Individuals Aiding in Emergencies Foundation

Imagine not being able to afford the most basic hygiene products. Hygiene poverty affects one in three families in the United States. Items, such as deodorant, soap and feminine products, that many of us view as everyday necessities, are seen as luxury items for those that find themselves in crisis situations, ranging from domestic abuse to displacement from homes due to fire and natural disasters. Hygiene poverty has become an everyday emergency for these people. Without access to hygiene products, the mental and physical health of individuals and/or families become compromised and affects their ability to be successful at school, work, or other activities within their communities.

Individuals Aiding in Emergencies (IAE) Foundation understands how important maintaining good hygiene in any type of emergency can be to prevent the spread of germs and diseases, and to provide comfort, preserve dignity and improve the quality of one’s life. Access to basic hygiene items is a necessity, not a privilege. IAE is tackling this unspoken crisis head-on in Delaware County, through our Community Assistance & Recovery Efforts (CARE) Program. The CARE Program focuses its efforts on large scale distribution of basic essential goods related to personal hygiene/grooming, period supplies, diapers, wipes, first aid, clothing, laundry detergent, and cleaning and paper products. Our partners are the “boots on the ground” who know the needs of their community members and are trusted by those whom they serve. Distributing directly to these partners allows them to serve their clients directly and helps us to ensure we are able to serve large groups within our communities that are facing varying daily challenges.

Hygiene poverty affects more people than many of us realize, which is why we all need to work together to make true change happen! Your donation during Delco Gives Day 2025 (or any time of the year) will help us cover operational costs and inventory needed to support our community partner organizations and the clients they serve.