Providing essentials such as toiletries and clothing has long been part of the Well Community’s work to help individuals living with serious mental illnesses pursue stability. But for the past three years, since the Well opened its Resource Center, it has been able to meet members’ basic physical needs in a more organized and consistent way.
Created in 2021, the Resource Center offers hygiene items, food, clothes, sleeping bags and more as part of a wholistic approach that recognizes the impact that serious mental health conditions can have on every aspect of life. Those who deal with illnesses such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and major depression frequently face the compounding issues of poverty and physical health challenges, and many struggle to obtain basics necessities to care for their personal needs.
Access to these basics is an important part of helping Well Community members manage life with serious illnesses. As Ericka Ruiz, Operations Manager at the Well Community, explains, “The Resource Center plays a crucial role in supporting the overall goals of the Well Community by providing vital resources and assistance to its members.”
“It serves as a hub where individuals can access various necessities, such as clothing, hygiene products and everyday essentials,” adds Alondra Renteria, the Well Community’s Program Manager. “By offering these resources, the Resource Center helps to promote the well-being of community members experiencing homelessness or facing financial challenges.”
This assistance in pursuing stability is possible because of the generosity of many. Most of the items the Well receives for the Resource Center come from friends, family and long-time donors to the Well Community. Since the center has opened, many have given clothing, food, blankets and even handmade hats and scarves. This group also includes numerous organizations such as the Kessler School, which is currently collecting hygiene items, and Methodist Dallas Medical Center, which is gathering essential items from the Resource Center’s Amazon wish list.
This wish list provides a quick and easy way to help the Resource Center with just a few clicks, though the Well also receives donations in person. Ericka and Alondra share that men’s clothing sizes medium through 4XL is in especially high demand, as are the hygiene items that members use on a daily basis.
Donating needed items isn’t the only way to help the Resource Center, however. The center also provides opportunities for volunteers on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2-4 p.m. Individuals, families and groups can lend a hand by labeling and sorting donations, folding clothing and organizing items so that they’re easily accessible when members need them.
Having this access, made possible by the generosity of our wider community, helps to remove some of the many barriers Well Community members face as they navigate life with serious mental illnesses. “When our members have the resources to attend to their physical needs, they’re more able to take steps that improve their mental health and overall wellbeing,” says Alice Zaccarello, Executive Director of the Well Community. “Basics like clothing and personal care supplies truly are resources that support stability.”
Your generosity makes the Resource Center possible! Get involved by:
1. Shopping the Amazon wish list.
2. Making an in-person donation. The Well Community welcomes donations for the Resource Center at the following times:
- Monday to Wednesday: 1:45 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Thursday: 1-3 p.m.
- Friday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
If you’re interested in dropping off a donation, please call 214-393-5878, ext. 601 and leave a message or email [email protected] and [email protected]. We will promptly respond to coordinate a donation drop off.
3. Volunteering. Contact Alondra by phone at 214-393-5878, ext. 601 or by email at [email protected] to learn more.