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. Clean clothes, a warm coat and a hot shower can change how a whole day feels. If you need any of those right now, you're in the right place. There's help in New Jersey, and you deserve to feel good in your own skin.

Here is the easy first step: dial 211, or text your ZIP code to 898211, and ask about clothing closets, showers and hygiene items near you.

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.
• Hours and supplies change. 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 clothes at no cost?

Many churches, shelters, day centers and community groups in New Jersey run clothing closets, where you can pick out clothes at no cost. Some give vouchers for thrift stores.

NJ 211 keeps a statewide directory of thousands of services, and can tell you what's near you.

Emergency Assistance can also help. For people who get Work First New Jersey or SSI and face a loss from fire, flood or eviction, the state says Emergency Assistance may include food and clothing. Ask your County Social Services Agency.

Sources: https://nj211.org/about-nj-211 and https://www.nj.gov/disabilities/essential-needs/housing-support/

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Ask about vouchers

Some programs give vouchers you can use at a thrift store. Ask 211 or your caseworker. Just ask!

Where can I take a shower?

Day centers, shelters and some churches offer showers. Some groups bring mobile shower trucks to towns.

The county cards at the end of this guide include places that list showers, and 211 can tell you what's open near you.

• Ask if you need to sign up ahead, and if they give towels and soap.
• Ask about laundry too. Some places have washers and dryers.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://nj211.org/get-help

How do I keep my clothes clean on a budget?

• Wash a few things by hand in a sink, and hang them to dry.
• Ask day centers and shelters about laundry.
• Some laundromats run no cost laundry days with local groups. Ask 211.
• Wear an extra layer over your clothes, so you can wash the outside less often.

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

• Food pantries. Many pantries in the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, Fulfill and Food Bank of South Jersey networks give out hygiene items with food. Ask when you call.
• WIC. WIC doesn't give diapers, but your WIC team may know where to find them nearby.
• SNAP can't be used for soap, diapers or paper products. Pantries and diaper banks can help fill that gap.
• Dial 211 and ask about diaper banks and period products near you.

Sources: https://cfbnj.org/ and https://fulfillnj.org/ and https://foodbanksj.org/ and https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligible-food-items

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Keep a little kit with you

A travel toothbrush, a small soap, wipes and a few pads fit in a zip bag. Easy peasy!

How do I take care of myself in hot weather?

New Jersey summers can be hot and sticky. Heat can be dangerous, especially for kids, older adults and anyone outside all day.

• Drink water often, even if you don't feel thirsty.
• Find shade, or cool off in a library or a cooling center. NJ 211 lists cooling centers by county in hot weather.
• Wear light, loose clothes and a hat.
• Call 911 if someone is confused, stops sweating or passes out.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://nj211.org/get-help

How do I stay warm and dry in cold weather?

New Jersey winters can be very cold. When a county or town calls a Code Blue, it can open warming centers and arrange shelter.

NJ 211 lists Code Blue activations and warming centers by county at nj211.org/njcodeblue. You can text NJCodeBlue to 898211 to get the link.

• Wear layers, a hat, gloves and dry socks.
• Change out of wet clothes as soon as you can.
• Libraries, shopping centers and senior centers often serve as warming centers during the day.
• Ask clothing closets about coats, hats and blankets before winter starts.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://nj211.org/njcodeblue

What should I wear to a job interview?

Clean, simple clothes that fit are perfect. You don't need anything fancy.

One Stop Career Centers can help with job search, and some groups give interview clothes at no cost. Ask 211, or see Guide 6.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.nj.gov/labor/

Are there ways to stretch money for clothes and basics?

• Shop thrift stores on sale days.
• Swap clothes with friends and family, especially kids' clothes.
• Use SNAP for food, so more of your cash can go to basics.
• Ask about Emergency Assistance if you lost your things in a fire or flood.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.nj.gov/disabilities/essential-needs/housing-support/

Questions people ask a lot

Sources: https://nj211.org/njcodeblue and https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligible-food-items and https://www.nj.gov/disabilities/essential-needs/housing-support/

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You deserve to feel good

Taking care of yourself is never a small thing. You're doing great, friend.

Who can I call in my county?

Here is your County Social Services Agency and other local help, starting with the biggest counties. Call ahead for hours.

New Jersey

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Bergen County (Hackensack and nearby)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Essex County (Newark)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Hudson County (Jersey City and Hoboken)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Monmouth County (Freehold and nearby)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Ocean County (Toms River and Lakewood)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Camden County (Camden and Cherry Hill)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Passaic County (Paterson and Passaic)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Other counties (call your county agency)

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 22, 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 22, 2026