Suitcase drive provides essential aid to individuals experiencing homelessness
JANS – Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, continued its long-standing commitment of service to all mankind on Nov. 21 with a suitcase drive to support individuals experiencing homelessness in Jackson.
The Ebony Pearls Foundation, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Rho Lambda Omega Chapter, and the Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health collected and distributed rolling suitcases to two local agencies that serve unhoused residents. Shower Power, located at 836 S. Commerce St., received 100 suitcases, and the Billy Brumfield Shelter, at 1244 S. Gallatin St., received 50.
In addition to the donations, the Institute and sorority members served a pre-Thanksgiving meal to 150 clients at Shower Power and delivered more than 50 snack bags to residents at the Billy Brumfield Shelter. Volunteers also distributed toiletries, JTRAN bus passes, and fast-food gift cards to help individuals meet immediate daily needs.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and the Institute have collaborated on several initiatives addressing homelessness, maternal and child health, period poverty, and veteran support. The suitcase drive was part of an intentional effort to reduce disparities by meeting practical needs that affect health, safety and stability.
The Institute and Rho Lambda Omega Chapter will continue partnering to support unhoused residents across the Jackson metro area. Community members and organizations are encouraged to support this work by making tax-deductible donations to the Institute’s unhoused program at minority-institute.org/donations or by contributing to the Ebony Pearls Foundation at ebonypearlsfoundation.harnessgiving.org/donate.
