The next time you see a homeless woman I want you to stop. I want you to stop and imagine what it would be like not only living on the streets but being a woman on the streets. I remember reading "10 Best Ways To Hide Your Tampon At School" when I was in middle school. There is a stigma to keep your feminine hygiene products hidden, to use the self-check out line when you buy them, and to feel an even deeper shame when you bleed through. But imagine what it would be like to not be able to afford these products, how much your life (or your mother, sister, significant other) would be effected without these products. This is the life many homeless women have to deal with. For homeless women, free bleeding isn't a choice, but something that they have to live with every month if they can afford the essential products they need. Feminine hygiene can be a crisis situation each month in deciding between meals or buying the products they need.

24.6 million women depend on food stamps in the US, but face an additional struggles as food stamps don't cover feminine hygiene products. Tampons are taxed as luxury goods in 38 states in the US creating an added struggle in trying to afford these essential items. Women's shelters often cite as one of their most requested items due to the trail in paying for them. On average the the cost per package on tampons is $7.62 and for pads $5.84, making the annual cost $70-90 for these products. For homeless women there is more of a risk for infection, due to factors such as making makeshift tampons, leaving them in too long, and sanitary risks... overall it is a health risk and health issue.

So the next time you see a homeless woman I want you to remember all of this. I want you to imagine what it would be like to face this monthly challenge. I'm not saying that you need to give them money or buy them period products in bulk (although that would be nice), but support organizations that give these essential items to homeless women would be a way to start. In the season of giving, remember to give back to those who need it the most.

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