Project Marilyn Aims to End Period Poverty. Period.

Project Marilyn was inspired by the desire for every individual to have dignity with their period. PERIOD. Personal hygiene products are the least donated supplies when the community wants to help. People often donate clothes and food in an order to provide assistance but, rarely, does anyone think; what does a homeless person do when they are on their period? The reality would horrify you. People go to extremes to care for themselves each month. From straws with cotton to using fast food napkins and socks; when resources are limited the results can be tragic. When adults and teens resort to using items for their periods that are not intended for such, they can result from everything from a mild infection to disrupting their fertility. This is not just a health issue but a dignity issue as well. How do we expect a person to get back on their feet when they don’t have a proper way to care for themselves each month. Bluntly? How can a person hold their head high when they have a stack of fast food napkins stuffed in their underwear?

Project Marilyn officially became a 501(c)3 in April of 2019. Our nonprofit organization is named after and dedicated to Wendi’s mom, Marilyn. The logo is her photo and her actual signature from her drivers license that Wendi kept after she passed away in 2011 from breast cancer. “We miss my mom so much each day, to do this in her memory, makes us feel like she’s still with us.”

Project Marilyn Bags

Each Project Marilyn bag contains enough tampons, maxi pads and wipes to carry a person through their monthly cycle. We are confident in this method because, if you are homeless, home insecure or living in a shelter; you do not have room to store a large quantity of products. Adults and teens can carry these products with them as they move around and be confident that they are covered. Also, we feel that with this method donors will see that we are helping with an immediate, personal need.