Brooklyn Diaper Project Partners with Refoundry
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: The Brooklyn Diaper Project Partners with Refoundry to Alleviate Diaper Insecurity for NYC Families
NEW YORK, NY – Brooklyn Diaper Project and Refoundry have launched three diaper hubs as part of a pilot
project to help families gain access to diapers in New York City. These diaper hubs will be stationed throughout Brooklyn’s 39th District as a solution to make diapers (both donations and access) more readily available to families in need.
Unlike traditional diaper banks, The Brooklyn Diaper Project believes that giving away diapers is not sustainable toward the goal of ending diaper need. “Diaper banks will never solve diaper insecurity,” said Brooklyn Diaper Project Executive Director Wendy Moore. “Communities will be the ones to solve this public health crisis through emergent, dynamic solutions that are meaningfully woven into the daily rhythms of city life. This is why we created hubs: they mark the first break away from the dependence on philanthropic endeavors and toward a just city where reproductive justice, hygiene, and mental health are all a priority - with New Yorkers leading the way.”
Diaper need affects 1 in 3 families and diapers are not covered by SNAP or WIC benefits. Lack of access can
lead to rashes, which can lead to the need for antibiotics and sometimes staph infections and ultimately
hospitalization. Parents sometimes must choose between purchasing food and diapers, stealing diapers, or
limiting fluids to stretch the time between diaper changes. This well-researched issue shows that diaper need
takes a significant toll on caregiver mental health.
In making the hubs, The Brooklyn Diaper Project has partnered with Refoundry, a Brooklyn-based nonprofit organization committed to disrupting the forces that drive poverty and incarceration. Refoundry programs
provide our formerly incarcerated neighbors with the skills, experience, and mentorship to achieve financial
independence. Refoundry Makers learn high-level crafts skills to design and build home furnishings using
discarded materials, reducing unemployment and recidivism. The first three hubs will serve families at 3 sites in Brooklyn: People in Need, Camp Friendship, and Mixteca. The diaper hub pilot project was picked by District 39 residents to be funded via participatory budgeting this past spring.
"I am thrilled to see the launch of the diaper hubs created by the Brooklyn Diaper Project-- a winning City
Council District 39 participatory budgeting project just last spring," said Council Member Brad Lander. "This
project grew out of a need highlighted by the pandemic and the Brooklyn Diaper Project has responded
creatively, compassionately, and collaboratively. With the support of Refoundry and local mutual aid partners
People In Need, Mixteca, Gowanus Mutual Aid, and Camp Friendship, these diaper hubs will provide families in need with easy access to free diapers. This is truly a model for addressing diaper need here in Brooklyn and throughout the city."
“During COVID our neighbors recognized the urgent need for diapers and acted immediately through mutual aid networks, but it has been tough to sustain because of the cost” said Shahana Hanif, Director of Organizing
and Community Engagement of NYC Council Member Brad Lander. “Through Participatory Budgeting,
our neighbors creatively identified The Brooklyn Diaper Project to launch diaper hubs at several trusted
community organizations serving Brooklyn and the 39th District specifically to continue delivering diapers to
families in need. I am excited to support this pilot and the iterations that come out of it to end diaper insecurity for good in our City.”
"We're so proud to partner with the Brooklyn Diaper Project on this important initiative and grateful for the
opportunity to showcase the skills of our Makers,” said Refoundry president Gbenga Akinnagbe.
“[the diapers are] an incredible support for our marginalized community specially for the recent arrivals with
children that don't qualify for any other support,” said Lorena Kourousias, Executive Director of
Mixteca. “This has been a great opportunity to raise awareness and to build solidarity and community involved initiatives. Where community members are involved in the solution”.