For the homeless, hygiene is a complicated issue. When you have no roof over your head, let alone access to warm running water, those hygiene practices can be a challenge. This not only poses a risk to physical wellbeing, but can also affect mental health, lowering self-confidence and leaving individuals feeling left behind by society.
Thankfully, hygiene kits for homeless people can make all the difference. These include personal hygiene items, allowing them to self-groom and feel refreshed each day. They may only be temporary solutions, but they can be vital for homeless people in the short-term.
A hygiene kit list for homeless people
If you’re thinking of putting hygiene packs for homeless people together, then there are a number of essential items to include. Generally, a hygiene kit list for homeless people should include:
- Soap
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Hairbrush or comb
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and mouthwash
- Deodorant
- Skin lotion and moisturiser
- Lip balm
- Wet wipes
- Disposable washcloths
- Hand scrub brush and nail clippers
- Razor and shaving cream
Depending on the recipient of the hygiene kit, there may also be additional items to include. For example, feminine hygiene kits for homeless women should also include tampons and sanitary towels alongside the items listed above. If you’re making hygiene packs for homeless mothers and their children, you can also include items like a child’s toothbrush and toothpaste, as well as baby powder and an antiseptic healing cream like Sudocrem, depending on the age of the child.
To best equip homeless individuals to face the ongoing challenges of COVID-19, please also consider including hand sanitiser, tissues and face masks in your hygiene kit.
Alternatively, if you don’t have time to purchase hygiene products for homeless donations individually, many big online retailers sell pre-made packs.
How to donate hygiene packs for homeless people
If you are putting together your own hygiene packs for homeless people, these can be handed out to any rough sleepers you encounter. We also encourage you to stop and ask them if there’s any items they may need specifically. They may also require food, a drink, bedding or any other hygiene items, such as plasters or Vaseline.
In the current climate, the threat of COVID may make you feel wary of approaching individuals. If this is the case – or if you prefer to donate your items – you can do so through specialist charities. You can contact The Hygiene Bank or get in touch with local homeless shelters in your area to ensure the packs are passed onto those who need them.
Alternatively, many food banks also accept hygiene products and toiletries alongside food donations. Contact your local food bank to ask which items they require and to arrange a drop-off. Many supermarkets also have food bank donation sites within store, so you can even donate essential items during your weekly shop.
You can also help make a difference to homeless people by supporting Centrepoint. While hygiene packs for homeless people can provide short-term relief, it’s also crucial to work towards more long-term solutions. We help provide safe accommodation for homeless youth and support them in gaining their independence.