What does it look like to bring essentials for babies closer to the need?
Hope Supply Co. (HSC) has long provided diapers and other needed basics to families through its numerous partner agencies. When our Crystal Charity Ball Hope Diaper Pantry opened three years ago, it enabled HSC to serve families in the Dallas area in a new way: directly, offering baby supplies right from its lobby.
As word got out about the pantry, HSC saw an influx of families. “It was a smashing success,” recalls Laura Montalvo, program manager for Hope Supply. Each month through the pantry, HSC has been able to serve 300 to 400 families, distributing up to 30,000 diapers.
As they saw how families were coming from the other side of Dallas to visit the pantry, HSC staff began considering how they could take much-needed diapers to places where these families are already receiving other services. This led to the birth of a new program, one that takes the pantry on the road.
The new B.E.A.R. (Bringing Essentials and Relief) Truck, purchased with the help of a generous grant from the Hoblitzelle Foundation, is making the pantry mobile. This box truck takes loads of essential supplies to locations throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, bringing support for the youngest members of the Dallas community closer to the need. In addition, thanks to the beautiful truck wrap donated by MLGP, the B.E.A.R. Truck helps raise awareness of diaper need mile after mile.
As the diaper pantry in the HSC lobby continues to serve families, this mobile program extends its reach. HSC is identifying locations the truck can visit on a regular basis so that families facing diaper need in numerous neighborhoods will have a regular, stable source of essentials for their babies and young children. And, as Hope Supply brings the truck to organizations providing other essential services, it increases opportunities for families to access numerous vital resources in one place. “We want to be part of something else where it’s not just a diaper giveaway—for example, a health fair or help with ensuring children are signed up for Medicaid,” explains Barbara Johnson, CEO of Hope Supply Co. “We want people to be able to have these wraparound services.”
The B.E.A.R Truck will also help Hope Supply Co. connect people with resources that already exist in their communities. “It’s a way to showcase our partners,” says Barbara. As they meet families at mobile diaper pantry events throughout the Dallas area, they’re able to connect people with other organizations in their immediate areas that provide resources they need while helping these partners fulfill their missions.
Recently the mobile pantry visited Literacy Achieves, an organization that equips non-English speaking adults and their young children with English literacy and life skills to promote self-sufficiency and the overall well-being of their students, their families and the greater community. It’s a place where families experiencing diaper need are already receiving services, making it a great place for Hope Supply to bring the B.E.A.R. Truck.
Birgit Scott, early childhood education program director at Literacy Achieves, shares, “We really appreciated Hope Supply coming out and providing diapers and wipes for our families! We had a great turnout, which shows the high demand and need. Everyone was thankful and happy to receive them. Thank you for providing this important service to our students!”
As the mobile pantry program continues to develop, we’re excited to see how regular visits to strategic locations can become a greater part of the support network for families in numerous Dallas neighborhoods. Keep an eye out for the B.E.A.R. Truck!