Hygiene Health is Public Health
For most people, personal hygiene is simply a matter of walking into their bathroom and engaging in "washing up" and getting clean. The basic act of staying clean is something that people often take for granted in terms of feeling human and being healthy and requires great resourcefulness for those experiencing homelessness. For people who live on the streets, maintaining proper hygiene and a sense of dignity is a time-consuming and potentially dangerous endeavor. As compared with people who have homes, people experiencing homelessness with lack of hygiene access leads to higher rates of dermatological problems, functional limitation, seizures, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, foot pain, and decayed teeth. Additionally, people who spend most of their time outside are at high risk for immersion foot, blood poisoning, infections. These conditions contribute to an eightfold increase in mortality risk.
Hygiene and Mental, Social, and Economic Health
Hygiene is not only physical health. It impacts mental health, wellness, employment, education, and social participation. We have seen:
Students missing school due to lack of menstrual care, dental hygiene, or clean clothes
Bullying related to hygiene challenges
Barriers to employment and housing
Access to hygiene products strengthens individual dignity, community health, and social stability
98%
of Recipients reported an improvement in their Physical Health and a reduction in infections.
99%
of Recipients reported an improvement in their sense of Wellness & Dignity.
Our Reach and Impact
Simply the Basics has distributed hygiene products in 200+ cities nationally and internationally!
Total Distribution as of September 30, 2025 by product type:
PPE Began tracking PPE in 2020): 681,079
Dental Hygiene: 389,961
Menstrual Hygiene: 687,611
Healthy Food & Snacks: 4,553
Infant Care: 210,289
Other Hygiene + Health + Wellness (Lotion, First Aid, etc): 482,022
Razors/Shaving Needs: 46,567
Shampoo/Conditioner: 223,415
Soap, Body Wash, Wipes, Deodorant: 641,449
Household & Towels & Bedding: 37,251
Socks & Undergarments: 172,585
Complete Hygiene Kits in Reusable Tote Bags: 155,342
TOTAL BASIC NEEDS DISTRIBUTED: 3,960,400
Simply the Basics’ works directly with communities and also support a network of nonprofit partners, ensuring hygiene reaches those who need it most and reducing waste through redistribution.
100%
of Partners reported that they are “better able to achieve their Mission” and support client goals.
98%
of Partners reported that Simply the Basics saved them time and resources.
“I cannot overstate the value of Simply the Basics. Two weeks ago, we had a participant come up in tears to tell us that she was going to bleed through her pants but couldn’t afford a tampon. The relief as we gave her one and she sprinted off to the bathroom was palpable.”
“Our clients who do not have housing are able to keep clean and this helps in preventing illness and improves the way in which they present themselves. While our clients are surviving and trying to navigate their situation, Simply the Basics helps in improving their self-care.”
Recipient Story
Photo with Receiving Site Partner: CalWORKs at Fullerton College
When a mother and survivor of domestic violence came in for services, she was worried about how she would provide diapers for her 8-month-old son after her abuser withheld financial support. Thanks to your support, we were able ensure distributions of a full box of diapers and several packages of wipes. With tears of relief, she left knowing her baby’s needs were met and she could focus on her family’s safety and healing.
Stories like these happen every day. From families to farmworkers, veterans to teens, Simply the Basics ensures that hygiene distributions are tailored to each community’s most pressing needs.
