Hygiene Kits For Homeless People

What is in a personal hygiene kit?

Personal hygiene items are standard everyday products we use to clean, deodorize, and keep our bodies neat and clean during the day. Personal hygiene products include basic essentials like: 

• Soap
• Shampoo
• Deodorant
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Other essential items based on need (see: what do you put in a hygiene kit?)

What is a personal hygiene kit?

A personal hygiene kit holds personal care items that clean, comfort, and groom a person’s body. Most hygiene kits are used for personal use, travel, people experiencing homelessness, outdoor recreation, or emergency situations like natural disasters. These kits are meant to be used as a short-term solution until regular supplies and facilities are available. Typically hygiene items are kept in a bathroom at home but if someone doesn’t have access to a home as in people experiencing homelessness or when outdoors such as hiking or camping. 

What do you put in a hygiene kit?

At the very least, basic essential personal hygiene kits should include soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and a toothbrush. Additional essential items are based on what the hygiene kit will be used for. For example, a feminine hygiene kit should include toiletry items for women such as feminine hygiene products while a men’s hygiene kit might also include a razor and shaving cream. Even a child’s personal hygiene kit might have unique supplies like baby shampoo or children’s toothpaste. Homeless people, rescue shelters, and emergency situations will all require additional items in their personal kits.  We suggest you check out our helpful article 5 Ways to Use a Hygiene Kit to learn about other ideas.  A list of hygiene products commonly used for all types of personal care kits includes: 

• Soap
• Shampoo
• Deodorant
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrush holder
• Razor
• Shaving cream
• Feminine napkins
• Tampons
• Small mirror
• Dental floss
• Skin lotion
• Hair conditioner
• Mouth wash
• Children's toothbrush
• Children's toothpaste
• Baby powder
• Zinc oxide cream
• Hand scrub brush
• Nail clipper
• Wet wipes
• Toothpaste
• Disposable washcloth

How do you make a hygiene kit for homeless people?

Making a hygiene kit for a person experiencing homelessness is a great way to give back to your community. Sometimes people land in unfortunate situations and don’t have access to personal hygiene kits which can be detrimental to keeping them and others safe, especially with feasibly transmitted diseases such as Covid-19. Oftentimes, people experiencing homelessness don’t have access to personal hygiene items which can affect their cleanliness but also their ability to get a job.   
Individuals and organizations purchase bulk personal hygiene items known as toiletries. They collect the items and a container to hold them and assemble these hygiene kits to give out to the homeless. Some people will make homeless kits to donate to local shelters or relief organizations. 

Where can I buy bulk toiletries to make personal hygiene kits?

Bulk hygiene supplies are available from a variety of sources. First aid companies like MFASCO Health & Safety offer bulk hygiene supplies for homeless people. They also have many different containers that can be purchased in bulk including re-sealable Ziplock-type bags. You can assemble care packages for people experiencing homelessness or personal hygiene kits for outdoor activities like hiking or camping.