Founder of Homeless Bag Project rebranding to encompass more needs
In an effort to expand resources to more people in need, the Homeless Bag Project changed its name to better reflect the organization’s mission.
The organization is rebranding as S.H.I.N.E. — Supporting Hygiene in Need Everywhere.
The rebrand is driven by a recent trend of working individuals and families who are still struggling to afford basic necessities.
The project’s goal is to serve the Butler community and support the needs of its neighbors, according to the project’s founder, Stepfanie Armstrong.
While the grassroots organization initially focused on the unhoused community, its new identity allows it to expand its reach to anyone who needs support.
“The rebrand opens us up to more people and a bigger demographic,” Armstrong said.
The project started as an independent initiative by Armstrong. She gathered clothing and hygiene items and assembled bags to give to people experiencing homelessness or receiving help from a social aid agency. Armstrong ran the program for years out of her personal vehicle, giving supplies to those in need around Butler.
She noted the shift to focus on the hygiene component is due to the fact it’s where the largest service gaps exists. While providing support for those without homes is still a priority, the organization plans to incorporate hygiene in its focus and support anyone who is facing hardship.
“One of the things I noticed when doing Stand Down and talking to the vets is they knew where to get food and clothing, but they didn’t know where to get toiletries, and they are getting so expensive,” Armstrong said.
The organization has been operating for the last 13 years on a small scale led by Armstrong. In 2022, she partnered with Slippery Rock University’s Center for Community Engagement for help gathering and distributing supplies. Armstrong said she plans to expand the operation to a larger initiative by becoming an official nonprofit organization.
