Our Purpose
Simply the Basics has a goal to make hygiene more Equitable and Accessible for everyone. As such, we have launched the first large-scale Hygiene Bank in the nation. The purpose of our "Hygiene Bank" is to ensure organizations serving those experiencing homelessness and low income communities always have access to their most basic needs, and redistribute the items they do not need to reduce waste. We remove the dehumanization of handouts, and empower our most underserved community members to have the dignity and benefits that come with good hygiene and choice.
Simply the Basics is inspired by Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, the philosophy that people are unable to focus on any goals (job security, housing, relationship building, sobriety, mental health, and self actualization) if they are unable to meet their needs at the very basic level (food, shelter, clothing, education, and hygiene).
Hygiene and public health are intimately interwoven, and poor hygiene is an inevitable result of homelessness. Establishing proper hygiene is key to a sense of self and better health. When people don't have access to necessary and quality hygiene products, many consequences will develop ranging from reduced self esteem to unemployment to serious diseases. Simply the Basics provides basic hygiene to programs and people, thus building a healthier community and stronger homeless programs overall.
What is Hygiene Insecurity?
Hygiene Insecurity impacts one in four people.
Hygiene Insecurity, also widely known as “hygiene poverty”, is the inability to afford everyday hygiene products, such as shampoo, toilet paper, grooming products, dish soap, and more. Accessing hygiene products for families living with limited income can be surprisingly difficult.
Nearly 25% of families have trouble affording essential things like food, bills, and healthcare, which is considered the “heat, eat, or health” dilemma This can lead to having to make tough choices each day. When you can't afford basic hygiene supplies, it can negatively impact your physical and mental health. Having a low income and struggling to afford basic needs increases the risk of anxiety and depression.
Our Impact Goals
To improve and sustain the overall health and wellbeing of the low income community, people at risk of homelessness, and people experiencing homelessness. We aim to make hygiene more Accessible and Equitable for everyone.
To save nonprofits time and resources by managing, securing, and redistributing their in-kind and hygiene related needs, allowing them to focus their time on clients and their Mission.