Going to bed at 5 a.m. was just another weekend for us. Now we are waking up at that time to go help others in need.  We knew it would be worth it, that we were meant to be here.  We tried contacting another organization to volunteer and were told they didn’t have any spots available for the days we would be in San Diego.  They gave us suggestions of some other places including, Rachel’s Women’s Shelter.  Friday evening we received a phone call stating they would love to have us at 6:30 a.m. in downtown San Diego. 

Rachel’s Women’s Center is a Catholic Charity that offers drop-in service for women in the downtown area of San Diego. They offer a variety of services to single, sober women.  These services include lunch, mail, and shower facilities on a first-come, first-served basis. They also provide replacement clothes, medical screening, alcohol support groups, and access to Rachel’s Night Shelter.

We woke up feeling a little apprehensive, wondering if the women in need would accept our help and hoping we would be able to connect with them.  As the sun was rising we pulled up to the shelter.  It was sad to witness such a large number of homeless people in town.

Once we got inside, we were given the job of sorting all the clothes that were donated, choosing which ones we would feature in the “boutique”. The boutique is used as a reward for the women who do chores around the shelter. We loved being part of this aspect.  Being two girls who spent most of their post collegiate life in the fashion industry, we felt right at home.

It felt great to spend some time getting to know and helping other women with fashion advice. We are still using our degrees, just in a different way!  It really makes you sit back and count the blessings we have been given thus far in life.  Thank you for letting us help, Rachel’s Shelter.  We hope to be back again and spread some more love to So Cal.