For most of us, buying soap or our favorite shampoo is just part of our daily routine.
But what if you had to choose between buying hygiene products or putting food on the table? This is the harsh reality many people with limited incomes face every day.
One organization, however, is working to change that. Simply The Basics’ Hygiene Locator provides essential hygiene products at no cost to those who need them most.
Curious about their mission and how you can help? Let’s dive into the details.
What Is Hygiene Insecurity?
Before we explore Simply The Basics’ new initiative, it’s important to understand hygiene insecurity.
Also known as “hygiene poverty,” it refers to the struggle some families face in affording basic hygiene items such as toilet paper, grooming products, shampoo, or soap.
It may seem surprising, but hygiene insecurity is more common than you might think. According to Feeding America, 74% of families who can’t afford household necessities skip tasks like washing dishes or doing laundry. In addition, 35% of these households report bathing without soap.
Having to make these tough choices can add to an individual’s stress and lead to discrimination and other hardships that no one should have to endure.
What Does Simply The Basics Do?
Simply The Basics is a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing hygiene insecurity and ensuring that everyone has access to essential hygiene items.
Inspired by Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Simply The Basics recognizes that when individuals are unable to meet their basic hygiene needs, they may struggle with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, making it harder for them to move forward in life.
In response, the organization created the first large-scale Hygiene Bank, offering low-income communities across the nation access to vital hygiene products.
How Do The Hygiene Locators Work?
Similar to a food bank or clothing donation drive, the Hygiene Locator operates by connecting people in need with essential hygiene products.
Simply The Basics partners with community organizations and nonprofit distributors that meet their high standards, creating hygiene banks and distribution centers around the world.
At these locations, you’ll find essentials like:
- Soap
- Shampoo
- Deodorant
- Tampons
- Grooming products
- And more!
These Hygiene Locators offer everything needed to keep households clean—free of charge. All you have to do is find the nearest location and connect with your local distributor to get started.
Where Are These Hygiene Stations Located?
Most Hygiene Stations are strategically placed near lower-income communities where they’re needed most. They can be found at social service agencies, community centers, and other locations frequently visited by individuals facing hygiene insecurity.
Since many of these locations already serve vulnerable populations, they provide a welcoming, non-judgmental environment where people can easily access the hygiene products they need.
How You Can Help
One of the best things about the Hygiene Locator is that anyone can contribute! From volunteering to making a donation, every action helps.
Larger businesses can also get involved by donating, sponsoring a Hygiene Locator, or even starting their own hygiene initiative.
No matter how you choose to help, your efforts will make a real difference in helping individuals access the basics they need to improve their lives.
The Bottom Line
Everyone deserves access to basic hygiene.
With initiatives like Simply The Basics’ Hygiene Locator, we’re moving closer to a future where no one has to choose between buying soap or affording their next meal.
This effort goes beyond just providing shampoo—it’s about giving people the dignity and confidence they need to focus on building a better future for themselves and their families.
Let’s work towards a world where everyone feels clean, confident, and ready to take on life’s challenges. If you’re inspired, check out how you can get involved in Simply The Basics’ mission today!
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