Handbags for Hope
Collecting new and like-new handbags, gender-neutral totes, and diaper bags for survivors across Texas. This campaign helps to lead those experiencing power-based abuse to safety and free legal and social services.
Kensington collected and dropped off a lovely collection of new and gently used handbags to the Texas Advocacy's 16th Annual Handbags for Hope campaign that ran from March 21 to April 21.
A handbag or tote represents something deeply private to its owner - a kind of survival kit for life in a modern world. For those experiencing power-based abuse, it may also serve as a life-saving utility. Nearly 46,000 bags have been distributed to survivors across Texas since the campaign launched 16 years ago.
For the first time in 2019, TAP began distributing bags to hospitals, making them available to survivors of rape. After a survivor goes through a rape exam they often have to leave behind clothing and belongings, an extremely dehumanizing experience. Leaving the hospital with your belongings in a new bag versus a plastic bag, not only gives some dignity back, but also hope and trust in the agency's free services.
In 2021, in addition to the hospital and sexual assault service expansions, TAP began serving new parents and caregivers by collecting and processing brand new diaper bags. These diaper bags contain the same legal toolkits and are distributed to healthcare partners for their patients. This expansion hopes to reach at-risk moms-to-be as pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to domestic abuse.
While the event is over, Texas Advocacy Project gratefully welcomes monetary donations to help pay for shipping costs of sending Handbags for Hope to shelters, hospitals, clinics, and more! .