Are you a nonprofit, or what?

No. At this time we are not a 501(c)(3) organization, so we do not have tax-exempt status through the IRS.

At this time, however, we do not solicit or receive cash donations ourselves. Instead, we encourage people to make donations directly to the organizations we’re working with.

HAMO is in the process of obtaining 501(c)(3) tax status. We need funding! If you represent a foundation or corporate donor and would like to learn more please contact Lisa (lisa at helpamotherout.org).

So what are you then?

We call ourselves a campaign, by which we mean we are a small group of private citizens who are working together to raise awareness, promote diaper donation drives, and encourage people to reach out—on their own—to organizations that directly serve families in need.

Who’s in charge? How can I be sure that this is legit

HAMO is run by one unpaid individual (Lisa Truong) in her spare time, assisted by a squad of very dedicated volunteers. You can read more about us here, here and here.

How were the organizations that benefit from contributions vetted?

The organizations that we are working with are all registered charities with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Their tax ID numbers can be found on their Amazon wishlist page, on the “About the Orgs,” page, or by following the links to the organization’s own websites.

With due diligence, we sought out partnerships with these charities because of their track record and commitment to helping homeless and low-income mothers. All of us at HAMO have personally donated supplies to these charities. We encourage you to do your own research with any charity you decide to support.

How can I be sure that all of my contributions will be delivered to the designated organization?

If you make a purchase via an organization’s Amazon.com wishlist, the order ships directly to the organization. HAMO does not even know about your purchase unless you email us with proof of purchase for our gift card offer.

We have verified the shipping address, and tested shipments to various organizations and are confident that purchases are being delivered properly by Amazon.

Donations of diapers, etc. that are made in person via the drop bins are collected periodically by HAMO contributors. Once we have a critical mass of diapers, HAMO’s organizers divide them up to be distributed to the organizations in the drop bins’ service areas, at our own discretion.

Do you have plans to take this campaign national?

At this time we do not have plans to open up HAMO Chapters outside of California. However, if you are a diaper bank and a registered 501(c)(3) organization, anywhere in the U.S., please contact us: info at helpamotherout dotorg.

Do you take sponsors?

We are open to cross-promotional opportunities that will directly benefit one or all of our partnering charities. If your company buys, sells, manufactures, or distributes items such as diapers, wipes, tampons, personal hygiene products, apparel for women and children, or nonperishable healthy food, we would love to talk to you. Please contact us: info at helpamotherout dotorg.

Can I donate cloth diapers?

We think cloth diapers are great for families who choose to use them, but the agencies we partner with have let us know that for the vast majority of their clients, cloth diapers are not a realistic option. Therefore we choose to support our partners by providing donors with both an eco-friendly and generic brand diaper option. The Cloth Diaper Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps families in need get started with cloth diapering, and they accept donations of new and gently used cloth diapers.

I need help with diapers. How can I get them?

First, we are sorry to hear you need help with diapers. No parent should have to choose between providing the basic needs for their children.

While HAMO does not distribute diapers to individuals, many of our partnering agencies distribute emergency and supplemental diapers. They also have many wonderful services for struggling families. Please look at our list and contact our partners directly. Many church food pantries are starting to provide diapers. You can also DIAL 2-1-1 to find out more information about an agency in your immediate area.