Receiving hygiene products for when I have my period means the world to me. When I was first given a pack, I thought it was a prank. I thought they were fake. All this? I almost cried. I sleep on the streets and I often do not have access to water when I most need it. To have pads and wipes to clean myself when I am bleeding is awesome because it keeps me from smelling bad. When I smell bad, I avoid everyone and feel disgusting. I feel ashamed being down and out like this but there is nothing worse than being on the streets and having your period without the necessities to handle it. Thank you!!!
-Heather F.
I am so grateful to be able to come to Punawai Rest Stop and get pads, tampons, and wipes. People who are not struggling like me, will never understand the value of them until they experience the feeling of not having them when they need them. I go into fast food restaurants and grab napkins left on the tables or, if they allow me to use the restroom then I load up on toilet paper. At times, I feel like a thief. I feel very bad but what else can I do? It is very embarrassing when I leak through my clothing and it happens. To feel clean and know I have what I need makes me so happy. I walk with my head high and my shoulders back. When a restaurant turns me away there is not as desperate of a feeling because I know that I will find someone who will have a heart and allow me to use their bathroom. Punawai Rest Stop plays a huge roll in my life now also.
-Cora L.
I cannot describe the feeling that I get when I come to Punawai and they have the Kokua packs available. It’s like it’s my birthday! I get so excited and happy because I know I am not going to have to go begging people for them, for a quarter or a nickel to try to buy me some or beg other homeless people for them because they are valuable. Sometimes people are mean about it like I got some nerve to ask for something so hard to come by. Makes me feel even lower than the dirt on my feet. I am very grateful to have these when they are available.
