How to Help American Domestic Violence Survivors with Knitting

The Pink Slipper Project connects your handmade slippers, washcloths, and pet blankets with women and children escaping domestic violence

I think we all are aware, unfortunately, of the problem domestic violence continues to be in our society. It is an unbelievable shame that shelters are necessary. However, I think we can all be grateful that they exist to offer protection and healing for women and children escaping abusive situations.

But escaping to a shelter is just the first step. When families are forced to escape a violent situation, their sense of security and self-worth have been battered. Often they struggle to accept that they are worthy of kindness.

Reaching out with a comforting knit

The Pink Slipper Project seeks to help by collecting and distributing handmade slippers to shelters all over the country for these survivors. Slippers are a valuable asset, when you consider how often abuse survivors must flee with few if any belongings.

Not only that, but they also serve as a tangible reminder that someone cared enough to offer their time and efforts to provide a gift.

Since the Pink Slipper Project (PSP)’s inception in 2009, thousands of handmade slippers have been sent nationwide. Today, the program offers not only slippers but also washcloths and – for those shelters that also accept pets – pet blankets.

Because the children who come to shelters are not always girls, PSP requests slippers of all colors, including gender-neutral colors.

How You Can Help

PSP does not gather knitted or crocheted items themselves. This eliminates the need to fundraise for shipping costs. Instead, coordinator Rachel Terrill contacts shelters to find those that are interested in receiving slippers and washcloths.

When she does find interested shelters, PSP sets up “challenges” within its Facebook group. These challenges list the number of each item that the shelter requests. These items will be divided by age and gender to ensure that the shelter gets the types of items they need.

Then, interested knitters and crocheters pledge to create a certain number of the necessary items. PSP emphasizes that no pledge is too small. So even if you can only make one pair of slipper and/or one washcloth, know that your contribution will be gratefully received.

Touched by the Pink Slipper Project mission and ready to help? You’ll want to visit their Facebook page and “like” it. (Be sure to click their “Follow” button to ensure you receive notifications of updates to their page.) This will allow you to learn about new challenges and contribute!

For more information on how the challenge and pledge system works, be sure to visit their About page.

While it’s best to follow their Facebook page for challenges and pledging, you’ll want to visit their blog as well. In particular, you’ll find many helpful resources in the blog sidebar, including links to both crochet and knitted slipper patterns, child safety regulations, and PSP’s own lovely donation tags.

For more pattern ideas, be sure to peruse their Pinterest page.

The Pink Slipper Project is an amazing way to help victims of domestic violence all over the country. If this is a cause that touches your heart, I hope you’ll consider contributing with your needles and yarn.

For another beautiful way to knit for survivors of domestic violence, check out Handmade Especially for You.