COVID-19 has launched many new partnerships within our community as we have all banded together to support the most vulnerable among us, including IRC in NY’s clients. As a community, we have sought to address food insecurity, warm clothing needs, and technology access. But one new partner has prioritized IRC’s women and infants and has already made a massive positive impact: The Brooklyn Diaper Project. 

The Brooklyn Diaper Project raises awareness about the under-recognized issue of diaper insecurity within families. The Brooklyn Diaper Project develops partnerships with public officials and charitable organizations to address these gaps. The partnership works through direct donation of diapers to IRC, which are then distributed by IRC staff to client families in need.  

Aissatou picks up donated diapers from the Brooklyn Diaper Project in the IRC in NY office
With programs fully remote, the New York team's offices are stocked with donated items for IRC clients. Here, Aissatou picks up donated diapers from the Brooklyn Diaper Project.
Photo: Frederica Solomon/IRC.

So far, this fruitful partnership with IRC has distributed 3,670 diapers to IRC clients – lifting financial burdens on already stretched household budgets and ensuring comfort and cleanliness for IRC’s littlest clients. This thoughtful initiative has elevated the needs of mothers and infants, particularly as many still struggle in the wake of COVID-19 public health concerns and economic difficulties.  

This past week, clients were able to visit IRC’s office to safely pick up bundles of diapers for their little ones. IRC staff coordinated with families to arrange pick-ups and staffed the office, which remains physically closed due to COVID-19, while services remain remote. 

The IRC in NY is grateful for this meaningful partnership with the Brooklyn Diaper Project, especially in such trying times. 

Click here to learn more about the Brooklyn Diaper Project’s innovative work, and here to support IRC’s emergency fund for client relief.