Simply the Basics Named a 2022 Classy Awards Finalist !
We are excited to announce that Simply the Basics is a top 50 finalist for the 2022 Classy Awards.
The Classy Awards launched in 2009 to recognize the achievements of innovative organizations bringing positive change in our communities and around the world. The goal of the awards are to shine a spotlight on new strategies, creative thinking, and ideas that move the needle on some of the biggest issues our world faces today.
Following an extensive application process, we’re proud to share that Simply the Basics’ Hygiene Bank has been recognized as one of the top 50 programs (out of tens of thousands of applications!) for its contribution to improving the health and wellness of our community and creating equitable access to our most basic hygiene needs.
Many people experiencing homelessness suffer from preventable health conditions which could be avoided with regular access to proper hygiene and other basic needs. This issue is not just confined to the streets. Individuals living with limited income often forego basic needs so as to make ends meet. The risk of death for people without access to hygiene is increased 8-fold.
Simply the Basics provides consistent hygiene supplies through partnerships (shelter, libraries, medical clinics, schools etc), disaster relief, and direct recipient care for sustained health and wellness. We ensure people have a variety of options and methods with which to secure their hygiene needs, all with reduced waste and an emphasis on choice.
Rather than simply giving out supplies, we focus on the direct health needs of the people we serve. We only use quality products and we give choice: toothpaste for one may be inadequate for someone with dentures. We never give out used or unhealthful products. Just as food must be nutritious, hygiene must be quality, ongoing, and easily accessible.
We reduce waste through redistribution and provide methods to donate supplies across the country. We eliminate service duplication by developing partnerships with nonprofits so that they can focus on their Missions. We have developed the FIRST Quality Control Standards for hygiene distribution and follow strict evaluation methods and processes to ensure we are achieving impact. We don't just provide care once, but ongoing to sustain health.
We have supported over 200 Receiving Partners and distributed over 2 million hygiene products nationwide that have helped to reduce the risk of communicable and non-communicable diseases including virus transmission, infections, skin disease, heart disease, dental/gum disease. Hygiene products empower people to reach greater goals, feel healthy, and improve wellness as their most basic needs are met with dignity.
Support Simply the Basics by Voting Today
We have an opportunity for even greater highlights if we are selected or voted as one of the top 13 organizations, distributed across four categories: Social Innovation, Adapt & Overcome, Lifetime Achievement, and People’s Choice. We encourage you to VOTE HERE for Simply the Basics Hygiene Bank in the People’s Choice award category!
Voting is open from April 7th to April 21st. Winners will be announced on June 14th, and we look forward to sharing updates with our community then!
