Essentials First

THE NEED FOR HYGIENE:

2 million people in Washington State do not have reliable access to essential hygiene and household products. Together, we can change that! Your contribution to the Community Kits Program through Essentials First helps us support thousands of these families in keeping clean and healthy.  

$25 = 1 month of personal & household hygiene supplies for one person

SNAP/EBT, WIC, and other government subsidies do not cover products like soap, shampoo, shaving razors, menstrual supplies, laundry detergent, or wipes. There are no government programs that provide free, or even affordable, access to personal and household hygiene products to those who are food insecure. Essentials First does. 

When we cannot get what we need to keep ourselves and our homes clean, our mental and physical health suffers. Children struggle at school and adults at work. Socializing and relationships are compromised. Everything becomes more difficult. The lack of access to basic hygiene items is a public health issue and can lead to the spread of disease, degrade behavioral and mental health, and impact academic and workplace performance.

In February 2021, we completed a needs assessment to help illuminate the extent of the gap we are trying to fill. The results are heartbreaking:

• Nearly two million people in Washington State do not have regular access to affordable hygiene products.
• 1 in 7 households in Washington State are significantly behind in rent and struggling for food and basic everyday essentials.
• Less than 5% of hygiene items are available through food banks.

Essentials First has stepped up to fill this gap. We are growing our mission, beginning in WA State, to ensure the dignity and respect that comes with the ability to have clean kitchens, clothing, and bodies is afforded to all.  

HERE'S HOW WE WORK:

Your donations go directly to the purchase of hygiene products, which volunteers pack into Essential Hygiene Kits using Essentials First drawstring bags. Volunteers range from youth and church groups, workplace volunteer groups, Rotary, Scouts, school clubs, families, and neighbors from all walks who want to be part of the solution to hygiene access inequity in our communities.

Kits are distributed directly to community members through the drop-in center in our Bellevue, WA office, community events, and partners throughout the Puget Sound Region (food banks, school districts, faith communities, partner non-profits, etc). Kits are distributed to many low and very-low income, refugee, elderly, and disabled households, as well as many unhoused an under-housed individuals and families. 

Every Essential Hygiene Kit includes the best available selection of essential personal and household items like shampoo & conditioner, soap, menstrual products for people with periods, toothpaste, toothbrush, razor, laundry and dish detergents, hand sanitizer, wipes, deodorant, etc. 

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT:

Since our founding in 2017, Essentials First has distributed over 1,500,000  hygiene & household essential items to a growing number of people without any other access to these essentials in the Puget Sound area. 

This is only possible because of grassroots donations from community members like you! Your generous donation can help provide essential items to our vulnerable neighbors that so dearly need access to vital personal and household hygiene products.

Essentials First’s goal is to expand our community and food bank partners to consistently reach tens of thousands of households in Washington State by the end of 2024. It is an ambitious goal, and we need your help to achieve it. So, join us in providing this critical need to vulnerable neighbors. 

Every gift counts. Your investment in the health of our communities in any amount makes a real difference for our neighbors struggling with hygiene access inequity. Together we can create a community where dignity is afforded to all. 

Learn more about our mission, programs, and impact at essentialsfirst.org.

100% of the Funds raised go directly back into the community, providing those in need (including incoming refugees, low-income families, and those experiencing homelessness) with hygiene & household essentials, along with socially and culturally appropriate food (such as halal food and meat). Thank you for your support!