Dignity Through Essentials: An Ongoing Project to Provide New Clothing & Hygiene

Products for Teens and Young Adults in Need
For many teens and young adults, having clean undergarments and hygiene products is not guaranteed it’s a struggle. Countless youth face homelessness, financial hardship, or unstable living conditions, leaving them without access to these essential items. Some have even been arrested for stealing socks, underwear, or basic toiletries out of desperation.
To prevent this cycle of hardship and ensure that no young person has to go without, we have launched an ongoing initiative to provide these necessities year-round.
What We Provide
This initiative ensures that boys and girls in need have access to new, clean, and properly fitting clothing essentials and personal hygiene products to help them feel fresh, confident, and secure.
New Clothing Essentials (for Boys & Girls):
• Undergarments: Panties, bras, boxers, briefs, and undershirts.
• Socks & Footwear: Crew socks, ankle socks, slippers, and flip-flops.
• Sleepwear & Loungewear: Pajamas, t-shirts, sweatpants, and cozy lounge sets.
• Everyday Clothing: Basic tees, tank tops, leggings, and comfortable shorts.
• Towels & Washcloths: Personal towels and rags for hygiene and bathing.
Personal Hygiene Essentials:
• Oral Care: Toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash.
• Body Care: Body wash, bar soap, loofahs, and washcloths.
• Deodorant: Maintaining hygiene and confidence is essential for both boys and girls.
• Hair Care: Shampoo, conditioner, combs, brushes, and styling products.
• Feminine Hygiene: Panty liners, pads, tampons, and feminine wipes.
• Skin Care: Lotion, body spray, chapstick, face wash, and sunscreen.
• Shaving Supplies: Razors, shaving cream, and aftershave for those who need it.
Who We Help
This program is a lifeline for:
Homeless youth and teens in transitional housing.
Teens of the LBGTQ+ community
Foster care teens who lack access to personal essentials.
NYCHA HASA care recipients and low-income NYCHA residents.
Title 1 school students struggling with financial hardship.
Any teen or young adult who cannot afford new, clean undergarments and hygiene products.
And we do not discriminate
How the Program Works
• Community Giveaway Events: We host scheduled distribution events where participants can receive these essentials in a safe, supportive environment.
• Year-Round Access: While giveaways are scheduled, we also provide items throughout the year whenever supplies are available. This ensures youth can receive help when they need it, with privacy and dignity.
• Self-Care Education: We provide literature and guidance on hygiene, personal care, and self-confidence to empower youth with lifelong habits.
Why This Matters
For many young people, having new, clean essentials means:
Feeling fresh, confident, and comfortable.
Staying healthy and maintaining good hygiene.
✔Focusing on school, work, and personal growth without embarrassment.
Avoiding criminalization for stealing necessities.
This is more than just giving away products. It’s about providing dignity, security, and hope to young people who deserve a fair chance.
With your support, we can continue to provide these life-changing essentials to teens and young adults who need them most.
Join us in making a difference because no one should have to go without the basics.