Though it was founded in Dallas, the roots of Projeto Limpeza trace back to the other side of the equator. My whole life, my summers have belonged to São Paulo, Brazil. I have spent every July since the year I was born at my grandmother’s house, and the privilege of doing so has made the country not only a place I visit, but a part of who I am. Whether it’s my mom’s cooking, the music we listen to in the car, or the values I cherish, my life has always carried Brazil with it. So, when I began to seriously think about starting a nonprofit, I knew I wanted it to reflect that connection.

The idea first took shape when I was introduced to a Brazilian church in Dallas through my former babysitter. In conversation with members of the church, one need came up repeatedly: hygiene products. I noticed that despite being a common issue, inaccessibility to these products often goes unaddressed, although they are crucial to daily well-being and health.

For nearly 38 million people living at or below the poverty line in the U.S., basic hygiene isn’t a given. Many families face tough choices between paying for heat, food, or healthcare. In fact, about one in three low-income households admit to showering without soap because they simply can’t afford it. And over 70% of these families cut back on groceries in order to buy hygiene items.

These statistics helped shape the direction of what would become Projeto Limpeza: this challenge isn’t unique to any one community but widespread throughout the United States. What started as a cultural connection to a local Brazilian church quickly grew into a broader effort to support all local families in need, no matter their heritage.

Projeto Limpeza’s goal is to make hygiene more accessible, and we hope to do it with your help

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     - Olivia Wiles