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, or 311 in New York City, 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.
• This guide is for everyone: single adults, moms and dads with kids, seniors, veterans, young people, people with disabilities and anyone else. If something is for one group, we say so.
• 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 New York City, drop in centers offer showers and meals, plus case management, and they're open to anyone. Call 311 and ask for the nearest drop in center or an outreach team. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.nyc.gov/site/dhs/outreach/street-outreach.page
• In Buffalo, Friends of Night People at 394 Hudson Street offers showers and laundry by appointment, a clothing closet, hygiene items and meals. Call 716.884.5375.
• In Rochester, St. Joseph's House of Hospitality at 402 South Avenue offers no cost showers, laundry and clothing. Call 585.232.3262.
• In Albany, the Capital City Rescue Mission at 259 South Pearl Street offers shelter with showers and meals, and no cost clothing and shoes. Call 518.462.0459.

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.
• At school. New York City public schools offer no cost menstrual products to students. Ask the school nurse or counselor. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/health-and-wellness/menstrual-products-for-students

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 stay safe in cold and hot weather?

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

• New York winters are hard. Under New York State rules, when it's 32 degrees or colder, counting wind chill, social services must work to get people indoors and extend shelter hours. In New York City this is called Code Blue: drop in centers stay open 24 hours, and no one seeking shelter is turned away. Call 311 or 211. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/new-york/18-NYCRR-304.1 and https://www.nyc.gov/site/dhs/outreach/street-outreach.page
• In the cold, wear layers, a hat and gloves, and keep your socks dry.
• In the heat, drink water often, wear light, loose clothes, and rest in cool places like libraries.
• If you feel confused, very sleepy, dizzy or very sick in the cold or heat, call 911.

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.
• American Job Centers help with job searches and resumes at no cost. Find one near you at https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/AmericanJobCenters/find-american-job-centers.aspx

Are there ways to save on clothes and basics in New York?

Yes, a couple of real ones.

• No state sales tax on most clothes. In New York, clothing and footwear under $110 per item or pair are exempt from the 4% state sales tax all year. Some counties and cities also drop their local tax, and some don't, so the total depends on where you shop. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.tax.ny.gov/pubs_and_bulls/tg_bulletins/st/clothing_and_footwear.htm
• Help if you lost your clothes. In New York City, HRA's One Shot Deal can help if you lost clothing, personal items or furniture to theft, fire or a natural disaster. You may have to pay some or all of it back. Call the HRA Infoline at 718.557.1399. Outside the city, ask your county Department of Social Services about emergency help. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://access.nyc.gov/programs/one-shot-deal
• Ask 211 about coat drives and back to school drives. Many groups hand out no cost coats in the fall, and backpacks and school supplies in late summer. Ask your child's school counselor too.

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.

Federal help (works in every state)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

New York State

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

New York City (all five boroughs)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Nassau County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Westchester County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Erie County (Buffalo)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Monroe County (Rochester)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Onondaga County (Syracuse)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Albany County

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 16, 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 16, 2026