Dignity for Divas

OUR MISSION
Dignity for Divas supports women across the Puget Sound to transition out of homelessness through the use of a self-care platform that creates pathways to success.

OUR VISION
To empower all women experiencing homelessness by reminding them of their dignity and sense of self-worth.

Dignity for Divas conducts outreach and case management services to women who are experiencing homelessness, as well as to women who are newly housed. We provide women who are experiencing homelessness with essential care packages that contain hygiene supplies, menstrual products, and specialty items such as jewelry and makeup. These items remind women that they matter and reconnect them with their “Inner Diva.”

DfD cultivates an ongoing relationship with women. We link them to mental health services, medical care, emergency shelters, and housing navigation services.

But that’s not all! We invite women who have recently become housed to participate in free year-long skill building classes and health and wellness workshops that empower women to continue on their journey to success. This is the only program of its kind in our region.

OUR PROGRAMS
Dignity for Divas operates the following programs in six cities (Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, Tacoma, Kent and Renton) that function around the core value of self-care.

Diva Duty: Once a month, a team of volunteers hits the streets for Diva Duty, distributing Diva Survival Kits. These kits contain a selection of 10 to 15 personal care items for men, women, and children who are living on the streets, in tent cities, or in emergency shelters. Items include:

• Toothbrushes
• Toothpaste
• Feminine hygiene products
• Soap
• Shampoo
• Shaving supplies
• Deodorant
• Socks

The short-term objective of this program is to provide people who are experiencing homelessness with basic supplies to manage their hygiene, feel clean, and regain a sense of dignity. The longer-term objective is to make women aware of DfD and its resources and to establish a relationship with women who are in need of housing and services. These supplies are the first step on the road to rebuilding one’s life. Over 30,000 Diva Survival Kits have been delivered since 2012.

Welcome Home Program: Dignity for Divas presents women who have transitioned to permanent housing with a Welcome Home kit that contains a selection of essential care products and brand-new household supplies to help them get settled into their new home. For women with children, toys and books are included. Women also receive a Welcome Home Diva’s Guide to Success, which includes a directory of:

• Nearby shelters
• Food banks
• Community health clinics
• Counseling services
• Transportation services

We also provide a list of events such as employment workshops and free computer and life skills classes. Women are given an apartment checklist, and outsourcing for lightly used furnishings. This program’s short-term objectives are to provide women with basic supplies to help them better transition into their new homes as well as access to our support services. The longer-term objectives are to provide women with the support they need to stay housed.

Diva Dream Program: The Diva Dream bag is offered to women who have maintained permanent housing for six months. Bags contain:

• Various full-size beauty products
• A journal and bookmark
• A teacup and tea
• Bubble bath or shower essentials

The short-term objectives of this program are to congratulate women on remaining housed and to provide additional encouragement for them to dream about the next positive stage in their lives. The longer-term objectives are to maintain a supportive relationship.

Please visit www.dignityfordivas.org to stay up to date on all upcoming events!