WHAT IS HYGIENE POVERTY
Hygiene poverty is when individuals and families cannot afford to purchase essential products to keep themselves and their homes clean.
HYGIENE POVERTY CAN LOOK LIKE:
o Brushing teeth without toothpaste
o Bathing without soap
o Only washing the children’s clothes
o Reusing diapers
o Borrowing from family and friends
ITS EFFECTS
Good hygiene is essential for staying healthy.
• Diseases as a result of poor hygiene pose a risk to everyone, but people with weakened immune systems, elderly, and children are the most vulnerable.
o The rate of oral disease is widespread and the United States spends more than $124 billion on dental care costs each year. (Dirty Hands, Dirty Secrets)
• Poor personal hygiene often results in rejection from others.
o Researchers have found in looking into the roots of rejection evidence that the pain of rejection is not very different from the pain of a physical injury.
o People have a fundamental need to belong. (Weir, 2012. p. 50)
WHO'S THERE TO HELP?
There are many public programs to help families with health care, food and housing, but none to help with hygiene products.
• SNAP and WIC (programs used by most lower income households) do not cover hygiene products. (America’s Unspoken Hygiene Crisis)
• 211 Wisconsin provides information and support for households in need throughout the State, but no category exists for help with hygiene products. (211 Wisconsin)
WE'RE THERE TO HELP!
We’re fighting against hygiene poverty, to alleviate the shame, desperation, and increased risk of illness and disease which often ensue.
• Serving Southeastern Wisconsin moderate to very low-income Individuals and families.
• Provide hygiene products on a regular basis for the entire household, adults, children, infants and their home.
• Some of the products provided are shampoo, deodorant, body wash, toothpaste, toothbrush, baby bath/shampoo, baby wipes, dishwashing detergent, multi-purpose cleaner, laundry detergent, and toilet paper.
• Since 2017 we have already served 5,934 households, 69,462 hygiene products.
LIVES IMPACTED
• “My name is Niya and I was a recipient of a cleaning box from Arise Store (giving to the nations). I want to share how much I appreciate the kindness of this organization. I am currently pregnant and due on November 3rd so this donation is going to be a huge help to me and my family. I was greeted with kindness as soon as I walked through the door. I am going to spread the word to others in my community! I hope that this organization is blessed abundantly and is able to remain open for years to come. God Bless and thank you so much!” – Niya B, October 2024
• “I really needed help getting supplies for my home a new baby on the way and teenagers in the house I am a struggling mother of 5 and this really gave me a sigh of relief when I got to get the cleaning supplies god bless them and hope thy bless more of us amen”. – Letcia G, October 2024
• “I barely make enough to cover our home payments, and other utilities. And then to have to pay for groceries and gas and car insurance, the day to day items fall through the cracks and we buy very minimal from the dollar store for what we need to try and get us through.” – Rachel F., November 2024
References:
Dettol. Dirty Hands, Dirty Secrets: Diseases Caused By Poor Hygiene. https://www.dettol.co.za/expert-advice/personal-health-hygiene/effects-o....
Weir, K. (2012, April) Science Watch The pain of social rejection. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2012/04/rejection.
The Century Foundation. America’s Unspoken Hygiene Crisis. https://tcf.org/content/commentary/americas-unspoken-hygiene-crisis/.
211 Wisconsin. https://211wisconsin.communityos.org/.
