Clothing and Hygiene

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

Hi friend. A hot shower, clean socks and a fresh shirt can change your whole day. I know how much it matters to feel like yourself, especially when you're headed to a job interview, an appointment or a new start.

Here is the easy first step: dial 211 and ask, "Where can I get a shower, laundry or no cost clothes near me?" Then use this guide for ideas, places to call and a few tips that stretch every dollar.

A few things to know

• You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
• Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise items or a spot in any program.
• Clothing closets and shower days change week to week. Call ahead when you can.
• In danger right now? Call 911. Thinking about suicide or in crisis? Call or text 988.

Where can I get no cost clothes?

No cost clothes usually come from clothing closets at churches, missions, shelters and day centers. Some open on set days, and some give out a voucher you can use at a thrift store.

The best way to find what's open this week is a quick call.

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Ask about vouchers

Some shelters and churches hand out vouchers for thrift stores. It never hurts to ask, "Do you have a clothing voucher?" Easy peasy!

Where can I take a shower?

Showers are often at day centers, missions and some shelters. Times can change, so call first.

• Dial 211 and ask for "showers" or "day center" near your city or ZIP.
• In Chicago, the city funds drop in centers that offer basic needs like food, hygiene products and laundry, plus help with housing, mental health and jobs. Each center is different, so call first. The list is in the county section of this guide.
• In DuPage County, the DuPagePads Access Center in Wheaton has showers, lockers and laundry, along with in person assessments for shelter and housing.
• Anywhere else, dial 211 and ask for "showers," "laundry" or "day center" near your ZIP code.

Sources: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fss/provdrs/emerg/svcs/drop-in-centers-for-individuals-and-families-experiencing-homele.html and https://www.dupagepads.org/need-help/

How do I keep my clothes clean on a budget?

• Ask about no cost laundry. Some day centers, churches and shelters offer laundry days. Ask 211.
• Wash a few things often. Socks and underwear by hand in a sink, with a little soap, then hang to dry.
• Use less soap. A small scoop gets clothes clean and saves money.
• Air dry. Hanging clothes saves dryer money and helps them last.
• Keep one clean outfit set aside for appointments and interviews.

Feeling fresh isn't a luxury. It's part of taking care of you, and you deserve that.

From the Bunklow team

How do I get hygiene items like soap, diapers and pads?

Here's something a lot of folks don't know: the USDA says SNAP can't buy nonfood items like hygiene products, cleaning supplies and paper goods. So these items usually come from other places.

• Food pantries. Many pantries keep some hygiene items, diapers or pads. Ask when you visit.
• Shelters and day centers. Many hand out basic kits.
• 211. Ask for "hygiene items," "diapers" or "period products" near you.
• Community drives. Churches and groups often collect these items. Ask what's coming up.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligible-food-items

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Keep a little kit with you

A zip bag with a toothbrush, a few wipes, deodorant and a spare pair of socks fits in any backpack. It's a small thing that helps a lot.

How do I take care of myself in hot weather?

These are simple, common sense ideas, not medical advice.

• Drink water often, even before you feel thirsty.
• Wear light colored, loose clothes and a hat when you can.
• Change into dry socks to keep your feet healthy.
• Rest in shade or cool places like libraries during the hottest hours.
• If you feel dizzy, confused or very sick in the heat, call 911.

How do I stay warm and dry in cold weather?

Ready Illinois says Illinois is famous for its cold winters. These are simple ideas, not medical advice.

• Dress in several loose, warm layers instead of one heavy layer. Wear a hat, mittens instead of gloves, and water repellent clothing if you have it. Cover your mouth with a scarf.
• Keep small children, babies and older adults warm. Ready Illinois says they are more at risk in the cold.
• The National Weather Service says frostbite is most likely on uncovered skin, hands and feet, and that hypothermia can set in within minutes in extreme cold. If someone is very cold, confused or can't get warm, call 911.
• Warming centers. The State of Illinois keeps links to warming center lists for every county. Ready Illinois also suggests public park buildings and heated stores and malls.
• In Chicago, call 311 any time, day or night, for help from the Department of Family and Support Services.
• Anywhere in the state, dial 211 and ask about warming centers and winter shelter near you.

Sources: https://ready.illinois.gov/hazards/extremetempscold.html and https://www.weather.gov/safety/cold and https://www.illinois.gov/services/service.warming-center.html and https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fss/supp_info/office_locations.html

Where can I get diapers and period products?

The Greater Chicago Food Depository notes that WIC and SNAP don't cover diapers, so diaper banks help fill the gap. Most diaper banks don't hand out diapers directly.

They supply partner agencies, like social service offices, clinics and churches.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/diaper-program/

• Chicago area. Share Our Spare gives diapers and baby essentials to partner agencies in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Will, Winnebago, DeKalb and McLean counties. It doesn't hand out diapers to the public, but its online directory lists the partner agencies that do.
• Chicago. The Diaper Bank of Chicago provides no cost diapers through partner organizations. Call 312.880.7195 to ask about a partner near you.
• Chicago and Summit. Catholic Charities offers moms 50 no cost diapers a month at certain sites. Call 312.655.7700.
• Period products at school. Many Illinois public schools offer pads and tampons at no cost in school bathrooms. Ask the school nurse or front office. Check the details on the official page below.
• Anywhere in the state, dial 211 and ask for "diapers" or "period products."

Sources: https://shareourspare.org/ and https://www.diaperchicago.org/ and https://www.catholiccharities.net/get-help/program/diapers/ and https://www.isbe.net/

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Ask at WIC and the pantry too

WIC can't buy diapers, but WIC offices and food pantries often know which nearby groups hand them out. It never hurts to ask. You've got this!

What should I wear to a job interview?

You don't need anything fancy. Clean, neat and comfortable is what matters most.

• A clean shirt with a collar or a simple top.
• Pants or a skirt without holes.
• Clean, closed toe shoes if you have them.
• Ask clothing closets for "interview clothes." Some keep them set aside.
• Illinois workNet Centers help with job searches and resumes at no cost. See Guide 6 for how to find one near you.

Are there ways to stretch money for clothes and basics in Illinois?

Yes, a few real ones.

• Know which benefit is which. IDHS says if you get both cash assistance and SNAP, both go on the same Illinois Link card. SNAP food benefits can't pay for clothes or soap, so ask your caseworker how your cash benefit can be used for things like clothes and laundry. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30371
• Ask 211 about back to school drives. Many groups hand out no cost backpacks, school supplies and uniforms in late summer. Ask your child's school counselor too.
• Ask about no cost laundry days. Some drop in centers, like the ones the City of Chicago funds, offer laundry along with hygiene products. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fss/provdrs/emerg/svcs/drop-in-centers-for-individuals-and-families-experiencing-homele.html
• Check a clothing closet or thrift store before you buy new.

Questions people ask a lot

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You deserve to feel good

Taking care of yourself is never selfish. I'm happy you're here, and I hope today brings you something fresh and good!

Who can I call in my county?

Here are places that can point you to clothes, showers and hygiene help near you. If your county isn't listed, dial 211.

Illinois

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Chicago

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Suburban Cook County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

DuPage County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Lake County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Winnebago County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Neighborhood and other counties

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

My plan for this week

Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!

Key numbers to keep

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Please let me know if you have any questions

If something here is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. Make it a great day, friend!

About this guide

Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 17, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

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Last updated October 17, 2026