By J. Devauex

Last month, as winter approached, Sydni Williams, Community Outreach Coordinator for N Street Village, began to organize an event that provides coats to homeless women. On Nov. 3, the Coat Bazaar served to help homeless women feel appreciated, according to Williams.

“As it gets colder, the Coat Bazaar not only offers an opportunity for each woman to find something that will keep them warm, but also something that they will be able to ‘shop’ for,” Williams said. “The N Street Village Coat Bazaar brings together staff, volunteers and clients for the very important purpose of finding a winter coat.”

Williams coordinated the efforts of donors and volunteers in setting up the bazaar and also helped to ensure that the women of N Street Village had a pleasant shopping experience. The coats used in the bazaar were donated by churches, private individuals and hotels.

Volunteers at N Street Village walked around with their “clients” and helped them find jackets that fit.

Volunteers wanted the women to enjoy their shopping experience, and make them forget about their homeless situation for a short while, according to Cathleen Clinton, Vice President of Development and Communications at N Street Village.

“There are two shifts that the women can come in,” Clinton said. “Each woman is given 10 minutes to choose a coat with a volunteer. Then the woman has to take the coat to be checked out.”

“I think it’s a good opportunity for women to have some support—to keep themselves warm,” said April Willis, case manager at N Street Village. “It gives them an opportunity to feel good about themselves. Some women don’t have the opportunity to live in the shelters and choose to live on the streets.”

Willis started out as an intern and wanted to help women that needed community support. She also volunteered at the Coat Bazaar, helping homeless women choose the right coat.

Shirletta Lewis chose a jacket with Willis’ help; it was red with a black trim.

“My experience was great. I really appreciate what they are doing,” Lewis said. A winter coat can cost an unattainable sum at stores like Macy’s, even during their sale season.

Cindy Aron volunteered at the Coat Bazaar, along with Willis. This was the first event at N Street Village that she helped out on. Aron was both excited and nervous as she assisted the women; the process involved choosing coats, watching shoppers preen in front of the mirror and finally helping them check the coat out at the table.

Renee Moore was another woman that enjoyed her time at the Bazaar. “I really like this fair. N Street Village helps support a lot of women that can’t afford to support themselves. I think this coat bazaar is really awesome.”