Everyday Essentials: Personal Care & Laundry Resources When Budgets Are Tight

Living on a fixed income often brings money challenges, but staying clean and healthy should still be affordable. While basic items like soap, shampoo, and laundry detergent can be expensive, we have good news. Many of the programs and services below offer free hygiene products to older adults, ensuring everyone can live with comfort, dignity, and confidence.

Complete the form at the bottom of the page to connect to resources and access the personal care products you need every day. 

Local Senior Centers

Senior centers are often more than just gathering places, they are sources of essential support. “Hygiene days” and partnerships with community groups bring supplies monthly. 

What they offer:

• Free personal care kits (toothbrushes, soap, lotion, deodorant)
• Laundry assistance or vouchers
• On-site showers

Churches and Faith-Based Organizations

Many churches and religious groups run free hygiene banks or outreach programs. The services are open to everyone, regardless of faith. Larger churches often partner with national networks, so if one doesn’t have what you need, they might refer you elsewhere.

What they offer:

• Travel-size toiletries, toilet paper, and feminine care products
• Free laundry days or detergent giveaways
• Access to showers in some facilities

Community Action Agencies

The National Community Action Partnership is a national nonprofit organization that provides resources to Community Action Agencies. These agencies serve low-income residents with practical help, especially older adults living on fixed incomes. If you receive SNAP, Medicaid, or Social Security, you may qualify for additional support through these agencies.

What they offer:

• Hygiene kits with essentials like soap, razors, and wipes
• Laundry vouchers or emergency clothing
• Referrals to other hygiene-related programs

Food Banks and Mobile Pantries

Most people think of food banks for groceries—but many also provide non-food essentials, including hygiene items.

What they offer:

• Toothpaste, shampoo, adult diapers, soap, and menstrual supplies
• Laundry detergent, cleaning supplies
• “Senior packs” with age-appropriate items

Free Shower and Laundry Programs

Some cities, nonprofits, and mobile service providers offer free shower or laundry vans that travel to neighborhoods weekly. Many of these programs also offer health screenings or social services at the same time, giving you access to other free services all at once.

What they offer:

• Private, clean showers on wheels
• Free laundry wash-and-fold services
• Hygiene bags with soap, socks, and towels

Libraries and Resource Centers

As long-standing, trusted members of the community, libraries now offer a variety of resources. Libraries often team up with local schools, senior centers, and scout troops for hygiene drives.

What they offer:

• Free access to hygiene items through donation programs
• Referrals to local outreach workers or case managers
• Flyers and event boards about upcoming hygiene product giveaways

Mutual Aid and Senior Advocacy Groups

Local grassroots networks and aging advocates stay aware of services and partner to bring them to those who need them.

What they offer:

• Home delivery of hygiene kits for homebound older adults
• Monthly “care bags” with seasonally appropriate items
• Friendly check-ins and support

There’s nothing wrong with asking for help. Using support services is taking control of your health and well-being. Whether it’s a free bottle of shampoo or a mobile shower, these resources exist because everyone should have access to basic care.