME%in%Atlanta%and%other%communities%throughout%

the%country.%

(fem)ME’s% immediate% impact% includes% meeting% the%

feminine%hygiene%needs%of%homeless%women.%They%will%

be% better% equipped% to% maintain% a% level% of% health% and%

cleanliness% that% most% women% take% for% granted.%

(fem)ME% kits%will% increase% feelings% of% dignity% and% emL

powerment.% (fem)ME% will% give% some% predictable% norL

malcy% each% month,% ending% unnecessary% suffering% and%

shame.

%Lisa%A.%Goodman,%Ph.D.,%Katya%Fels,%&%Catherine%Glenn,%M.A.,%“No%Safe%Place:%Sexual%Assault%in%the%Lives%of%Homeless%Women,”%National)Online)Resource)Center)on)Violence)Against)Women,%10

2011,%http://www.vawnet.org/appliedLresearchLpapers/printLdocument.php?doc_id=558

�4

It’s%about%respect (period)%

Tampons(

Sanitary(Napkins(

Panty(Liners(

Midol®(

Hand(Sanitizer(

Sanitary(Wipes(

Table%1:%Projected%Pilot%Implementation%Costs

Cost)($))per)Client)per)Month

Cost)($))per)Client)per)

Year

Bag)with)Logo 0.17 2.04

Tampons 0.50 6.00

Sanitary)Napkins 0.50 6.00

Panty)Liners 0.08 0.96

Midol)® 0.60 7.20

Hand)Sanitizer 0.59 7.08

Sanitary)Wipes 0.50 6.00

Total 2.94 35.28

THE PROBLEM

Feminine%hygiene%products,% specifically% sanitary%napkins% and% tampons,% are% a%necessity% for%women% in%order% to%manage%

their%monthly%menstrual%cycles%in%a%healthy%and%sanitary%way.%Most%women%will%experience%480%menstrual%cycles%in%their%

lifetime, %each%of%which%lasts%an%average%of%5%days,%but%can%last%up%to%7%or%10%days. %Women%use%an%estimated%20%prod11 12 L

ucts%per%period%and%have%to%change%their%feminine%hygiene%product%at% least%every%8%hours,%but% it% is%recommended%that%

they%change%them%every%4%hours. %Women%experiencing%homelessness%face%unique%problems%that%go%unaddressed%L%one%13

of%which%is%the%inability%to%access%feminine%hygiene%products%during%their%menstrual%cycle.%Feminine%hygiene%products%are%

not%luxury%items,%they%are%basic%health%necessities.%Women%who%are%unable%to%access%feminine%hygiene%products%are%vulL

nerable%to%a%wide%array%of%problems,%from%parasites%to%depression,%and%are%less%likely%to%gain%employment.%Basic%feminine%

hygiene%is% imperative%to%regaining%a%sense%of%self%and%reintegrating% into%mainstream%society.% In%short,%without%feminine%

hygiene%products,%women%experience%extreme%and%unnecessary%physical,%mental,%and%practical%setbacks.%%

PHYSICAL IMPLICATIONS)Homeless%women%are%at%dramatically%greater%risk%for%chronic%diseases%associated%with%menstruation.%Immediately%before%

starting%her%period,% a%woman% is%more% susceptible% to%a% yeast% infection,% and%women%experiencing%homelessness%do%not%

have%the%means%to%recover%from%it.%Without%access%to%feminine%hygiene%products,%they%are%at%even%greater%risk%for%infecL

tion%during%menstruation.%Women%may%improvise%sanitary%napkins%using%rags,%socks,%or%newspaper%to%try%to%maintain%a%

feeling% of% being% clean.% These% items% are% not% designed% for%menstruation% and% are% not% sterile; % thus,% they% can% lessen% a%14

woman’s%ability%to%fight%infection.%

This%problem%is%further%complicated%because%homeless%women%are%at%a%much%greater%risk%for%sexual%assault,%and%sexually%

transmitted%diseases.%When%a%woman%suffers%from%a%compromised%immune%system%due%to%lack%of%basic%hygiene,%her%body%

cannot% fight% these% infections.%Left%untreated,% this%can%possibly% lead% to%cervical% cancer. %Contaminated%washcloths%may%15

also%expose%women%to%trichomonas,%tiny%parasites%that%cause%infection. %Inability%to%change%a%tampon%can%have%dire%con16 L

sequences,%from%simply%being%overLsaturated%and%ineffective%to%causing%toxic%shock%syndrome,%a%rare%but%lifeLthreatening%

condition%caused%by%staphylococcus%or%streptococcus%bacteria. %The%stress%of%meeting%their%basic%needs%means%homeless%17

women%are%less%able%to%manage%their%chronic%diseases%than%women%with%a%regular%and%secure%place%to%live.%

%%

Homeless%women,%like%most%other%women%of%reproductive%age,%typically%experience%their%menstrual%cycle%every%month.%

However,%sporadic%and%limited%access%to%food%can%cause%irregularities.%While%this%may%seem%like%it%would%give%them%a%reL

prieve,%it%only%makes%their%lives%more%difficult.%Women%with%irregular%menstrual%cycles%are%unsure%of%when%they%are%going%

to%experience%symptoms%and%are%unable%to%prepare.%Their%period%may% leave%them%feeling%weaker%and%more%vulnerable%

than%usual.%Women%experiencing%homelessness%do%not%have%access%to%showers,%and%the%ability%to%use%the%restroom,%even%

in%a%shelter,%can%be%constrained.%Women%report%having%to%clean%themselves%in%public%restrooms,%but%still%feeling%a%sense%of%

uncleanliness. %18

%”Explaining%menstruation%to%your%daughter,”Always®,%accessed%March%2015,%http://www.always.com/enLus/lifeLstage/momsLdaughters/pad/talkingLaboutLperiods/explainingLmenstruation.aspx11

%%“First%Period%Q+A,”%Kotex®,%accessed%March%2015,%http://www.kotex.com/na/articlesLinfo/firstLperiodLqa/1030112

%“First%Period%Q+A,”%Kotex®,%accessed%March%2015,%http://www.kotex.com/na/articlesLinfo/firstLperiodLqa/1030113

%%Natasha%Khan%and%Ketaki%Gokhale,%“No%menstrual%hygiene%for%Indian%women%holds%economy%back,”%Bloomberg%Business,%Published%2013,%http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013L07L24/noL14

menstrualLhygieneLforLindianLwomenLholdsLeconomyLback

%%Natasha%Khan%and%Ketaki%Gokhale,%“No%menstrual%hygiene%for%Indian%women%holds%economy%back,”%Bloomberg%Business,%Published%2013,%http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013L07L24/noL15

menstrualLhygieneLforLindianLwomenLholdsLeconomyLback

%“First%Period%Q+A,”%Kotex®,%accessed%March%2015,%http://www.kotex.com/na/articlesLinfo/firstLperiodLqa/1030116

%%“Diseases%and%Conditions,%Toxic%shock%syndrome”,%Mayo%Staff%clinic,%2015.%http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseasesLconditions/toxicLshockLsyndrome/basics/definition/conL2002132617

%%Lisa%DeBode,%“Hygiene%and%heartache:%Homeless%women’s%daily%struggle%to%keep%clean,”%Al%Jazeera%America,%Published%2015,%http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2015/1/13/LscaredLtoLwalkL18

thestreet.html

�5

“I used socks and other pieces of cloth and washed them whenever I got the chance.”

MENTAL IMPLICATIONS%Not%having%the%basic%necessities%to%take%care%of%yourself%brings%forth%feelings%of%helplessness,%shame,%and%vulnerability.%

Having%these%feelings%occur%on%a%daily%basis%can%have%severe%mental%repercussions,%including%depression.%Women%experiL

encing%homelessness%are%seven%times%more%likely%to%experience%a%major%depressive%episode%in%their%lifetime%than%the%genL

eral%public. %Without%the%feminine%hygiene%products%that%most%women%take%for%granted,%women%experiencing%homeless19 L

ness%will%feel%even%more%alienated%from%the%mainstream.%According%to%Cheryl%Mitchell,%director%of%the%Bowery%Mission’s%

Women’s%Center%in%Harlem,%“reLestablishing%a%hygiene%routine%is%key%to%recovering%a%sense%of%self...self%care%and%the%ability%

to% receive% care% in% this% setting%helps% to% build% a%woman’s% self%worth% and% value.” % Being% able% to% envision% themselves% as%20

members%of%the%mainstream%community%is%vital%for%women%experiencing%homelessness%to%break%out%of%the%cycle%of%poverL

ty. %21

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS%As%a%practical%matter,%staying%clean%can%be%quite%difficult%for%a%homeless%person%who%is%unsheltered.%Relying%on%intermitL

tent%access%to%shower%and%laundry%facilities%means%that%maintaining%proper%hygiene%is%inconsistent%at%best%and%impossible%

at%worst.%Several%weeks%or%months%can%pass%before%a%person%has%the%money%to%pay%for%washing%their%clothes%or%has%access%

to%a%washer%and%dryer,%making%clean%clothes%a%luxury%for%a%person%living%on%the%street.%For%women,%this%problem%is%exacerL

bated%during%menstruation,%especially% if%they%do%not%have%access%to%feminine%hygiene%products.%During%menstruation,%a%

woman’s%clothes%are%more%likely%to%become%soiled%—%and%almost%certain%to%be%so%if%she%is%not%able%to%use%basic%feminine%

hygiene%products.% If%she%cannot%access% laundry%facilities,%she%will%experience%further%discomfort%and%shame%from%soiled%

clothing.%This% combination%of% circumstances% is%especially%problematic% for%a%woman%seeking%or% trying% to% retain%employL

ment.%Basic%cultural%norms%of%cleanliness%and%hygiene%are%critical%components%to%being%employable. %The%vast%majority%of%22

homeless%individuals%are%seeking%employment, %but%in%order%to%do%get%a%job%and%keep%it,%they%must%be%able%to%meet%cul23 L

tural%and%professional%expectations%of%cleanliness.%

ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY%

Organizations%seeking%to%address%homelessness%are%already%stretched%to%their%capacity.%On%any%given%night%in%the%United%

States,%there%are%184,000%more%homeless%individuals%than%available%beds. %Organizations%seeking%to%assist%this%population%24

are% chronically% unable% to% provide% feminine% hygiene%products.% Community%members% are%more% likely% to% donate% food%or%

items,%such%as%soap%and%toothpaste,%as%opposed%to%tampons%and%sanitary%napkins. %One%shelter%disclosed%that%without%25

specifically%requesting%feminine%hygiene%products%from%donors,%their%annual%resource%drive%yielded%only%one%such%donaL

tion. %Organizations%do%not%have%the%means%to%meet%the%demands%for%basic%necessities%among%the%homeless%population,%26

especially%the%need%for%feminine%hygiene%products.%

%Stephanie%Faris,%“Looking%for%depression%statistics?%We've%compiled%them%for%you%from%leading%expert%sources,”%Healthline,%Published%2012,%http://www.healthline.com/health/depression/statistics#119

%%Lisa%DeBode,%“Hygiene%and%heartache:%Homeless%women’s%daily%struggle%to%keep%clean,”%Al%Jazeera%America,%Published%2015,%http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2015/1/13/LscaredLtoLwalkL20

thestreet.htm

%Lisa%DeBode,%“Hygiene%and%heartache:%Homeless%women’s%daily%struggle%to%keep%clean,”%Al%Jazeera%America,%Published%2015,%http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2015/1/13/LscaredLtoLwalkL21

thestreet.htm

%%Winston%Ross,%“The%surprising%way%a%shower%could%save%a%life,”%NationSwell,%Published%2013,%http://nationswell.com/surprisingLwayLshowerLsaveLlife/22

%%Julia%Acuña%and%Bob%Erlenbusch,%“Homeless%Employment%Report,”%National%Coalition%for%the%Homeless,%2009,%http://www.nationalhomeless.org/publications/homelessemploymentreport/23

%%“The%State%of%Homelessness%in%America%2014,”%National%Alliance%to%End%Homelessness,%2014,%http://b.3cdn.net/naeh/d1b106237807ab260f_qam6ydz02.pdf24

%%Shea%Post,%personal%interview,%2015%%25

%Lisa%DeBode,%“Hygiene%and%heartache:%Homeless%women’s%daily%struggle%to%keep%clean,”%Al%Jazeera%America,%Published%2015,%http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2015/1/13/LscaredLtoLwalkL26

thestreet.html

�6

0

175000

350000

525000

700000

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

ES/TH/SH Beds Total Homeless

WHY THIS PROBLEM — WHY THIS SOLUTION…%

Not%long%ago,%the%Huffington%Post%published%an%article%entitled%“For%Homeless%Women,%Getting%Their%Period%is%One%of%the%

Most%Difficult%Challenges”% (Appendix%A). %After% reading% this% article%we% started% looking%around%our%own%community%of%27

Athens,%Georgia.%What%we%found%was%that%this%problem%is%pervasive%in%our%community,%as%well%as%all%other%communities%

across%the%country%with%a%significant%homeless%population.%Nationally,%homelessness%itself% is%a%difficult%problem%with%no%

simple%solution;%however,%providing%homeless%women%with%the%basic%tools%to%maintain%proper%hygiene%during%their%menL

strual%cycle%is%a%straightforward%solution%to%one%aspect%of%this%larger%problem.%The%absence%of%sanitary%napkins%and%tamL

pons%during%a%woman’s%menstrual%cycle%is%a%problem%affecting%nearly%200,000%homeless%women%every%month%in%the%UnitL

ed%States.%It%is%time%to%eliminate%unnecessary%suffering%and%shame%in%our%communities.%

The%solution%to%this%problem%is%(fem)ME.%

POLICY PROPOSAL%

Our%proposal% is% to%create%a%community% solution% that% seeks% to%end% the%unnecessary% suffering%experienced%by%homeless%

women%due%to%a%lack%of%access%to%feminine%hygiene%products.%Our%mission%is%twofold:%1)%to%provide%these%products%directly%

to% the%women%who%need% them;%and,%2)% to%provide%public%health%education%and%advocacy% regarding% the% importance%of%

proper%feminine%hygiene%for%the%community%and%our%clients.%(fem)ME%will%create%a%501(c)(3)%nonprofit,%taxLexempt%orgaL

nization,%which%will%stand%independently%to%carry%out%our%mission.%

(fem)ME’s%solution%is%one%that%has%the%potential%to%end%an%important%threat%to%public%health%among%homeless%and%transiL

tional%women.%Current%community%resources%offer%some%basic%necessities%for%maintaining%general%personal%hygiene,%but%

do%not% include% feminine%hygiene%products.% Further,%existing%organizations%are%unable% to%meet%even% the%most%basic%deL

mands%for%these%products%by%the%homeless%and%transitional%women.%(fem)ME%has%the%opportunity%to%bridge%this%serious%

gap%in%service%delivery%for%homeless%women.%%

We%will% accomplish% the% first% component%of% our%mission% (product%provision)%by% acquiring% and%assembling% the% following%

products%into%“(fem)ME%kits”:%1)%tampons;%2)%sanitary%napkins;%3)%panty%liners;%4)%sanitary%wipes;%5)%Midol®;%6)%hand%saniL

tizer;%and%7)%targeted%health%messages.%Kits%are%designed%to%include%a%month’s%supply%of%products,%and%will%be%distributed%

directly%to%homeless%and%transitional%women%in%the%community.%In%addition%to%direct%distribution%by%(fem)ME%team%memL

bers,%we%will%work%alongside% the%existing%homeless% shelter%and%service% infrastructure% in%Athens,%and%provide% them%kits%

that%they%can%give%to%their%clients.%In%this%way,%we%will%reach%the%maximum%number%of%women%in%need.%Providing%monthly%

(fem)ME%kits%will%have%definite%and%measurable%impact%on%our%target%population.%Once%we%have%piloted%the%program%in%

Athens,%we%plan%to%expand%to%Atlanta%and%the%rest%of%the%state%of%Georgia.%

%%Eleanor%Goldberg,%“For%Homeless%Women,%Getting%Their%Period%Is%One%Of%The%Most%Difficult%Challenges,”%Huffington%Post,%Published%2015,%%27

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/14/homelessLwomenLtampons_n_6465230.html

�7

Our mission is twofold:

1) to provide these products directly to the women who need them

2) to provide public health education and advocacy regarding the importance of proper feminine hygiene for the community and our clients.

The%second%component%of%our%mission%will%be%accomplished%through%outreach%and%community%education%campaigns.%The%

subject%of%menstrual%cycles%can%be%considered%taboo%in%our%society,%which%makes%conversations%about%menstruation%and%

associated%challenges%difficult.%We%will%work%to%educate%members%of%the%community%on%the%public%health%challenge%assoL

ciated%with%a%lack%of%feminine%hygiene%products%for%homeless%women.%Creating%an%open%dialogue%on%these%issues%will%fosL

ter% a% community% consciousness% about% the%needs% specific% to%homeless% and% transitional%women.%(fem)ME%will% facilitate%

difficult,%but%necessary% conversations%on% this%public%health% issue% for%women% in%our% community.% Feelings%of% shame%and%

embarrassment%can%no%longer%be%the%reason%that%such%a%fundamental%need%goes%unmet.%

NEEDS ASSESSMENT%

Interviews%with%community% leaders%have%validated%the%need%for%(fem)ME% in%our%community.%Shea%Post,%director%of%the%

Athens%Coalition% for% the%Homeless,% confirmed% the%need% for% feminine%hygiene%products% in% facilities,% such%as% the%Athens%

Area%Homeless%Shelter.%She%commented%that%access%to%these%products%is%so%limited%that,%“they%are%seen%as%luxury%goods%by%

most%of%our%clients.”%Paige%Cummings,%executive%director%of%the%Athens%Nurses%Clinic%told%the%(fem)ME%team%leaders%that%

women%commonly%ask% for% tampons%and%sanitary%napkins,%but% the%clinic% is%usually%unable% to%keep%up%with%demand.%All%

community%leaders%with%which%we%have%communicated%have%expressed%enthusiasm%for%the%program.%

SOLUTION%

Our%solution%has%been%developed%in%collaboration%with%several%critical%community%partners,%including%the%Athens%Coalition%

for%the%Homeless%and%the%Athens%Nurses%Clinic.%We%have%conducted%interviews%with%nonprofit%and%public%health%leaders%in%

the%community,%who%directly%serve%our%target%population,%to%develop%a%solution%that%will%successfully%satisfy%the%unmet%

need%for%feminine%hygiene%products%among%homeless%women.%We%have%worked%closely%with%community%partners%to%enL

sure%that%the%proposed%solution%is%feasible.%In%addition,%we%have%developed%an%organizational%structure%and%distribution%

mechanism%based%on%models%that%effectively%serve%homeless%and%transitional%populations.%%

STRUCTURE OF IMPLEMENTATION%

The%primary%responsibility%for%implementation%will%lie%with%the%(fem)ME%leadership%team.%The%leadership%team%will%overL

see%management%of%purchasing%and%distribution%of%kits,%financing%of%the%organization,%the%public%education%and%advocacy%

campaign,%and%community%partnerships.%%

Each%month,%(fem)ME%kits%will%need%to%be%assembled%and%distributed.%Given%that%the%current%female%homeless%population%

in%Athens% is%approximately%100% individuals,%we%estimate%that%three%volunteers%would%be%needed%once%a%month%for%one%

hour%to%assemble%the%kits.%For%the%distribution%process,%we%would%need%two%distribution%teams%of%at%least%four%members%

each.%These%teams%would%disseminate%the%kits%once%per%month%using%the%distribution%plan%outlined%below.%Volunteers%will%

be%recruited%from%both%the%University%of%Georgia%(UGA)%and%the%Athens%community.%UGA%has%a%thriving%student%volunteer%

base%and%many%academic%courses%at%the%University%have%community%service%or%service%learning%components,%making%the%

student%community%a%valuable%volunteer%resource.%

PRODUCT ACQUISITION%

There%are%three%ways%we%can%obtain%(fem)ME%kit%items:%1)%purchasing%items;%2)%manufacturer%donations%or%discounts;%3)%

donation%drives%in%the%community.%Our%pilot%phase%will%rely%on%purchasing%the%items%for%the%feminine%hygiene%kits%in%bulk%

from%wholesalers.%For%fullLscale%implementation,% in%addition%to%purchasing%products,%we%will%work%to%develop%corporate%

partnerships%with%manufacturers%of%feminine%hygiene%products%in%order%to%obtain%discounted%or%donated%products.%%

(fem)ME%will% also% conduct% a% series% of% donation% drives% to% collect% sanitary% napkins% and% tampons.%We%will% partner%with%

groups%on% the%UGA% campus% in%order% to%market% these%drives.% Food%drives%have%historically% been% very% successful% in%our%

community;%one%source%cites%that%on%average,%an%individual%donates%five%pounds%of%food%per%drive. %While%feminine%hy28 L

giene%products%are%always%needed,%they%are%not%products%that%people%typically%think%to%donate.%Holding%drives%that%specifL

ically%ask%for%these%items%will% increase%awareness%of%the%need%for%these%products,%while%also%collecting%products%for%the%

monthly%(fem)ME%kits.%

%“Food%Bank%Frequently%Asked%Questions,”%Northeast%Iowa%Food%Bank,%accessed%March%2015,%http://www.northeastiowafoodbank.org/GetInvolved/HostAFoodDrive/FrequentlyAskedQuestions.aspx#Q328

�8

THE (fem)ME KIT%

Each%kit%will%contain%tampons,%sanitary%napkins,%panty%liners,%sanitary%wipes,%Midol®,%hand%sanitizer,%and%targeted%health%

messages. % The% kit% contents%were% determined%based%on% the% average%menstrual% cycle% of% a%woman,% as%well% as% healthy%29

habits%in%maintaining%feminine%hygiene%as%suggested%by%healthcare%professionals. 30

%%See%budget%for%detailed%list%of%quantity%and%price.29

%%“First%Period%Q+A,”%Kotex®,%accessed%March%2015,%http://www.kotex.com/na/articlesLinfo/firstLperiodLqa/1030130

�9

Did you know…

An average woman menstruates for 5 days

You should change your tampon at least every 8 hours and your pad every 6 hours

�10

TAMPONS & SANITARY NAPKINS

A%month’s% supply%of% tampons% and% sanitary%napkins%will% be% inL

cluded%in%each%(fem)ME%kit.%We%will%offer%these%items%in%a%variL

ety%of%sizes%(i.e.%heavy,%regular,% light,%panty% liners)%to%meet%the%

women’s% everyday% needs.% These% items% will% be% purchased% in%

bulk% from%manufacturers,% such% as% Tampax®,% Playtex®,% Kotex®,%

and%Always.%

We%will%also%obtain%tampons%and%sanitary%napkins%through%doL

nation% drives.% Drives% will% specify% the% type% of% product% we% are%

asking%for% (e.g.%unscented,% fullLsized)%to%ensure%we%are%distribL

uting%products%that%fully%meet%the%needs%of%the%women%we%are%

serving%

Since% a% longLterm% goal% of% (fem)ME% is% to% increase% feelings% of%

normalcy%within%the%female%homeless%population,%we%believe%it%

is%important%to%offer%them%the%choice%to%use%tampons,%pads,%or%

both%when% receiving% their% kit.% To% accommodate% these% preferL

ences,%we%assemble%three%different%kits:%tampons%only,%sanitary%

napkins%only,%and%a%combination%of%both%tampons%and%sanitary%

napkins.

SANITARY WIPES

Having%one’s%menstrual%cycle%can% lead%to%feelings%of%uncleanliL

ness.%These%feelings%are%exacerbated%for%homeless%women,%who%

frequently%do%not%have%access%to%showers%or%other%facilities%to%

attend%to%their%personal%hygiene.%In%order%to%lessen%these%feelL

ings,% we% will% include% sanitary% wipes% that% can% be% easily% and%

quickly%used%by%homeless%women%to%increase%hygiene.

MIDOL® A% woman’s% menstrual% cycle% is% often% accompanied% by% painful%

cramps.%To%relieve%this%pain,%many%women%use%Midol®,%a%medL

ication% specifically% marketed% toward% women% and% designed% to%

relieve%menstrual%cramps.

HAND SANITIZER

To%prevent%infection,%it%is%important%for%a%woman%to%have%clean%

hands%when% positioning% a% sanitary% napkin% or% inserting% a% tamL

pon.%Unfortunately,%many%homeless%women%do%not%have%reguL

lar%access%to%facilities%to%keep%their%hands%clean.%For%these%reaL

sons,% we% have% decided% to% include% hand% sanitizer% in% the%

(fem)ME%kits.

TARGETED HEALTH MESSAGES%(fem)ME will%work%along%with%community%partners,%such%as%the%Athens%Nurses%Clinic%and%Project%Safe,%to%create%meaningL

ful%and%accurate%health%messages%targeted%specifically%to%the%needs%of%homeless%women.%These%messages%will%be%printed%

on%a%triLfold%business%card%that%will%also%include%contact%information%for%(fem)ME%and%other%community%resources,%as%well%

as%the%date%and%location%for%the%next%month’s%distribution%event.%

DISTRIBUTION MECHANISM%

(fem)ME%members%will%distribute%the%hygiene%kits%via%a%twofold%strategy:%

1. Distribution)directly)to)homeless)women)About%50%%of%homeless%individuals%do%not%use%the%existing%organizational%infrastructure%in%Athens. %Many%of%these%indi31 L

viduals%live%in%communities%commonly%referred%to%as%“tent%cities.”%There%is%an%established%group,%Athens)PB&J,%that%curLrently%serves%this%population%by%bringing%bagged%lunches%into%the%tent%cities%once%a%week.%(fem)ME%will%partner%with%this%

group%to%distribute%(fem)ME%kits.%

In%July%2015,%Athens%will%open%its%firstLever%resource%center%for%the%homeless.%This%facility,%called%ARCH%(Athens%Resource%

Center%for%the%Homeless),%will%be%a%“oneLstop%shop”%for%homeless%community%members%and%will% include%things%such%as%

shower%and%laundry%facilities,%post%office%boxes,%and%access%to%computers%and%internet%services.%(fem)ME%team%members%

will%set%up%a%table%at%ARCH%at%the%beginning%of%each%month,%where%we%will%distribute%kits%to%female%clients.%(fem)ME%will%

be%an%established%community%provider%at%ARCH%where%women%know%they%can%come%to%receive%assistance.%

2. Distribution)through)an)established)organizational)network)As%an%additional%layer%to%the%distribution%network,%(fem)ME%has%created%a%partnership%with%the%Athens%Coalition%for%the%

Homeless.%The%coalition%oversees%more%than%30%organizations,%such%as%Aids%Athens,% the%Athens%Area%Homeless%Shelter,%

Athens%Nurses%Clinic,%Community%Connection,%and%Project%Safe,%each%of%which%serves%the%homeless%community%in%Athens,%

GA.%These%organizations%will% receive%hygiene%kits% from%(fem)ME%and%will% then%distribute%them%to%their%clients.%Through%

this%partnership%we%aim%to%reach%a%diverse%group%of%women%who%have%become%homeless%for%a%variety%of%reasons;%it%is%imL

portant%to%(fem)ME’s%vision%that%we%reach%as%many%women%as%possible.%%

%%“2013%Report%on%Homelessness”%Georgia%Department%of%Community%Affairs,%2013.%http://www.dca.state.ga.us/housing/specialneeds/programs/documents/DCAHomelessnessReport2013.pdf31

�11

ADVOCACY & OUTREACH%

With%the%“Like%a%Girl”%commercial%that%aired%during%the%2015%Super%Bowl,%public%interest%has%been%sparked%in%issues%that%

relate%particularly%to%women’s%physical,%mental%and%emotional%health. %We%would%like%to%take%advantage%of%this%renewed%32

energy%and%focus%around%women’s%issues%for%(fem)ME’s%implementation.%The%time%to%address%this%issue%is%now.%Athens%is%

the%perfect%pilot%site%for%this%solution,%where%for%less%than%$10,000%(fem)ME%can%provide%hygiene%kits%to%every%homeless%

woman%in%our%community%for%a%year.%

AthensLClarke%County%is%one%of%the%poorest%counties%in%the%nation,%with%36.7%%of%our%population%living%below%the%poverty%

level. %As%of%2013,%there%are%an%estimated%213%homeless%individuals%living%in%Athens%and%75%%of%them%have%reported%that%33

Athens%was%the%origin%of%their%homelessness. %This%tells%us%something%powerful%about%our%community%LL%while%we%do%not%34

have%a%consistently%large%homeless%population,%we%have%a%large%proportion%of%our%community%that%are%at%risk%for%homeL

lessness.%This%means%that%there%will%be%a%large%number%of%women%in%the%transient%housing%system%who%will%be%in%need%of%

our%services%as%well.%Up%until%now,%however,%the%lack%of%access%to%feminine%hygiene%products%in%our%community%(and%othL

ers%across%the%country)%has%been%a%silent%problem.%

Our%solution%breaks%the%silence.%

(fem)ME’s%advocacy%plan%will%focus%on%creating%an%aggregate%improvement%in%the%wellLbeing%of%the%community.%This%will%

be%done%through%education%and%communication.%(fem)ME’s%presence%on%social%media%will%work%to%open%a%dialogue%and%

get%rid%of%the%taboo%surrounding%menstrual%cycles%in%order%to%increase%community%knowledge%regarding%female%reproducL

tive%health.%Our%monthly%targeted%health%messages%will%be%shared%on%multiple%platforms,%including%Facebook,%Twitter,%and%

Tumblr,%and%community%members%will%be%encouraged%to%engage%in%conversation%about%these%topics.%By%engaging%the%enL

tire%population%(and%not%just%homeless%women)%we%will%shine%a%light%on%an%important,%but%often%ignored,%issue.%

HOW HAS THIS BEEN TESTED BEFORE?%To%our%knowledge,%there%is%currently%no%organization%operating%in%the%U.S.%with%the%mission%to%fill%the%critical%shortage%of%

feminine%hygiene%products%among%homeless%women.%We%were%able%to%find%one%nonprofit,%Distributing)Dignity,%which%is%currently%serving%the%New%Jersey%and%Philadelphia%region%with%a%related%mission. %This%group%has%a%complementary%vision%35

to%(fem)ME;%they%serve%girls%in%foster%care,%women%seeking%refuge%from%domestic%violence%or%abuse,%homeless%women,%

women%struggling%with%life%altering%illness,%and%women%displaced%by%disasters.%Distributing)Dignity%provides%access%to%femL

inine%hygiene%products,%but%it%is%only%a%secondary%aspect%of%their%service.%Their%primary%focus%is%on%providing%new%underL

garments% to% their% clients.% They% emphasize% the% importance% of% the% idea% that,% “just% because% these%women% are% in% need,%

doesn’t%mean%they%don’t%deserve%the%dignity%of%a%new%bra.” %Each%year%since%2009%the%organization%has%held%a%“Mardi%36

Bra”%party,%in%which%they%distribute%donated%bras%to%women%in%need.%They%have%reached%a%total%of%600%women%since%that%

first%event. %Distributing)Dignity’s% focus%on%homeless%women%and% the%need% for% feminine%hygiene%products%has%been%a%37

successful%community%solution%in%their%area.%(fem)ME%builds%on%this%idea%by%focusing%on%the%public%health%aspect%of%femiL

nine%hygiene,%addressing%product%provision%in%addition%to%community%education%and%awareness.%

INNOVATION%

(fem)ME%will%be%the%first%organization%of%its%kind,%focusing%on%increasing%aggregate%health%and%wellLbeing%of%a%vulnerable%

population%through%distribution%of%feminine%hygiene%products%and%health%messages.%We%also%integrate%community%educaL

tion%and%advocacy%to%motivate%sustainable%change.%Addressing%the%public%health%issue%created%by%a%lack%of%feminine%hyL

giene%products%is%critical.%Initially,%the%solution%serves%to%reduce%the%health%risks%that%our%clients%face,%but%in%the%longLterm%

we%aim%to%prevent%the%issue%from%occurring%in%the%first%place.%Because,%to%the%best%of%our%knowledge,%there%are%no%other%

organizations%tackling%this% issue%in%the%United%States,%(fem)ME’s%advocacy%and%outreach%efforts%will%help%to%expand%our%

program%to%other%communities.%

%"Like%A%Girl:%Boost%Your%SelfLconfidence!%#LikeAGirl%|%Always."%Like%A%Girl:%Boost%Your%SelfLconfidence!%#LikeAGirl%|%Always.%Accessed%March%11,%2015.%http://www.always.com/enLus/likeagirl.aspx.32

%%“State%and%County%QuickFacts”%The%United%States%Census%Bureau,%2015%http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/13/13059.html33

%%“2013%Report%on%Homelessness”%Georgia%Department%of%Community%Affairs,%2013%http://www.dca.state.ga.us/housing/specialneeds/programs/documents/DCAHomelessnessReport2013.pdf34

%%%“Our%Story”%Distributing%Dignity,%2014.%http://www.distributingdignity.org35

%“Our%Story”%Distributing%Dignity,%2014.%http://www.distributingdignity.org36

%%Catherine%Laughlin%“Empowering%Homeless%women%with%essentials”,%Philly.com,%November%12th%2014%http://articles.philly.com/2014L11L12/news/56395493_1_mardiLbraLgirlsLandLwomenLhomelessLshelters37

�12

MEASURING OUTCOMES%We%will%measure%outcomes%in%a%variety%of%ways.%First,%we%will%consistently%reference%the%existing%literature%in%order%to%keep%

a%realistic%expectation%of%the%number%of%homeless%women%in%our%community.%We%will%collect%data%from%our%clients%that%

will%allow%us%to%predict%demand%for%(fem)ME%kits%and%track%how%many%kits%are%distributed.%The%beta%test,%built% into%the%

first%phase%of%implementation,%will%allow%us%to%monitor%and%adjust%the%program%to%meet%the%needs%of%our%target%populaL

tion.%

During% our% beta% testing,% we% will% conduct% surveys% among% (fem)ME% kit% recipients% (Appendix% B).% After% receiving% a% kit,%

women%will%be%offered%a%$10%gift%card%as%an%incentive%to%take%a%brief%survey.%This%survey%will%give%us%a%baseline%assessment%

of%the%experiences%and%needs%of%our%clients.%Using%these%data,%we%will%determine%what%feminine%hygiene%needs%are%not%

being%met%and%if%the%(fem)ME%kits%will%fill%those%needs.%Once%we%launch%the%program,%we%will%conduct%voluntary%follow%up%

surveys%among%kit%recipients%(Appendix%C).%Participation%will%be%entirely%voluntary%and%is%in%no%way%linked%to%the%woman’s%

access%to%a%(fem)ME%kit.%

In%addition,%we%will%conduct%oneLonLone% interviews%and%focus%groups%with%the% leadership%of%partnering%agencies%to%deL

termine%how%to%tailor%the%kits%to%best%serve%the%women.%There%are%few%people,%other%than%the%homeless%women%themL

selves,%who%know%this%population%better%than%the% individuals%working%with%them%on%a%daily%basis.% Interviews%and%focus%

groups%with%agency%leadership%will%help%to%give%(fem)ME%an%accurate%assessment%of%need.%

The Campaign Plan

To%ensure%that%the%homeless%women%in%the%Athens%community%receive%the%proper%care%and%necessary%feminine%hygiene%

kits,%the%(fem)ME%leadership%team%will%devise%an%effective%campaign%plan%that%helps%foster%relationships%in%the%communiL

ty.%The%(fem)ME%leadership%team%currently%consists%of%students%from%the%School%of%Public%and%International%Affairs%(SPIA)%

and%College%of%Public%Health%(CPH)%at%the%University%of%Georgia%who%bring%a%diverse%set%of%skills%and%knowledge%catered%to%

this%health%initiative.%

%%

(fem)ME%aims%to%receive%input%from%various%stakeholders%that%can%provide%valuable%information%and%resources%in%order%to%

fulfill%our%objectives%in%providing%homeless%women%with%feminine%hygiene%kits.%Our%energy%will%focus%around%establishing%

partnerships% that%also%help%with%our%distribution%and%storage%efforts.%The%goal% is% to% raise%awareness%and%distribute% the%

hygiene%kits%through%our%core,%secondary,%and%advisory%stakeholders.%The%implementation%of%this%strategic%campaign%plan%

ultimately%allows%(fem)ME%to%provide%equitable%access%to%feminine%hygiene%products.%Not%only%will%the%(fem)ME%initiative%

improve%the%quality%of% life%for%homeless%women,%but%the%AthensLClarke%County%community%as%a%whole%will%benefit.%The%

(fem)ME%plan%will%shift%some%of%the%burden%away%from%nonprofits%and%services%shelters%to%allow%them%to%concentrate%on%

efforts%that%would%otherwise%go%unfulfilled.%

Core Stakeholders%(fem)ME%team%members%have%already%established%a%partnership%with%the%Athens%Coalition%for%the%Homeless%(Shea%Post),%

the%Athens%Nurses%Clinic%(Paige%Cummings),%and%ARCH.%The%commitment%to%continuous%collaboration%with%these%organizaL

tions%will%be%beneficial%in%reaching%our%goals.%These%institutions%will%provide%the%main%support%in%our%dayLtoLday%operating%

activities%and%will%be%engaged%in%our%distribution%efforts.%Along%with%distribution,%they%will%provide%storage%space%to%house%

supplies%at%no%cost.%

SECONDARY STAKEHOLDERS%The% leadership% team%aims% to%explore% additional% partnerships% that%will% provide% support% external% to%our%main%operating%

activities.%Some%of% these%secondary%organizations% include% local%community%and%neighborhood%associations,%businesses,%

and%other%nonprofits% in%the%area.%These%groups%will%also%provide%additional%resources,%such%as%monetary%donations%and%

marketing.%%

(fem)ME%will% continue% expanding% our% strategic% network% by% garnering% support%with% administrators% in% the%University% of%

Georgia%(UGA)%system.%Through%the%UGA’s%SPIA%and%CPH%departments,%(fem)ME%will%be%able%to%gather%student%volunteers%

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to%help%with%daily%activities%and%to%support%our%advocacy%strategies.%Although%the%University%of%Georgia%will%not%directly%

engage%with%our%activities,%the%name%recognition%provides%leverage%when%seeking%additional%partnerships.%

COMMUNICATION PLAN%

The%(fem)ME%leadership%team%will%utilize%multiple%strategies%for%recruitment%efforts%in%order%to%help%build%awareness%for%

the%policy%initiative.%The%strategy%consists%of%a%social%media%presence%through%Facebook,%Twitter,%and%Tumblr%accounts%to%

increase%visibility%and%spread%our%message.%The%(fem)ME%leadership%team%plans%on%communicating%the%initiative%to%local%

organizations%to%help%strengthen%ties%within%the%community.%We%plan%to%attend%monthly%agenda%setting%meetings%held%by%

the%AthensLClarke%County%government%to%strengthen%our%partnership%and%facilitate%conversation%with%key%political%actors.%

Attending%these%public%agenda%meetings%raises%awareness%of%the%issue%and%helps%catch%the%attention%of%the%media,%which%

in%turn%furthers%the%awareness.%Having%a%sound%voice%in%the%community%will%help%open%up%an%honest%discussion%on%the%lack%

of%feminine%hygiene%products%in%the%homeless%community.%

Influence Map

TIMELINE

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PROJECT DEVELOPMENT (JANUARY-MAY 2015) %In%the%weeks%following%the%competition,%we%will%obtain%more%data,%such%as%determining%the%exact%unmet%need%in%our%esL

tablished%partnerships.%This%data%is%imperative%in%improving%our%distribution%methods.%In%this%phase,%we%will%begin%attendL

ing%monthly%coalition%meetings%in%order%to%advocate%for%(fem)ME’s%mission.%In%addition,%the%leadership%team%will%apply%for%

grants%and%ask%for%donations%to%further%our%funding.%

BETA PHASE (JUNE-AUGUST 2015)%During%this%phase,%we%will%roll%out%a%pilot%program%to%reach%the%women%being%served%by%the%Athens%Nurses%Clinic,%in%order%

to%determine%the%best%strategy%to%conduct%our%largeLscale%effort.%Upon%receiving%their%first%(fem)ME%kit,%women%will%be%

asked%to%take%a%quick%baseline%survey%to%assess%current%needs%regarding%feminine%hygiene.%These%women%will%be%offered%a%

$10%gift%card,%paid%for%with%funds%from%donations%and%competition%earnings,%as%an%incentive%for%participation.%In%order%to%

evaluate%the%pilot%program,%team%members%will%conduct%focus%groups%during%which%clients%will%be%interviewed%to%gauge%

their%opinion%on%the%effectiveness%of% the%hygiene%kits.%Agency% leaders%will%also%be%consulted%via%oneLonLone% interviews%

regarding%the%efficacy%of%our%program.%(fem)ME%will%continue%to%improve%and%streamline%our%plan%throughout%this%phase%

before%rolling%it%out%to%a%larger%audience.%

IMPLEMENTATION PHASE (SEPTEMBER 2015-FALL 2016) %After%careful%analysis%of%our%pilot%program,%the%(fem)ME%leadership%team%will%implement%steps%towards%applying%our%iniL

tiative%to%the%rest%of%AthensLClarke%County.%At%this%point,%we%will%begin%holding%distribution%events%at%the%Athens%Resource%

Center%for%the%Homeless,%as%well%as%partnering%with%Athens)PB&J%to%directly%reach%homeless%women%in%“tent%cities.”%

As%we%gain%momentum,%we%will%expand%to%regions%outside%of%AthensLClarke%County.%Due%to%the%high%homeless%population%

in%the%Metro%Atlanta%area,%we%feel%that%it%would%be%beneficial%to%launch%(fem)ME%within%the%city.%Similar%to%our%partnerL

ship%efforts% in%the%Athens%area,%the%(fem)ME% leadership%team%will% look%to%connect%with% local%nonprofits,%churches,%and%

service%shelters%in%the%Atlanta%area%and%beyond.%Some%of%the%organizations%we%plan%on%contacting%will%be%the%Church%on%

the%Street,%Common%Ground,%and%Atlanta%Children’s%Shelter%to%name%a%few.%Similar%to%the%(fem)ME%objectives,%these%orL

ganizations% all% provide% services% to% the% homeless% population% through% education,% advocacy,% and% distribution% of%multiple%

resources.%The%(fem)ME%initiative%can%continue%creating%a%sustainable%and%selfLsufficient%community.%

During%this%phase,%we%will%also%continue%to%garner%funding%by%applying%for%additional%grants.%

BUDGET

(fem)ME ‘s%firstLyear%cost%is%$5,743.00,%which%is%well%within%the%range%of%the%Fels%seed%money.%

(fem)ME% is%affordable%and%costLeffective;% the%cost%of%operations% is% low%since% the%primary%expenditure%comes% from%the%

items%in%the%feminine%hygiene%kit%(Appendix%D).%(fem)ME%provides%three%types%of%feminine%hygiene%kits%for%its%clients:%sanL

itary% napkins,% tampons,% and% a% combination% of% sanitary% napkins% and% tampons.% Each% of% the% respective% kits% costs% $2.94,%

$3.64,%and%$3.29%for%an%average%cost%of%$3.29%per%client.%%

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Table)1.)Budget)for)2015

(fem)ME%kit%costs $3,948.00

Promotional%$10%gift%cards%for%clients,%50 $500.00

Tax%return%preparation%fee $300.00

Attorney%fees%for%501(c)(3)%application $595.00

501(c)(3)%application%fee $400.00

Total $5,743.00

(fem)ME‘s%social%marketing%budget%consists%of%health%resource%cards%and%promotional%stickers%at%a%low%perLclient%cost%of%

$0.85.%(fem)ME%has%also%partnered%with%the%ARCH%to%provide%free%storage%of%the%feminine%hygiene%kits%and%to%serve%as%a%

distribution%venue%reducing%overhead.%

Funding%

(fem)ME%has%identified%The%Atlanta%Women’s%Foundation,%Robert%W.%Woodruff%Foundation,%and%Community%Foundation%

of%Atlanta%for%future%program%funding%sources.%Each%of%the%three%foundations%provide%grants%to%501(c)(3)%organizations.%

(fem)ME’s%mission%aligns%with%the%values%and%core%beliefs%of%each%foundation%and%will%be%a%competitive%applicant%for%the%

grants.%Each%of%the%foundations%focuses%their%efforts%on%the%Atlanta%Metropolitan%Statistical%Area%(MSA).%(fem)ME’s%proL

gram%projections%include%expansion%of%its%services%to%include%this%area%and%will%be%an%ideal%partner%for%each%foundation.%%

PROJECTED FUNDERS:

THE ROBERT W. WOODRUFF FOUNDATION%

The%Robert%W.%Woodruff% Foundation% is% an% independent%private% foundation% that% seeks% to% improve% the%quality%of% life% in%

Georgia%particularly%by%investing%in%health%programs, %making%it%an%ideal%partner%for%(fem)ME.%The%Woodruff%Foundation%38

specifically%focuses%on%targeting%populations%that%are%consistently%underserved%and%places%an%emphasis%on%health%educaL

tion.% (fem)ME% is% an% ideal% program% to% receive% the% grant% because,% as% previously% stated,% feminine% hygiene% for% homeless%

women%is%rarely%discussed.%It%is%also%important%to%note%that%the%Foundation%is%committed%to%building%the%capacity%of%AtL

lanta%organizations,%and%(fem)ME% is%dedicated%to%working%with%area%organizations% in%each%community% to%which%we%exL

pand.%We%will%apply%for%a%grant%from%the%Robert%W.%Woodruff%Foundation%in%year%one.%

THE ATLANTA WOMEN’S FOUNDATION%

Since%1998,%The%Atlanta%Women's%Foundation%(AWF)%has%provided%grants%to%AtlantaLarea%programs%to%build%awareness%of%

and% support%public%policies% that%positively% impact% the% lives%of%women. %AWF%provides% these%grants% to%nonprofits% that%39

focus%on%women%to%help%end%generational%poverty.%As%the%only%public%foundation%in%Georgia%dedicated%solely%to%women,%

the%Foundation%has%invested%nearly%$13%million%into%over%250%Atlanta%area%nonprofit%organizations%that%have%successfully%

moved%women%from%poverty%to%economic%selfLsufficiency. %Like%(fem)ME,%AWF%focuses%on%increasing%physical%and%mental%40

health%for%women%by%expanding%their%access%to%medical%services.%In%year%one,%(fem)ME%will%apply%for%grant%from%The%AtL

lanta%Women’s%Foundation.%

In%addition,%AWF's%initial%funding%source%was%the%The%Community%Foundation%for%Greater%Atlanta,%another%projected%funL

der%for%(fem)ME.%Forming%a%collaborative%financial%partnership%with%AWF%will%assist%(fem)ME%in%its%formation%of%a%finanL

cial%partnership%with%The%Community%Foundation%for%Greater%Atlanta.%

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR GREATER ATLANTA%

The%Community%Foundation%for%Greater%Atlanta%provides%grants%to%improve%the%physical%and%mental%health%of%the%citizens%

of% the%Atlanta%MSA.%The%Foundation% is%our% largest%potential% source%of% grant%money%and%will% require%waiting%until% year%

three%in%order%to%collect%the%needed%application%information.%(fem)ME%will%leverage%its%existing%funding%relationship%with%

the%Atlanta%Women’s%Foundation%to%apply%for%a%Common%Good%Fund%grant.% In%order%to%apply%for%Common%Good%funds,%

the%applicant%must%have%been%in%existence%for%at%least%two%years%and%have%written%strategic%plans%that%cover%those%years.%

Common%Good%funds%support%an%organization’s%ongoing%administrative%and% infrastructure%costs%along%with%maintaining%

existing,%effective%programs.%The%Foundation%provides%Common%Good%funds%for%nonprofits%to%improve%their%organization%

development%and%capacity.%The%grant%from%the%Foundation%will%provide%the%necessary%funding%for%(fem)ME%to%expand%our%

program%to%Atlanta,%Georgia.%Since%the%number%of%homeless%people%in%Atlanta%is% larger%than%the%number%in%Athens,%the%

%%"About%the%Foundation."%%The%Robert%W.%Woodruff%Foundation,%2015.%Accessed%March%10,%2015.%http://woodruff.org/aboutLtheLfoundation/38

%%"Home."%Atlanta%Women’s%Foundation%Home%Comments.%October%5,%2012.%Accessed%March%10,%2015.%http://atlantawomen.org39

%%"Grant."%Atlanta%Women’s%Foundation%Home%Comments.%October%5,%2012.%Accessed%March%10,%2015.%http://atlantawomen.org40

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Common%Good%Funds%from%The%Foundation%will%provide%an%incremental%increase%in%the%number%of%homeless%women%that%

it%serves.%

PROJECTED GROWTH ESTIMATES%The%following%is%a%growth%projection%of%how%many%clients%(fem)ME%will%serve%by%year%four%of%the%program.%

%

(fem)ME%will%serve%100%clients%in%year%one%of%the%program%and%will%focus%on%developing%a%strong,%translatable%implemenL

tation%plan.%During%year%two%of%the%program,%(fem)ME%will%continue%to%serve%the%client%population%in%Athens,%while%also%

preparing%to%expand%to%Gwinnett%County,%Georgia.%The%implementation%plan%(fem)ME%developed%in%year%one%will%be%used%

to%increase%the%number%of%clients%that%are%served%to%565%in%year%three%to%include%both%Athens%and%Gwinnett%County,%GeorL

gia.%According%to%(fem)ME’s%projected%growth%estimates,%the%program%will%serve%the%entire%homeless%woman%populationLL

4,877LLthroughout%the%entire%Atlanta%MSA%by%2018,%or%year%four%of%the%program.%Throughout%the%first%four%years%of%exisL

tence,%(fem)ME%will% gain%momentum%and%be%able% to%broaden% its% service%and%advocacy% reach,% and%will% leverage% its% reL

sources%to%expand%to%include%the%entire%state%of%Georgia.

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Appendix A

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APPENDIX B

Baseline)Survey)Questions)For)Clients)

1. How%long%does%your%period%last?%

a) 3L5%days%

b) 6L8%days%

c) 9L10%days%

2. Where%do%you%go%to%access%pads%or%tampons?%

a) Store%

b) Homeless%Shelter%%

c) Health%Clinic%

d) Other,%____________%

3. Have%you%ever%had%to%go%without%pads%or%tampons?%

a) Yes%

b) No%

4. If%you%answered%yes,%why%did%you%have%to%go%without%them?%

5. How%often%did%clinics%or%service%shelters%run%out%of%the%feminine%hygiene%items?%

a) Once%

b) Twice%

c) Three%or%more

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APPENDIX C

FollowZUp)Survey)Questions)For)Clients)

1. How%happy%are%you%with%the%products%in%the%kit?%

a) Very%happy%

b) Somewhat%happy%

c) Neither%happy%nor%unhappy%

d) Somewhat%unhappy%

e) Very%unhappy%

2. Was%the%kit%easily%accessible?%

a) Yes%

b) No%

3. Were%the%health%messages%useful?%

a) Yes%

b) No%

4. Did%we%fulfill%your%needs?%

a) Yes%

b) No%

5. What%other%products%would%you%like%to%see%in%our%kit?

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APPENDIX D

Costs,)Provisional)Services)

Costs,)Provisional)Services)Per)Year)

Costs,)Outreach)&)Advocacy)

*Calculation%based%on%213%homeless%people%in%Athens,%GA%and%homeless%population%is%46%%female%(2013)%=%98%and%rounded%up%

to%100%

**%Calculation%based%on%dividing%total%client%population%into%"thirds"%for%the%number%of%products.%This%is%an%approximation%of%the%

feminine%hygiene%needs%of%homeless%women%in%Athens.%A%more%accurate%calculation%can%be%determined%after%the%betaLtested%

first%year%of%the%program.%

***%Calculation%=%number%of%clients%per%month*total%cost%per%client%per%month*12%months%in%a%year%

Note:%these%costs%do%not%include%shipping%costs

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APPENDIX E

)Budget,)Projected

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