About Bundled Smiles
The rise of the Covid-19 pandemic has led to millions of Americans having to file for unemployment. As a result, the rates of homelessness have increased within the country. Our community organization hopes to alleviate homeless individuals in the Maryland area by providing aid in the form of care packages that contain basic necessary hygienic products and protective items. By providing these packages, we are aiming to help them obtain the means they need to feel more confident in themselves and ultimately look for ways to get out of their current situation. We want them to regain their dignity and feel as though they have not been forgotten in society. The unique aspect of this organization is that we humanize and recognize that every single individual is a person with dreams, ambitions, and goals. We want to do everything in our power to help them become functional members of society and make it easier for them to ease their way back into a normal lifestyle. Our mission is to change their lives one package at a time.
"It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it."
- Nelson Mandela
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide aid and relief to struggling homeless individuals in the form of care packages.
Meet The Founder
Melina Oseguera-Arasmou: Founder/Executive Director
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"My name is Melina Oseguera-Arasmou and I am currently a student activist based in Maryland. Throughout my educational career, I've always been told that the United States is a land of opportunities. Though this is fairly true, it troubled me to see hundreds of homeless people on the streets wherever I went. It was surprising that we [the U.S] are one of the leading countries in the world but still have high rates of unemployment and homelessness. I believe that there's so much that we can do as a society to fix that. By starting this organization, I wanted to target the importance of having hygienic products and their correspondence with mental health and dignity. Many homeless people are unable to pay for simple things such as razors, masks, soap, or even new socks. Because they're not sheltered, many don't have access to regular shower opportunities. I have to ask- how do you feel when you aren't able to shower after a long day of being outside? I hope the answer is "not good." Now, imagine all of the people who go weeks- or even months- without having the opportunity to regularly keep themselves clean. Not being clean and put together ends up playing a huge role in how a person perceives and values their existence. Ultimately, it can end up affecting how they cope with their situation. This prevalent issue is one that I'm extremely passionate about and I have high hopes for all that we will be able to accomplish with our care packages. I truly believe we can change lives."
Meet The Team
Kade Friedlander, Advisor
Kade Friedlander worked with Peace First to ensure that all students and their families in Montgomery County have resources available to them in order to acquire school meals at certain sites amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, he served with the non-profit organization So What Else to provide after-school and summer programs in communities of need. He is also the founder of Kade's Kids, an organization that sought to provide toys for children in need.
Noura Oseguera-Arasmou,
Head of Communications
I personally witnessed the effects of homelessness on people and the things they have to endure on a daily basis. It is those experiences that drove me into being passionate about this issue in our society. It's essential that we return dignity to those who are struggling and I know this organization has the potential to do just that. I'm dedicated and am willing to do my best to make a difference.